YOU THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BE A CALM RIDE.... page 07
Interview with Gerko Schortemeijer and Brigitte Bakker page 12
Bloomshare 2024 page 21
Feelings
04
From the Executive Team
07 From the colleagues
You thought it was going to be a calm ride....
Buddy, the First Aid for onboarding!
A royal visit in New York
Affordable team outings
With flying colors!
Interview with Gerko Schortemeijer and Brigitte Bakker
Celebrating and remembering in autumn
18 Babies and anniversaries
20 From the company
Prevention is better than cure
Bloomshare 2024 - FM Group’s in-house event
The launch of Finca
CSR at FM Group TABLE OF CONTENTS
Verdel integration completed
Huiskula-Hilverda becomes FleuraMetz!
Autumn in South Africa? Forget it!
From the client - Bart & Bastian
That beautiful summer is over again. Finally, the weather turned nice during July (in the Netherlands) and hopefully everyone enjoyed the summer (holiday). As we wrote earlier in an ET monthly report, summer becomes more challenging on the business front for FM Group every year. Little going on with our customers, erratic pricing, low volumes, etc. For 2025 and beyond, creativity is required to get through the summer period business-wise without too much trouble. Your ideas are most welcome in this respect! Talk to each other about it so that we can come up with a suitable plan together.
Fortunately, after the holidays, everything picked up nicely and we still have a few nice months ahead of us. We are therefore looking forward to ending 2024 on a positive note.
For now, enjoy this new issue of the Feelings!
Frank Koenen
Ten years of Hitlist
Ten years of building, rebuilding, but also dismantling
It is ten years since the first “FM Hitlist” was born. The Hitlist is an internal FM Group competition in which all profit centres within our group participate. A profit centre is a part of our company whose objective (among others) is to make a profit.
For example, our subsidiary FleuraMetz Glasgow, Huiskula Finland or XL Flor Westland. Besides profit centres, we also have cost centres. These are parts of our company, which provide the desired service at an acceptable cost to other parts of FM Group. For example, the invoicing department at Cotoneaster, the transport department or the Finance DACH countries department in Hanover.
The hit list has only one game rule: the profit centre with the most wins is at the top and wins. Since we fortunately have many people within FM Group who like to win, it is always an exciting competition. Every month, Luuk Ruinaard compiles the new hit list, after which it is distributed and eagerly consumed by the managers in charge. At the finish, Hilverda De Boer was the proud winner of 2023. In the standings halfway through this year, Verdel Retail is on top, followed by Hilverda De Boer, Anton Spaargaren, FleuraMetz New York and Petal Peddlers(FleuraMetz Brisbane).
“You could call this ‘rebuilding’.”
It is a list with a wink, on the one hand, because it is obviously easier for big business units to make a lot of profit than for the small ones. On the other hand, especially at the bottom of the Hitlist, it is serious business. Unfortunately, there are always business units that make a loss (sometimes a substantial one) and of course that is where our full focus is. We do everything possible to eliminate the losses and get back into the black. You could call this “rebuilding”.
When that fails and there is no prospect of improvement, we have to take responsibility and we will have to wind down operations and close such a so-called “bleeder”. If we would not do that, we could put our entire business at risk. After all, the healthy parts have to step in to compensate for the losses of such a bleeder. Often, fortunately, when such a closure occurs, we manage to transfer colleagues and customers to another, healthy business unit of FM Group.
Looking back at the Hitlist of 10 years ago, one notices that back then we had 80 profit centres. Coincidentally, the same number as in 2024. However, it should be noted that FM Group’s turnover has now tripled. So, on average, the profit centres are also three times bigger than ten years ago. Even more striking is that of the 80 profit centres in 2015, 39 are still active today.
So in ten years, about half of our profit centres have been replaced by new business. So there has been a lot of construction over the years.
Proof that, as FM Group, we will have to keep constantly moving with market conditions. That means we have to keep building, rebuilding and downsizing at the same time. This has actually always been the case in the flower and plant trade, but the pace of change in markets has accelerated enormously over the past decade.
Oh yes, for those interested, the top 5 of 2015:
FleuraMetz Chemnitz
FleuraMetz Dresden
XL Flor Aalsmeer
FleuraMetz Leipzig
FleuraMetz Direct Frankrijk
Anno 2024, these profit centres are all still alive and kicking!
