From growing flax ...
The story of the Vanheede Environment Group is one of ambitious entrepreneurship in a rapidly expanding but complex market. It is a story of pride, of passion and of social responsibility. It is a story in which the main protagonists, Herwig Vanheede and Claudette Descamps, David and Caroline's parents, decided in 1968 to quit the depressed flax sector and, in a pioneering move, devote their energies instead to waste management. An excellent decision it would seem.
… to waste management
We now provide nearly 20,000 clients with sustainable, effective and economical waste management solutions. We play a key role in creating a circular economy by converting each waste stream into a new primary material or energy, both in our own or at third-party waste treatment plants.
Vanheede Environment Group is one of the leaders in Benelux and northern France. But our ambitions stretch far beyond these horizons. With "Towards a circular world, in a sustainable way" as our motto, we are currently working on a series of international projects in Europe and elsewhere in the world. Together we will build a beautiful and sustainable future!
Vision
Mission
As a sustainable company, Vanheede Environment Group wants to be a fully-fledged partner in the circular economy.
We offer our clients the most efficient solutions in the management of waste, materials, green energy and the environment. A high-quality, professional and innovative approach with added value for all stakeholders is the norm.
Sustainable entrepreneurship means that, with a minimum negative impact and a maximum positive impact on the environment, we achieve the best results for our customers, employees, shareholders, the governing body, the government, subcontractors, suppliers, banks and insurance companies, local residents, the media, etc.
Values
“Our company runs on the energy generated by the enthusiasm of our staff.”
#Passion
We exercise our job with passion! A culture of creativity, entrepreneurship, digitisation and innovation results in a strong commitment from our collaborators. We realize our dreams.
#Planet
We have respect for the environment! Materials are given a second life at our sites. This way we have a positive impact on the climate and our environment, now and in the future. We contribute to developing a better world.
#People
We think people are important! Welfare, health and safety constitute absolute priorities. We recognize talents and give them space, in all confidence. We are a family business.
#Profit
We think in terms of win-win-win! Every one of us makes the difference, for the stakeholder, the company and for himself. Profit is the oxygen that allows us to invest, innovate and organize in a clever way. We are developing a sustainable future.
#Pride
We are proud of what we realize! We fulfil our ambitions in a transparent collaboration. By doing this we stay faithful to our culture. We are all proud ambassadors of our company.
Board of Directors
David Vanheede, CEO
Caroline Vanheede, Commercial Director
Claudette Descamps, Director
Evelyne Decrans, Senior Advisor
Karel Gielen, Advisory Committee
Key figures
Vanheede Environment Group employs 950 people across 20 branches in Belgium, Luxembourg and France. Globally, the group of businesses treats some 1,214,149 tonnes of waste every year, 98,44 % of which are upgraded.
As an integrated environmental company, Vanheede Environment Group manages 2,602 waste streams under the motto "Towards a circular world, in a sustainable way".
2,602
waste streams
950
employees
217,253 K euros
in consolidated turnover
1,214,149 tonnes
of waste collected, sorted and treated annually
98,44%
of recycling and upgrading
655,188 tonnes
of new primary materials produced per year
76,257 MWh
of green electricity production every year, enough for 21,788 households
Thanks to our efficient waste treatment plants, we can guarantee the production of more than 76,257 MWh of green energy (converting waste into energy), enough for 21,788 households, and we produce 655,188 tonnes of new primary materials (converting waste into primary materials). Vanheede Environment Group has a consolidated turnover of 217,253 K euros.
Certificates
Vanheede Environment Group's management system meets the requirements of various international standards:
Environmental management
Our management system is certified according to ISO 14001. It constitutes a useful management system for evaluating, improving and reporting environmental performance and monitoring compliance with environmental legislation.
Quality
Vanheede Environment Group also holds the ISO 9001 certificate. This is a globally recognized standard with requirements in the field of quality management and therefore a benchmark for transparency and reliability in the market.
Quality animal feed sector
The Feed Chain Alliance Standard or FCA standard is a reliable reference framework for quality developed by and for the animal feed sector. In this way, Vanheede Environment Group helps to ensure the safety and quality of the entire feed chain.
Safety
VCA stands for VGM Checklist Contractors (VGM = Health and Safety and the Environment). It is a versatile and extensive programme that helps Vanheede Environment Group to work in a safe, healthy and environmentally friendly way, with the aim of reducing the number of accidents.
Furthermore, Vanheede Environment Group has all the necessary building and environmental permits and/or approvals at its disposal, which are continuously kept up to date. In the event of a cross-border shipment of waste, the sales department applies for the necessary transport permits.
Acknowledgements
Vanheede Environment Group subjects its management system to the following programmes and their methodologies. These follow market trends and evolve rapidly over time. They keep us on our toes in a rapidly changing world and strengthen our culture.
Corporate Social Responsibility
EcoVadis evaluated Vanheede Environment Group's sustainability performance for the first time in 2018. Four themes are addressed in the evaluation: environment, fair working practices, ethics and supply chain. Vanheede was awarded the silver label.
In 2021, Vanheede obtained the golden label.
In 2023, EcoVadis tightened its assessment criteria and we were once again awarded a silver label.
EcoVadis aims to improve companies' environmental and social practices. More than 60,000 companies around the world work with EcoVadis to reduce risk, stimulate innovation and build transparency and trust between trading partners.
Strategy
Best Managed Companies, a programme for the recognition of Vanheede Environment Group as a private company, applies the highest standards of business performance. The evaluation covers the themes of clear strategy, extensive expertise, commitment and financial performance.
In 2020, after an in-depth audit, the "Best Managed Companies" label was awarded. This is a great reward for the extensive attention that the group has paid to its strategy for years, but also for the way in which the company is structured and managed.
Think global, act local
Each sector has specific waste streams with its own attributes, approaches and amounts. Furthermore, each waste stream has its own optimal treatment method and each region has its way of doing things and its regulations. Disposing of waste management is, therefore, specific to each firm, so a personalised approach is key to sustainable and honest waste management. That is why, as a firm, we deliberately opt for a global approach with regional roots. In addition, we choose specialists who have substantial expertise in niche markets. They are able to adapt to your environment rapidly so that a strong partnership can be created. They work in close collaboration with our local agents and can suggest suitable solutions for specific problems.
In other words, we do everything possible to serve each client as best we can, from a small firm to a multinational, from Luxembourg to the coast, from the butcher and baker to a hospital.
At your service!
At Vanheede Environment Group we are always ready and willing to help you manage your waste. Whether for collection, treatment or the sale of materials, we will seek the best solution in a constructive way together. Feel free to ask for our help!
