In the Netherlands, many people work passionately with biomass as a raw material. They work on innovations, improve (production) processes or create policy for a fossil-free future. In this mini-series we highlight what drives them to work on the transition to a sustainable world.
Pioneer in sustainable cleaning with a mission for the future
In a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, there are companies that are leading the way in developing innovative solutions to replace fossil resources with biobased alternatives. One of those companies is Eco-Point, where Jacco Quist, Product Manager, has been working with passion and dedication to make cleaning agents more sustainable for over 25 years. In this article, we share Jacco's insights and Eco-Point's philosophy.
Eco-Point, a leading company in sustainable cleaning products, was founded 33 years ago when its founders realized that conventional ways of working in the industry were no longer sustainable. At the time, harmful chemicals such as toluene, benzene and methylene chloride were widely used. Although effective, these substances were also extremely harmful to health and the environment. The founders saw the need for change, but when their employer did not support their ideas, they decided to take matters into their own hands. And so began Eco-Point, a company with a clear mission: to develop safe and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional chemical cleaning products.
One of Eco-Point's first successes is a product made from orange peels. Jacco Quist says: "Orange peels contain essential oils that naturally repel micro-organisms and have excellent solvent power. This was a revolutionary alternative to traditional thinners and petroleum products. A product that smells like oranges and is even more effective was unprecedented at the time." This early innovation laid the foundation for Eco-Point's philosophy, in which technology and ecology go hand in hand.
Over the years, Eco-Point has continued to adapt to the changing market and the growing awareness of sustainability. Where terms such as 'environmentally friendly' were once the starting point, the requirements have now evolved to 'safe', 'responsible' and 'biobased'. Jacco explains that Eco-Point has always continued to strive for products that fit within these frameworks: “Our values revolve around the three C's: clever, conscious, and caring. We think smartly about our products, are aware of our impact, and care for our environment.”
Eco-Point has developed several innovative hazard symbol-free products that show how biobased raw materials can be used. “For example, we have a product to descale heat exchangers in the chemical industry, based on lactic acid and citric acid,” says Jacco. This product contains a color indicator that shows whether the acid is still active, so that it can be used optimally. Eco-Point also uses sustainable surfactants, which are extracted from natural sugars and oils. “These are substances that are able to dissolve oil and dirt without the negative effects of traditional chemical agents.”
However, Eco-Point also faces challenges. Biobased products are often more expensive to purchase than their conventional counterparts. Jacco explains: “A liter of a biobased degreaser can cost 10 euros, while a conventional version costs only 1 euro. “But if you look at the whole process, you see that our product is safer, requires less protective equipment and saves money in the long run. It lasts longer and can be reused many times.” This is where Eco-Point’s expertise comes in; the company helps customers understand that the higher start-up costs pay off in improved safety and lower total costs.
The role of government is also crucial in stimulating demand for sustainable products. Through strict regulations, companies are encouraged to find alternatives to hazardous substances. Jacco notes: “It is not uncommon for a customer to call after an inspection and ask for advice on replacing products that no longer meet the standards. This is an opportunity for us to show that we have hazard symbol-free solutions that not only meet the regulations, but also increase job satisfaction and employee safety.”
Eco-Point also looks to the future and focuses on circularity, where products are reprocessed into new raw materials after use. “Closing the loop is something we are actively working on. It is fascinating to see how we can reuse a waste product as a raw material,” says Jacco. The company also keeps a close eye on new technologies, such as biotechnological processes in which micro-organisms are used to produce sustainable materials. “We have tested with biotechnologically produced materials, but they are not yet optimal for us. Nevertheless, we continue to follow these developments, because the industry does not stand still.”
What makes Jacco’s work at Eco-Point so special is the personal satisfaction he gets from it. “I’m not a moralist, but I do feel a responsibility to do my bit. Working at Eco-Point gives me the opportunity to do that. Every liter we put on the market is a sustainable drop.” He emphasizes that many of his colleagues have also been with the company for decades, which shows that Eco-Point is more than just a workplace. It is a place where people with the same vision and dedication work together towards a better future. Eco-Point is the pioneer in the world of biobased cleaning agents and has shown over the years that sustainability and safety can go hand in hand with innovation. The company continues to look for ways to replace fossil fuels with biobased alternatives, while continuing to meet the highest standards of effectiveness. “Our mission is to make smart, conscious and caring choices,” says Jacco. And with that philosophy, Eco-Point will continue to grow and innovate in the years to come, while contributing to a cleaner and safer world.
