Dutch Startup VanHier Secures Funding for Sustainable Building Innovations
Amsterdam, Tuesday, 1 April 2025.
VanHier develops FytoPanel, a sustainable panel material from local waste, aiming to reduce CO2. Supported by ROM InWest, it plans to expand production to 15,000 m².
Innovative Waste-to-Value Solution
In a significant development for sustainable construction, Dutch startup VanHier has developed a groundbreaking production method that transforms local waste streams into recyclable panel material. The company’s innovative FytoPanel technology processes agricultural, horticultural, and natural waste into 100% natural construction materials [1]. This innovation comes at a crucial time, as the construction sector currently accounts for 38% of global CO2 emissions, with 11% specifically attributed to material use [1].
Addressing Critical Waste Challenges
The startup’s solution addresses a pressing environmental concern in the Netherlands, where approximately 700 million kilograms of panel material ends up in landfills annually due to poor recyclability [1]. Founded in 2021, VanHier initially focused on repurposing reed mowing waste, which typically faces limited utilization beyond thatched roofing [1]. The company has received crucial support from ROM InWest, a regional development organization managing substantial investment funds, including a €60 million MKB-fund and a Transition fund targeting €100 million [3].
Strategic Growth and Market Expansion
Under the guidance of ROM InWest’s business developer Jorn Eiting van Liempt and his colleague Birgitta Kramer, VanHier has refined its business strategy to align with market demands [1]. The company has particularly emphasized health aspects in their marketing approach, responding to growing concerns in the construction sector [1]. Looking ahead, VanHier has announced ambitious expansion plans, with a target to produce 15,000 square meters of panels in the coming year through a new commercial production facility [1].
Support Through Regional Innovation Programs
VanHier’s development has been supported through ROM InWest’s specialized programs for sustainable construction innovations. The organization’s Acceleration Programme Future-proof Construction (ATB) specifically targets startups and scale-ups working in biobased and circular construction [2]. This support structure is part of a broader initiative by ROM InWest, which employs approximately twenty professionals dedicated to fostering innovation and sustainable development in North Holland [3].