FROM COLLEAGUES
YOU THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A CALM RIDE...
What once started as a small group of colleagues who went mountain biking together at the invitation of Gerko Schortemeijer, has since grown into one of FM’s most popular outings. This year, no fewer than 133 sports enthusiasts and 16 supporters/ photographers gathered in Overberg, where they braved the Utrecht Ridge together.
Besides, nowadays there are 6 mountain bike groups, including two whole new disciplines: riding the regular bike or gravel biking.
After some tough and exciting laps of around 30 kilometres on the way and (for some) a badly needed shower, we could enjoy drinks on the terrace. According to tradition, the whole event ended with delicious Sushi in Veenendaal.
Gerko, thanks again for the organisation and good care!
BUDDY, THE FIRST AID FOR ONBOARDING!
Onboarding is the whole induction process where new colleagues receive a warm welcome. This includes getting to know the company, the team, the work and - very importantly - the corporate culture.
The ‘project team onboarding’ has enthusiastically set to work to give new colleagues in all departments a good introduction and nice ‘landing’. For instance, onboarding lunches and tours are organised in Aalsmeer.
And more attention is also being paid to onboarding at the other locations. New employees are increasingly assigned a ‘buddy’. A buddy guides the new employee during the initial period.
This ensures a faster and better settling-in period, making the new colleague feel appreciated and more involved in the team. Employees who have a good start tend to stay with the company longer. This reduces outflow and saves costs.
Evaluation interviews show that this way of working works well for both parties. We also received valuable points for improvement, which the project team will obviously work on!
A ROYAL VISIT IN NEW YORK
On 13 June, a reception with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima took place at ‘The Spiral’ in NYC during an economic working visit to the U.S.
There were about 100 guests invited, including the Dutch ambassador from Washington DC, some famous Dutch Americans such as Marco Groot (just kidding...), Michiel Huisman, Halina Reijn and a company of Dutch people doing business in the US. New York City mayor Eric Adams kicked off with a speech on the deep roots between the Netherlands and New Amsterdam, now better known as New York City. This was followed by brief meetings in small groups with the king, queen, and some economic advisers, with an opportunity for a back-and-forth exchange of questions.
Next year, in 2025, NYC will celebrate its 400th birthday, and there may be another Royal visit. Who knows, we might be invited again—stay tuned!
Marco Groot
AFFORDABLE TEAM GETAWAYS
Everything keeps getting more and more expensive. And yet, apart from working together, it is nice to do something fun with your colleagues once in a while. Just a change of scene and atmosphere.
Data & IT came up with a way to realise several outings on a small budget. The outings were not only open to Data & IT. Anyone could forward the invitation to colleagues they thought might also be interested. So within a few months, they had two activities with a mixed group from various departments.
Lunch walk
At the Betula, they organised a lunch walk. A mapped out puzzle tour during lunch, where you could pick up an ice cream and a sandwich along the way. Fun, lunch & healthy activities, what more could you want?
WITH FLYING COLOURS!
“During this time, I got to learn a lot as a UX Designer, but most of all, I had a great time. ”
Joy van Oostveen, formerly an intern in the Data & IT department of FM Group recently started her first real job with us. “On 4 September 2023, I started as an intern at FM Group, the beginning of my final year as a Communication and Multimedia Design student. During this time, I got to learn a lot as a UX Designer, but most of all, I had a great time.
Lunch walk
Outside Game night
After several board game nights last year, it was time for an outside game night. On Friday afternoon, everyone who felt like it gathered for a game of Living Stratego in the Amsterdam forest, next to the Bonsai. Again, some sportsmanship was required. To conclude, there was a toast to the upcoming weekend, with a drink from the car boot!
So when I was offered to do my graduation project for FM Group, I was immediately enthusiastic. During this period, I was also able to learn a lot and really experience what it is like to work for the company myself. I successfully completed my graduation and have now officially received my diploma. But my time at FM Group is not over yet, because since 1 September I officially started working as a UX and Visual designer.”
Joy, congratulations on graduating and now officially “welcome to the FM family”.
