PaperFoam's $2.2M Loan: A Green Packaging Bet Pays Off

Jan de Vries · 2026-10-30

PaperFoam, a Dutch company making packaging from starch and natural fibers, just landed a €2 million loan (about $2.2 million) from Invest International. That cash will help expand its production facility in the Czech Republic and boost working capital for its plants in Malaysia and the U.S. In a world drowning in plastic, this is a small but meaningful bet on a greener alternative. ### Why Invest International Stepped In Invest International is a Dutch government-backed organization that supports Dutch-linked businesses with financing and market expertise. Jeroen Plag, its Chief Investment Officer, said, "PaperFoam is a great example of a Dutch innovator that has travelled a difficult path from promising technology to an internationally scalable company." He added that traditional financiers still see such ventures as too risky, but Invest International sees the long-term potential. "We're helping to enable the next phase of growth," he noted. ### From Starch to Scalable Solution Founded in 1998 by Vertis Holding, a former Dutch IT company, PaperFoam is based in Barneveld. It produces biodegradable packaging from starch and natural fibers using a patented foaming technology. The result is lightweight, compostable packaging with an "exceptionally low" carbon footprint. The fibers can even be recycled into paper. PaperFoam Plus, a thicker version, is designed as a sustainable alternative to EPS (Expanded Polystyrene). It's drop-tested up to 11 pounds, up to 0.2 inches thick, and compostable at home or industrially. The company serves consumer electronics, medical, dry food, and cosmetics sectors. > "Developing an innovative and sustainable alternative to traditional packaging requires time, investment, and partners who are willing to look further ahead," said CEO Willem Derkman. "Thanks to Invest International, we can expand production and serve new markets efficiently." ### What This Means for the Packaging Industry This loan isn't just about one company. It's a signal that sustainable packaging is gaining traction. As regulations tighten and consumers demand eco-friendly options, innovations like PaperFoam's could become the norm. The expansion in the Czech Republic, supported by Dutch machinery suppliers Kuyer Metaal and Shuffle-Mix, will increase capacity and create jobs. For startups in the green tech space, PaperFoam's journey shows that with the right partners, scaling is possible. It's a reminder that sustainability and competitiveness can go hand in hand. And that's a win for everyone.