Leo de Vries is Marketing & Sales Manager at KP Holland, a breeder, propagator and producer of Kalanchoë, Spathiphyllum and Curcuma. He can afford to be very brief when it comes to sustainability. “We want to be 100% sustainable, but unfortunately this is not feasible yet. You can set very high goals, but it is important that you achieve them. We want to do a little bit better every day, for the people and the environment.” How does KP Holland increase sustainability?
KP Holland considers it important to demonstrate how the company handles employees, working conditions, remuneration and safety. "We always look at every aspect of sustainability and what we can improve."
Social component
"Our vision is 'people, profit, planet'. It has to be, if you want to operate sustainably. We are looking within our own company, but also at our links." One of those links is Uganda, for example, where KP Holland sources its basic material. "With the three collaborative partners, we want to create the right facilities for employees there too. If you take good care of the employees, they will take good care of the company. This creates an economic boost, both within the company and outside of it. Collaboration is the central point of KP Holland when it comes to sustainability. "We involve employees by sharing figures and setting goals together. The social component is important when it comes to achieving our goals."
Offering security
KP Holland has various certificates, such as MPS Socially Qualified and MPS-GAP. This means that the company produces in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. "We have the intention to work sustainably. We do not need a certificate for that, but it does allow us to demonstrate how sustainable we are." Leo finds that more and more customers are demanding certificates. "The demand for sustainable products is increasing due to pressure from society. You need a certificate if you want to succeed. And you want to give the consumer the assurance that you operate sustainably in all areas. That is how you distinguish yourself."
Next generation
KP Holland is hoping to be connected to the geothermal heat network this year. "We will need a lot less gas that way. We generate energy with solar panels and use as many organic crop protection products as we can instead of chemical ones. We can deliver 90 percent of our products in multi-use packaging. We always offer this service, but it depends on the pot size and the customer's wishes." Being a family business, the next generation is important to KP Holland. "We are not only thinking about the next generation in the company, but also about the one outside of it. We want to contribute to a sustainable and green living environment, so that everyone can continue to enjoy beautiful ornamental plants and flowers."
Source: Royal FloraHolland