PeelPioneers’ mission continues thanks to a restart supported by two different parties
The mission of PeelPioneers will continue: rescuing orange peels and converting them into valuable raw materials. After discussions with several parties, a restart has been realised, ensuring that both the social impact and a large share of the jobs are preserved. DOEN Ventures is pleased that the work of PeelPioneers is being given a strong continuation.
The processing of Dutch orange peels will continue at the current production site in Den Bosch, with the existing team. This restart, under the name PeelPioneers Ingredients, takes place under the leadership of Rimmert de Jong, former CEO of Royal Steensma. This ensures that production in the Netherlands is retained.
In addition, the biochemistry division of PeelPioneers, where functional citrus fibres are produced, is being acquired by CEAMSA. This Spanish family-owned company is a leading global player in food ingredients. With the acquisition of the fibre line and associated technology, CEAMSA is further expanding its citrus fibre portfolio, giving the PeelPioneers technology the opportunity to scale internationally.
Mirjam Niessen, Impact Investing Principal at DOEN Ventures:
“This is great news. PeelPioneers shows how residual streams can be transformed into valuable raw materials. The fact that this mission is now being continued by strong and experienced industry partners means that the impact will remain and can continue to grow, while jobs are largely preserved. We are very pleased about that.
At the same time, this restart shows that it is possible to build companies that not only generate profit, but also deliver social impact. PeelPioneers closes loops, produces bio-based raw materials for which there is clear demand, and develops technology that can be applied internationally. The interest from the Spanish buyer makes this clear. It is unfortunate that this had to happen through a bankruptcy, but PeelPioneers demonstrates that what they have built truly has a right to exist.”