Live Stratego
Gerko Schortemeijer and Brigitte Bakker
Logistics juggernauts who believe that people make the difference.
Who are you?
Gerko: 52 years old, born in Rhenen, place of residence Veenendaal, 34 years together with Natasja of which 27 years married.
Brigitte: 30 years old, born in Amsterdam, living in Aalsmeer, engaged to Mike Braakman who is Team Leader at Spaargaren.
What is your function and what are you responsible for?
G: The title doesn’t matter to me. I work with a great team in logistics, purchasing, sales, and transport. The best part is that we do this together, because alone, you are nothing.
B: As the Process Coordinator on the Calla, I create the daily schedule, assist in the cold storage, support the drivers, and check the inspection lists. With my five-member team and our own unpacking line in the attic at HDB, it truly feels like my own ‘toko.’
What was your first side job?
G: Order picking crates of soft drinks at wholesaler Unigro during the day and popping at Overtoom in the evening. Earning money for getting out.
B: Stocker at Albert Heijn where I stayed for 13 years. More and more often I helped with logistical tasks, for example unloading the lorries. Working at night, when is nice and quiet.
How long have you been working here and how did you get here?
G: I have worked in floriculture for 34 years, 25 of which have been with FM. I started in 1990 as a line driver with my uncle. In 1999 I became branch manager at FM, 2003 I switched within FM to the role of sales manager and in 2008 I was allowed to become responsible for the branches in the DEATCH countries. Since 2019, I have been fulfilling my current role from Aalsmeer.
B: I started on the Calla 2 years ago. After working there for 6 months, Joop Wendel approached me about a nice little project (the unpacking line). “Just go and try it.” Gerko adds that it is running super well. Really cool how she picked this up.
Who has helped you or do you consider a mentor?
G: Robert Kalter, I learned a lot from him, especially about collaboration: when looking for a solution, start by looking at yourself first instead of pointing at the other person.
B: I still learn every day from Koos Plasmeijer, Joop Wendel and Arie van Driel. And I also have great conversations with Katinka. She helps me polish the sharp edges of my character.
If you would not work in the floriculture, where would you work?
G: In any case, somewhere where you deal with people.
B: Definitely somewhere in logistics.
« Guten Morgen, guten Morgen
Guten Morgen, Sonnenschein!
Diese Nacht blieb dir verborgen
Doch du darfst nicht traurig sein
Guten Morgen, guten Morgen
Weck mich auf und komm herein
Und auf deinen Sonnenstrahlen
Tanzen meine Träumereien
Guten Morgen, Sonnenschein
Nein, du darfst nicht traurig sein
Guten Morgen, Sonnenschein
Weck mich auf und komm herein
Alles kannst du ja sehen
Auf dieser Erde, auf dieser Erde
Doch nun ist es geschehen
Dass ich auch ohne dich glücklich werde
Die allerschönsten Stunden
In meinem Leben, in meinem Leben
Hab’ ich heut’ Nacht gefunden
Du hast geschlafen, so ist das eben
Guten Morgen, guten Morgen
Guten Morgen, Sonnenschein!
Diese Nacht blieb dir verborgen
Doch du darfst nicht traurig sein
Guten Morgen, guten Morgen
Weck mich auf und komm herein
Und auf deinen Sonnenstrahlen
Tanzen meine Träumereien
Guten Morgen, Sonnenschein
Nein, du darfst nicht traurig sein »
When do you go home feeling happy?
G: I sit in the car almost every day satisfied. If you do what you like then you never have to work! And when I see people looking grumpy, I cheerfully sing “Guten Morgen Sonnenschein” with them.
B: When everything is just running smoothly. And fortunately, I haven’t had to sing that song yet.
What are you most proud of?
G: If we do well together, then I am proud. These don’t have to be big things.
B: When Danny van Bergen Henegouwen passes on that the figures of the unpacking line are ‘green’. Then I am proud of the team.
What changes have really made a difference in the workplace?
G: Change does bring challenges, but the result is worth it. The best part is the collaboration with the staff of the integrated departments. Each department feels like an important part of the whole.
B: I am happy that I still work at the Calla in a permanent team. It feels like ‘home’. You know a lot about each other and together you make it fun.
