Knapsack started in 1995 as a foundation with more clean collection of foil in the Netherlands as its goal. At first, we mainly did this for the construction sector. The slogan ‘Keep the construction sector clean with the Knapsack’ was printed on the bags and promotion material.

That worked! Besides, we noticed that there wasn’t only demand in the construction industry for collecting plastic, but also in corporate life. After a while we see the Knapsack system at grocery stores like Edah, big stores like Kruidvat and C&A, garden centers and distribution centers. The system succeeded and therefore the foundation was converted to a B.V. (Private Limited Company) in 2000. For the corporate life we use the slogan ‘Keep it clean with the Knapsack’.

Expansion of the product range

If we look at the product range we have grown as well. It all started with the400 liter Knapsack holder with matching Knapsack, but soon it was expanded with other sizes like the 200, 300, 100, 1400 and 2500 liter. Because of the mandatory separating of PMD (Plastic, Metal and Drink packaging) we introduced the 60 and 110 liter Knapsack system. Moreover, we have also included other products in our product range like waste, container, pallet box and organic bags and waste sorting bins.

Another milestone was the developing of our ownman-seriesin 2014. This series consists of the PETman, CANman, CUPman and TRASHman. You can personalise the bins with a wrap and they are meant to collecting plastic bottles, tin, coffee and tea cups and residual waste. With this series we target another audience than we do with the Knapsack system. Mainly for catering establishments, theme parks, schools, sports clubs, campsites and festivals.

Knapsack a la Knapsack

Not only in the Netherlands and Belgium there was demand for the Knapsack system, but also in France the separated collection of plastic became more important. That’s why, from 2000, we are also active on the French market. Now, around 60% of our customer base is French. There are now 5 Knapsack staff members who take care of the French customers. We are regularly present at fairs in France (and of course also in the Netherlands).

Future

On to the next 25 years. We hope to keep helping you with the separate collection of foil, EPS, plant pots, plastic bottles, tin, organic waste, paper and residual waste to make the heap of waste as small as possible together. We are here for workers in warehouses, catering industry, small scale companies, schools, sports clubs, festival goers and way more. Long story short: for everyone, so also for you.

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