The Kingdom of the Netherlands is renowned as a top investor in Romania, through a diverse array of companies, from startups to multinational corporations, across various sectors. Sustainability, circular economy, waste reduction, and carbon footprint reduction are core values adopted by many Dutch companies. Sustainability, whether promoted within corporate paradigms or enshrined in public policy, constitutes a pivotal cornerstone in ensuring the preservation and equitable distribution of resources for posterity. To this end, within the UN framework, nearly all countries worldwide have come together and defined these Sustainable Development Goals.

In anticipation of King’s Day, the national day of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Embassy undertook a quest to spotlight the “Heroes of Sustainability and invited Dutch companies and partners operating in Romania to showcase their initiatives and concerted efforts towards fostering economic growth and enhancing community well-being.

“There is a growing sense of concern and responsibility for the world around us. Sustainability is not a fad, it reflects the development of our culture. It is a sign of the times.

That is why the Dutch Government has established an international programme that aims to contribute to clean, safe and sufficient water for 20 million people in 40 catchment areas by 2030. Romania is one of the countries that we partner with, for strengthening the good management of the precious water resource.

We in The Netherlands believe that worldwide challenges can only be solved together, and that “doing good and doing business go hand-in-hand”, for people, planet and prosperity. The responsibility for implementing sustainability rests with both the public and the private sectors. Unless companies make sustainability an integral part of their business, we cannot achieve our policy goals.

Therefore, we take pride in spotlighting several Dutch companies and partners today, each demonstrating a commitment to leaving a positive impact on our world. We urge stakeholders to heed the call and embrace stewardship roles in advancing sustainability agendas. We encourage each of you to be a hero of sustainability,” declared Her Excellency Ambassador Willemijn van Haaften during the recent reception organized for King’s Day by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Romania.

Here are some highlights from the 8 stories of “Sustainability Heroes”:

• Zeelandia: Through a strategic investment of 180,000 euros, 486 solar panels were installed on the roof of the factory in Iași County. By harnessing solar energy, the company will reduce its carbon footprint by 81 tons of CO2 each year. Zeelandia Romania is part of the Koninklijke Zeelandia group, founded in 1900 by the Dutch Doeleman family. The Zeelandia group has become a global player in the bakery, confectionery, and pastry ingredients sector.

• Printmasters: By deploying reusable industrial wipes, the company decreased waste by nearly 2 tons in 2022 alone while also cutting down technological water consumption by almost 98% compared to the previous year. The adoption of solar panels further enables the company to diminish its carbon footprint. Since its inception in 2008, with a team of 14 people, Printmasters has evolved into a global force in the realm of printing, now boasting a team exceeding 500 professionals as part of the XD Connects Group.

• NN: In 2023, the company’s community investments had a direct impact on approximately 6,000 people. Together with the Inima Copiilor association, the company is carrying out a project to expand the Cardiosurgery Department of the Marie Curie children’s hospital. Together with the Autism Voice Association, NN supports children and adults with autism spectrum disorders to access the therapies they need to better integrate into society and have more chances for independent living. NN supported the inauguration of the Autism Voice Institute, the first multifunctional recovery and research center in autism where over 500 patients receive support every year.

• ING: Demonstrating a resolute commitment to climate action, ING allocated 5.2 million euros to transformative projects in 2023, underpinning its leadership in sustainable banking practices. The headquarters building of ING Bank Romania is BREEAM Outstanding certified. The company’s fleet has over 75% hybrid cars. The bank uses only recycled PVC for card issuance. In 2023, ING Bank became the sole financial supporter of the Deposit Return Scheme in Romania, the most important circular economy project at the national level.

• Heineken: Through its sustainability strategy “Brew a Better World 2030”, the company ensures that 100% of the electricity utilized emanates from renewable sources. Persistent investments in equipment replacement are geared towards achieving the Net Zero objective, and, in the same time, over 70% of primary raw materials comes from local producers.

• FBAR: The Federation of food banks in Romania, alongside the nine regional food banks in Bucharest, Cluj, Roman, Brașov, Oradea, Timișoara, Constanța, Craiova, and Galați, spearheads the collection and distribution of food to 714 partner organizations, mitigating food wastage and supporting vulnerable communities. During its nearly 8 years of activity, 39,588,817 portions have been donated. More than 240,000 vulnerable individuals have been

• nourished, from children in day centers, to homeless individuals, elderly denizens of nursing homes, and impoverished families.

• Mazars: An international audit and tax consultancy firm, the company has been present in Romania for 29 years. The CSR strategy focuses on education, and a particular initiative is Mazars community day, a day when the team comes together with the common goal of generating a positive impact in society. Recently, the Mazars team supported the renovation of two middle schools located in rural areas, which urgently needed help for consolidation and improving the conditions in which students learned.

• Dentons: A global law firm, with a presence in Romania for over 25 years, Dentons is one of the founding members of the Romanian diversity and commerce chamber (RDCC), and throughout 2023, Dentons’ Bucharest office members actively engaged, providing legal support for RDCC operations. At the same time, the company carries out the Unrevoked 18.0 project, collaborating with United way Romania to fund a program aimed at supporting young people in the child protection system.

Regardless of scale, all sustainability-focused projects, emphasizing courage and vision, will build a better society brick by brick. Every effort is significant in humanity’s journey to a sustainable future.