How do you experience the wellknown peak periods?
G: It can always be peak period for me! I love the feeling when so many products move through the premises!
B: Just go!
Have you ever made a mistake? What did you learn from it?
G: Trying and entrepreneurship simply comes with risks. The important thing is to acknowledge mistakes and learn from them, even if you look at it through rose-tinted glasses: It is an investment in your growth.
B: It’s trial and error. You learn from it.
What are the biggest challenges for logistics?
G: Costs in logistics continue to rise. Therefore, our challenge and task is that together we are going to make it as smart and efficient as possible so that we can remain competitive.
B: The cooperation between certain departments. Everyone still needs to get used to the different systems and each other.
What makes our company a nice place to work?
Both: The people! “The company... that’s the people”.
How do you relax?
G: Mountain biking and the sociability afterwards, a book or podcast and travelling of course.
B: Reading a book about true stories, taking a little boat ride, going out for a good time.
What can we wake you up at night for?
G: Shoarma sandwich.
B: Picanha (steak) or cake.
What do you think is the most beautiful city in the Netherlands?
G: No preference. The Netherlands is a fantastic country! You become very aware of that when you visit other countries in the world.
B: Aalsmeer of course! I have everything I need here.
What tips do you have for newcomers?
G: Sometimes you need a year before you get the hang of it. There are plenty of people who want to help you.
B: Do everything step by step. Not too much information at once, because you will drown in it.
Celebrating & remembering in autumn
Bas Kamp, Petal Peddlers & Pinnacle, Australia
Managing Director Australia
When autumn begins in Europe, spring begins for us with temperatures heading towards 25 degrees. With most festivals and especially Christmas, we celebrate at work with a BBQ for customers and staff. Australia & BBQ go hand in hand. We usually have the Monday off when it falls on the weekend. Many people then head towards the beach and into nature.
Together with family & friends, this is when people often BBQ. From December to the end of January, it is summer holidays here. Flowers are used less during our holidays and are more of a luxury product in Australia compared to the Netherlands. Since Covid, people do buy more flowers & plants for themselves.
While in Europe the leaves are starting to fall, in Australia they are lighting the BBQ and looking forward to their ‘summer holidays’. How special to see how the various seasons are celebrated differently in the various FM Group countries. This edition, we again, spoke to four colleagues from different countries. What are the special days of autumn in their countries and how are they actually celebrated?
Esther Kimaru, Hilverda De Boer, Kenya Region Manager Kenya
The most important autumn holiday in Kenya is Mashujaa Day, also known as Heroes’ Day, which is celebrated on 20 October every year. This is a national day of remembrance for the heroes and heroines who fought for the country’s independence and for those who continue to contribute to the country’s growth and development.
The festivities begin with a military parade accompanied by traditional music and dance performances. The day is also marked by visits to graves of heroes of the country, community service activities such as blood donation drives and tree-planting exercises. In addition, traditional dishes are prepared and shared with family and friends and people sometimes wear clothes with the colours of the Kenyan flag. It is an extra special day for me because it also happens to be my birthday. Although flowers are not a central part of the holiday, you often see flowers (usually roses) as decorations or offerings. Flower arrangements are placed at monuments or graves of national heroes.
Asia Wasowicz, 4-Attention, Poland Logistics employee
In Poland, both All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day are known in the autumn. The two days are celebrated one after the other, on 1 & 2 November. On All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, people of different religions come to cemeteries to commemorate and pray, as well as non-believers who also want to pay respects to the departed. This is a great opportunity to remember loved ones who are no longer with us. Poles visit cemeteries with whole families, especially on the first two days of November.
One day a year, I return to the past, to people who have passed away and were so important to me. For me, it is a time of reflection on my life. It is also a day when I can meet my loved ones and spend some time with them. November 1 is a day off in Poland. I must admit that the cemetery looks beautiful on this day, especially at night. The dominant flowers on graves are definitely chrysanthemums, both cut and potted.
