Sustainability at Jacs Koopman
Sustainability sometimes sounds like a big and complicated topic. For us, however, it often comes down to practical choices. Can we make a product closer to home? Can we use recycled materials? And if one part breaks, does the entire product really need to be replaced?
At Jacs Koopman, we’re asking ourselves these kinds of questions more and more often. Not because we claim we’re already doing everything perfectly, but because we believe that every conscious choice matters—for our environment, for the people around us, and for the future.
Reduce Waste, Produce Smarter
One of the ways we’re trying to reduce our impact is by taking a more conscious approach to materials and production. For example, the shipping boxes we supply in the Netherlands are produced using recycled materials. This gives existing materials a new purpose and enables production closer to home.
3D printing also offers interesting possibilities. We manufacture locally and on demand, which allows us to better meet actual needs. Instead of producing large quantities that might end up sitting on the shelf, we manufacture only when there is demand. In doing so, we use recycled and biobased materials.
Furthermore, this production method gives us the freedom to continue developing our products. We can keep improving materials, shapes, and applications without having to set up an entirely new production process for every change.
Miklas at work in our (3D) print lab
Insight into what a product really leaves behind
To make better choices, you first need to know the impact of a product. That is why we are working on EPDs, or Environmental Product Declarations. An EPD illustrates the environmental impact of a product throughout the various phases of its life cycle. This includes the raw materials used, production, transport, use, and disposal at the end of its lifespan.
This requires a great deal of information and close collaboration with our producers. It is therefore not a process that can be completed overnight. Still, we believe it is important to make progress in this area. The better we understand the impact of our products, the more effectively we can make improvements in the future.
Packaging matters, too
A good product needs packaging to arrive safely at its destination. At the same time, we want to avoid using more material than necessary. That’s why we take a critical look at our packaging. Can we use less material? Is the packaging easily recyclable? And can we simplify or eliminate certain components?
We are also preparing for the European regulations on packaging, the PPWR. We view this development not only as a requirement, but also as an opportunity to reevaluate the way our products are packaged.
Generating Energy on Our Own Roof
Of course, sustainability also starts with our own business operations. That’s why the roof of Jacs Koopman is covered with solar panels. With them, we generate part of the energy we use in our daily operations ourselves. It’s a visible and practical step we’re taking to make our business operations increasingly sustainable.
Solar panels on the roof of Jacs Koopman
Why replace everything just because one part is broken?
Good products should last a long time. But even with a product that has a long lifespan, a part may fail over time. That doesn’t necessarily mean the entire product has to be thrown away.
That is why we supply replacement parts, such as drivers, for various light fixtures. If only the driver is defective, it can be replaced, and the fixture can remain in place. This is often more practical for the installer and prevents unnecessary waste.
For us, this is part of sustainability: not just focusing on the purchase of a product, but also considering maintenance, repairs, and the replacement of parts. In this way, we strive to extend the useful life of our products as much as possible.
What can no longer be used is given a new purpose.
At a certain point, a product may truly reach the end of its lifespan. Even then, we believe it is important that materials are not simply lost. Therefore, defective fixtures can be returned to us. For processing, we collaborate locally with Jacomij Electronics Recycling in Wijk bij Duurstede. There, products are carefully disassembled, and usable materials are separated as much as possible for recycling.
This is how we try to close the loop. First, we check whether the product can be repaired. If that’s no longer possible, we ensure that the product is disposed of responsibly.
On-site at Jacomij Recycling — no part goes to waste
Sustainability is also about people
When people think of sustainability, energy, raw materials, and recycling are often the first things that come to mind. But for us, sustainability is also about people, opportunities, and taking responsibility. That’s why we support UNICEF Business Buddies and the Plastic Bricks project in Ivory Coast. As part of this project, collected plastic is processed into building blocks for classrooms.
The great thing about this initiative is that it combines several goals. Plastic is given a new purpose, local jobs are created, and more children gain access to education. Waste is thus literally transformed into building blocks for a better future.
Within our own organization as well, we believe it is important for people to feel safe, respected, and valued. We want to conduct business honestly, treat one another with care, and provide opportunities for collaboration and growth. After all, a sustainable organization starts with the people who are part of it every day.
Not perfect, but always taking it a step further
Sustainability is a never-ending journey. Materials change, technologies evolve, and new insights and regulations emerge. What’s a good solution today might be even smarter tomorrow. But standing still is not an option for us.
Sometimes progress comes from a major development. Sometimes it’s simply a single feature, smarter packaging, or a product that’s made locally and only on demand. Bringing all these choices together moves us forward.
