Meet Daan Van Vlierden, Worldpack’s New Sustainability Officer

Here’s an introduction to Daan

As sustainability becomes more important for the world, we’re taking our approach to Sustainability with Guts even more seriously.

As we head towards our target to become carbon neutral by 2030, we know we won’t get there by not constantly making changes and putting sustainability front and centre. That’s why we’ve taken a big step towards ensuring we meet our targets and created the role of Sustainability Officer, an important role that has been filled by Daan Van Vlierden.

Here’s an introduction to Daan and how he hopes to shape the future of sustainability at Worldpack and build on the initiatives we’re already seeing success with.

 

When did you start your new role at Worldpack and what will your focus be?

I started my new role in August 2024. I've been working at Worldpack for three years in a logistics role as Supply Chain Planner Outbound. There’s a great overlap between my new and previous roles because of the emissions from our own and our partner's transport logistics, and our continuous efforts to become more sustainable with transportation. It’s given me a strong foundation to connect sustainable practices with business success.

Sustainability is at the core of my role. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about finding ways to integrate sustainability into every facet of the business to benefit our clients, improve our operations, and contribute to a better world.

An example of this is Worldpack working with a local company that collects our used printer toner cartridges. They recycle them and it raises money for Kika, a cancer research charity for children here in the Netherlands. It’s one example of how doing the right thing for the environment can have a much broader reach.

We are a front-runner in the retail GNFR industry, and we believe sustainable business practices go hand-in-hand with innovation and growth.

As part of Bunzl, it’s something that we’re fortunate to be able to learn from on a larger scale. Recently, I attended the Bunzl Believe Day – a day dedicated to uniting Sustainability Ambassadors from Bunzl and its subsidiaries on environmental practices and goals to learn and share knowledge and best practice.

How important is it that Worldpack continues to have sustainability as a key aim?

It's essential that we lead the way in sustainability, not just to meet our clients’ expectations but because it’s the right thing to do. Being sustainable makes our business stronger, more resilient, and more attractive to partners and clients who value environmental and social responsibility.

Our latest Sustainability Report shows the efforts we are already making to ensure that we continue to be more sustainable.

Sustainability is crucial to Worldpack's future. As the Sustainability Report shows, it’s possible to reduce environmental impact and drive innovation simultaneously. Developing new product ranges, exploring new materials, and partnering with like-minded suppliers open opportunities for growth, and that’s something we’re proud to champion.

What unique opportunities do you see for integrating sustainability into Worldpack's operations, especially in the supply chain?

Sustainability in the supply chain continues to offer us a chance to rethink how we source, produce, and deliver our products. One of the biggest opportunities is circularity—finding ways to reuse materials, reduce waste, and lower carbon emissions through smarter logistics and supplier partnerships. We also have the chance to help our clients transition to more sustainable packaging and non-sellable goods, aligning their goals with our services.

I'm looking into our shipping methods and patterns. Are there ways we can ship more efficiently, for example, or can we ship with smaller boxes to reduce our emissions? I’ve also had conversations with transport partners about the future and their sustainability goals.

Their shared visions around using hydrogen and electric vehicles for last-mile delivery, will benefit our customers and the planet enormously.

 

How does your role as Sustainability Officer add value for clients through sustainable practices?

My role will help our clients make their supply chains more sustainable by offering products and solutions that reduce their environmental impact. That could be through more sustainable packaging options, promoting circularity, or optimising logistics to cut emissions.

A big part of this is making sure we work closely with our existing suppliers and delivery partners to see if we can align our goals and vision for sustainability, and focusing on more sustainable practices – for which several of our partners have won awards. You can read more about the progress we have made during the last few years in our Sustainability Report.

 

How do you envision balancing regulatory compliance with leading the market in sustainability and circular economy practices?

Regulatory compliance is crucial, but I see it as a baseline, not the end goal. We want to go beyond just meeting the standards by continuing to innovate and enable our clients to transition to more sustainable choices and circular business models.

I recently attended a meeting on the European Union Deforestation Regulation, but delays in implementing this have highlighted how sustainability is constantly changing. It’s essential for us to be proactive rather than reactive because legislation will continue to change.

Finding creative ways to close the loop on materials, reduce waste, and implement energy-efficient processes across our supply chain will mean staying ahead of regulations and creating real value for clients, and the planet, through sustainability.

 

What role do you see for sustainability in shaping the future of the retail supply chain, and how is Worldpack preparing for that?

Regulation will ensure that sustainability becomes one of the most important factors in the supply chain. But our aim is to stay at the forefront of this shift, helping our clients navigate their sustainability challenges while driving meaningful change in our industry that benefits everyone.

We will continue to explore ways to innovate and forge new partnerships to offer more sustainable products and optimise our logistics to lower emissions.

 

If you’re looking for a partner that’s serious about sustainability, speak to our team on +31 (0) 88 494 20 80 or email us at online@worldpack.eu.

Daan van Vlierden
Sustainability Officer

Do you have an odd request? Call us to challenge us!

Contact us directly
online@worldpack.eu
+31(0) 88 494 20 80