Tomislav Mandic, FleuraMetz, Croatia Commercial Manager Southern Bavaria and Austria
For us in Croatia, All Saints’ Day is one of the most important holidays in autumn. On this holiday, we remember and commemorate our deceased. We have all graves made beautiful with flowers and plants beforehand. On All Saints’ Day itself, we go to the service visiting the graves of our deceased. Several pastors go from grave to grave, say a small prayer for the deceased and bless the grave. For me personally, it is beautiful to see how we all come together as a family and remember our loved ones and also not forget them. Afterwards, we often all go out to dinner and end the day together.
Flowers play a very important role during this holiday, especially chrysanthemums, both as cut flowers and also as plants. For us, the chrysanthemum means love, honesty, sadness and the past. All these meanings fit the holiday of All Saints’ Day. Since August this year, we have started a tour to Slovenia and Croatia and we hope to contribute even more to FM Group’s sales with this tour during All Saints’ Day.
JUBILEA BIRTHS
Sem Jordi Blom und Mick Elias Blom
19-06-2024
Sons of Ashley Alleman and her partner Luuk Blom
Noor Vaartin
31-08-2024
Daughter of Vince Vaarting and his partner Eline Olsthoorn
Noah Maartense
28-07-2024
Son of Rick Maartense and his partner Suzan Kucuk
Fleur Guijt
19-06-2024
Daughter of Davey Guijt and his partner Victoria Guijt
Maverick Kaneenthiran
29-07-2024
Son of Sayan Kaneenthiran and his partner Rubyka Subramaniyam
Anniversaries and baby pictures are collected quarterly by HR. Missing an anniversary or want to share your baby’s birth? Send an e-mail to hr@fmgroup.fm. Comments and suggestions on other content can be shared at feelings@fmgroup.fm
From VGB, we were invited to a knowledge session around the theme Approach Resilient Floriculture Sector. With its five main ports, of which floriculture is one, the Netherlands has an important logistical role in international trade in narcotics. Research has shown that there is criminal interference in ornamental plant cultivation at a significant level, in the vast majority of cases without the companies’ knowledge.
The Resilient Ornamental Horticulture Sector
Approach programme aims to protect the beauty of our sector and address vulnerabilities. The focus is on prevention. By noticing signals, recognising risks and reporting abuses.
Don’t bury your head in the sand. Know who is operating on your premises. Watch what you do carefully. Think and be alert. If you don’t trust it, report it.
Find out more about this or hear practical cases: weerbaresierteeltsector.nl/en
save the date
4 to 7 November
BLOOMSHARE 2024 - FM GROUP’S IN-HOUSE EVENT
Will you be there again this year? Just like last year, we will organise ‘Bloomshare’, FM Group’s in-house event. This is the event of the year where we can invite our customers, growers and partners to show what we ‘literally’ have to offer. Put the right date in your diary and invite your customers, growers and partners. See you then!
discover locations meet
Betula Betula 31
De Kwakel
Hilverda De Boer
Cotoneaster 12
De Kwakel
Tailormade services
Buying smart
Library
High class floristry
Worldwide possibilities
Tailormade product ranges
Procurement
Marketing Sales
Procurement
Marketing Sales
THE LAUNCH OF FINCA
Finca is FM Group’s private label for premium carnations from Colombia. For a premium product like the carnation, delivering exceptional quality is key. And so ‘Finca’ was born. The label sets the standard for robust, premium varieties. Growers are therefore selected based on the quality they can deliver. Thanks to Finca, we can guarantee better quality and organise fast delivery. Straight from the grower in Colombia and shipped to customers all over the world.
VERDEL INTEGRATION COMPLETED
merchandisers visit supermarkets twice a week to manage the stock of flowers and plants. To integration has been very successful, apart from
After one and a half years of preparation, the Verdel label has been fully integrated into FM Group’s systems. Verdel distinguishes itself with its “Full Service Concept”, where retail customers are completely unburdened. Verdel’s merchandisers visit supermarkets twice a week to manage the stock of flowers and plants. To make this process efficient, our in-house IT team has developed a dedicated merchandiser app. Due to good cooperation between all teams, the integration has been very successful, apart from some minor aftercare issues that will be resolved in the coming weeks.
HUISKULA-HILVERDA BECOMES FLEURAMETZ!
From next autumn, the branches of HuiskulaHilverda, our company in Finland, will be transferred to FleuraMetz. This means a completely new look for the Cash & Carry branches in Finland, as well as a new online customer experience. As a true florist label, FleuraMetz is the right partner for the existing customer group in Finland.
