Dutch Startup No Waste Army Named Startup of the Year 2025
Netherlands, Thursday, 13 February 2025.
No Waste Army, by revolutionizing food waste management, has secured the 2025 Startup of the Year award, standing out with sustainable practices and impressive growth without external investment.
Award-Winning Innovation in Food Waste Management
The Dutch startup was crowned the winner on February 10, 2025, outperforming finalists Firsty, Mended, and Q*Bird [1][3]. Founded by Stijn Markusse, Jacco Grinwis, Frank Haagen, and Thibaud van der Steen, No Waste Army has demonstrated remarkable success in tackling food waste, a critical issue in the Netherlands where 2 billion kilograms of food are wasted annually [3]. Jury chairman Philip Bueters praised the company’s approach, noting their exceptional execution in addressing this complex and highly relevant problem [1].
Impressive Growth and Impact
The company has achieved significant milestones without relying on external funding [1]. With 20,000 active subscriptions to their grocery box service and 86,000 boxes delivered [3], No Waste Army has established a robust presence in the Dutch market. Their commitment to social responsibility is evident in their donation of 400,000 kilograms of produce to the Voedselbank (Food Bank) over the past year [3]. In 2024 alone, the company contributed €15,000 to De Voedselbank [2].
Sustainable Business Model
No Waste Army’s success stems from their innovative approach to food waste reduction. The company purchases rejected fruits and vegetables that would otherwise go to waste, transforming them into sustainable products such as soups and sauces [1]. Their impact is substantial, having rescued over 1 million kilograms of produce in 2023 [2]. The company’s Christmas box initiative, priced at €44.50 including delivery, has garnered an impressive average rating of 8.9, attracting notable clients including Natuurhuisje and Wereld Natuur Fonds [2].
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, No Waste Army continues to expand its influence in sustainable food management. The company is currently in the process of selecting their charitable partner for 2025 [2], demonstrating their ongoing commitment to social responsibility. As highlighted by founder Stijn Markusse, ‘This is truly important for us. It helps to change the system’ [3], indicating the company’s dedication to transforming food waste management practices in the Netherlands [GPT].