We hope to serve customers even better with this adjustment. If you have any questions or are just interested, please contact Anu Berghuis, Commercial Director Finland.
A
SUMMER GREETING FROM CRISTO DE LA CALLE! THE CHILDREN WE SPONSOR THROUGH PROYECTO INDIO:
Autumn in South Africa?
Forget it!
Our colleagues are spread all over the world. We would like to give you an insight into the daily life of our colleagues on other continents. This time we asked Mirjam Breg , Manager South Africa, some questions about the autumn season in South Africa and how it differs from the Netherlands.
When does the autumn season in terms of production start for you in South Africa?
With us in South Africa, spring begins! Because we have reverse seasons with the Northern Hemisphere, we have spring when you have autumn. That doesn’t mean we don’t have beautiful products in autumn colours, because with us now begins the season of Nutans in red, orange and yellow and Leucadendrons with cones in red, green and yellow.
“I love winter in Pretoria, it’s always around 20 degrees and it doesn’t rain. ”
Whereas in northern Europe you really have seasons, in South Africa it is really different. We actually only have winter and summer. In the north of South Africa, where our office is in Pretoria, there is no rain in winter, so from May to September it is dry. On the contrary, in the south of South Africa, rain does fall and it is cold and wet there for 3-4 months of the year. The winters, by the way, are very mild with just 20 degrees during the day.
Which products do you sell mainly during the autumn season, aka your spring?
So in the months of September to November, we sell a lot of nutans, leucadendrons with cones, but it is also the season of king proteas in pink, red and white.
What is your most favourite season in South Africa?
I love winter in Pretoria, it’s always around 20 degrees and it doesn’t rain. For selling flowers, winter is a challenge because most flowers are grown around Cape Town and are all outside. Because it does rain there in winter. This makes us very limited with deliveries at short notice because if it rains, they can’t harvest and get the flowers dry in time to pack.
We have also just started promoting selling Nutans in a box instead of in water. This saves unpacking, breakage and transport costs. We have a zebra-printed box for this, which will hold 30 nutans, which is the same number as in an auction packaging.
THIJS THE SUPER STRIKER THIJS THE SUPER STRIKER
Exciting that clock on the screEn. looks like VAr! still, I’d rather kick a ball myselF
so this is where you do the buying and analysis!
so do we! you can alWays come and play on our teAm!
I’d like to make a 3d video like that later. Then I’ll be the Messi of Fm Group. This will make everyone happy, won’t it? Yes, this sMells like a championship. JusT order 11 bouquEts!
Thank you for this greAt day! I know what I wanT: when I am 16, I will work or do an inTernship here. In marketing, we also creAte 3d adVerTising materiAls, which are the
I told you... horTiculTure boring? In foOtball and at Fm Group, yOu can only sCore as a teAm!
From the customer
Bart & Bastian
In 2019, after a pilot phase, the Bart & Bastian concept was rolled out to all German supermarkets supplied by Verdel. Now, five years later, over 700 supermarkets in Germany have Bart & Bastian flowers and plants on their shelves. In addition, the faces of Bart & Bastian can now also be found in almost 50 French supermarkets.
Besides the standard supermarket shelves, Shop-in-Shops can also be found in Germany and there are eight more Bart & Bastian flower shops. The idea for the Bart & Bastian concept also once originated from these flower shops. The flower shops are located in the hall in front of the supermarket. By also giving the shelf in the supermarket a uniform and high-quality look, more consumers are reached.
These consumers are drawn to the shelf by the black packaging which makes the bright colours of the flowers and plants stand out.
There are different A4 displays on the shelf every season with information about the seasonal flowers and plants so that consumers know how to take good care of them at home too.
Because this makes them familiar with Bart & Bastian’s quality, they keep buying flowers or plants for themselves or as gifts, there is always something suitable within the wide range.
In spring, of course, tulips are sold in particular, from “normal” tulips to parrot tulips or large bunches of colourful tulips, everything can be found on the shelves. In this, large differences between regions can also be seen, in France, for example, mainly volume bunches are sold, while in Germany most consumers leave the supermarket with a bunch of two-coloured tulips.
The differences between the holidays also have to be taken into account, of course. In Germany, for example, many lucky clovers are sold in a Bart & Bastian pot for New Year’s Eve, while in France this tradition is not known at all and here, for example, lily-of-the-valley should be on the shelf again for Labour Day.
Apart from these differences, all consumers who buy Bart & Bastian flowers and plants obviously have one thing in common:
CSR with FM Group
FM GROUP IS PARTICIPATING IN THE SDG CHALLENGE!
The SDG Challenge (Sustainable Development Goals) is a competition that unites diverse student teams from different levels of education for making sustainable impact.
Students creatively engage in business cases linked to one or more SDGs. These are provided from practical experience by business partners such as FM Group.
It is the mission of the SDG Challenge organisation -(SOAPBOX) to empower companies to realise their sustainability ambitions and nurture students as future ‘changemakers’ for a more sustainable world.
Why are we as FM Group participating in the SDG Challenge?
FM Group is keen to participate in positive changes that can contribute to a future workforce that sees sustainability as one of the most important but also most enjoyable things in business to work on. Students are specifically selected based on expertise, interest and motivation for each partner and their presented challenges. Guided by the SDG Challenge, they will become true SDG Student Consultants. We are very curious to see what innovative solutions the FM Group student team will come up with.
For the students, FM Group’s CSR team (Dionne and Koen) wrote a business case that fits perfectly with FM Group’s CSR Strategy.
The
students
In terms of students, we will match a group of multidisciplinary students from both WO and HBO programmes. In addition, the group will consist of both Dutch- and English-speaking students.
Explanation
of the FM Group Challenge
Description of the challenge
During the buying and selling process of flowers and plants, waste is generated in the form of flower and plant residues, packaging materials and other byproducts. FM Group is looking for sustainable ways to minimise these waste streams, improve their separation, recycle them or develop and find new uses for them. We are looking for partners who can help us do this, or parties who can convert our waste streams into new products.
Expected
result
Identify and evaluate potential business opportunities for FM Group to repurpose its organic waste into valuable products or services, thereby contributing to a circular economy and reducing its environmental impact.
Key dates of the Challenge
Kick-off: October 1, 2024
Inhouse sprint: October 8, 2024
Showcase Fair: January 16, 2025
Dutch SDG Finals: July 4, 2025
COOPERATION 4-ATTENTION, VAN DER SAR IMPORT AND FM GROUP CSR TEAM ON SUSTAINABLE RATTAN BASKETS
4-Attention (4A) and FM Group (FM) aim to provide all products with a sustainability score “Good - Better - Best”. Whereby the classification of the label depends on independently verified responsibility (= certification).
Van der Sar Import (VDS), supplier of 4-Attention and therefore also of FM Group, was keen to market its rattan products sustainably. Gerard van der Sar has already made many sustainable steps out of his own intrinsic motivation and hard work, yet he wanted to make sure that buyers like FM Group could also get behind the certification and sustainable aspects of the products. Together with 4-Attention, he requested an interview with FM Group’s CSR team.
This resulted in a wonderful collaboration and a new idea to set up a good and verifiable sustainability control system for these handmade natural products where we will classify the products in a ‘’good, better, best’’ formula.
To this day, the CSR team checked the information provided by the certifying body, among others, for authenticity and addressed additional social, environmental and safety issues to ensure that we can actually start selling these products responsibly.
VDS is working hard to arrange all those extras so that the “Best” label may soon be the first to be presented on these products.
Many visits and conversations have led to a motivated group of people and institutions that harvest these rattan and make the baskets without harming jungle, people and the environment.
Some of the important additions are, for example, the safety of employees and of the surrounding forest and what measures are taken for this that this is done safely.
And that chemicals are used responsibly. An expert has to assess this. In this way, van der Sar is increasingly securing a sustainable future for the product, people and nature.
Together with FM Group, VDS continuously works to improve its processes through regular audits and advice.
VDS is determined to become a 100% sustainable company. Step by step, they are transforming their existing range to sustainable products. They develop pots and baskets from materials with a low carbon footprint and they aim to certify all production processes.
This is an ambitious path, but they are determined to achieve these goals.
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