Invest-NL invests in small to medium enterprises with very ambitious growth plans. Van Dijk’s role is to ensure all those growth plans have a sustainability agenda. By joining Global Compact Network Netherlands’ board, van Dijk hopes to get an in-depth overview of the various initiatives for SMEs that want to contribute to sustainable development but might not have the means to do so.

For example, an innovative battery technology that replaces critical materials. We want to ensure that the people creating those batteries work under safe labour conditions. e manage that investment’s environmental, social, and governance risk factors by asking the right questions and encouraging them to professionalise their sustainability management.”

Van Dijks sustainability journey

Van Dijk strives to promote gender equality in her day-to-day life. With her three daughters in mind, she hopes they enter a world without biases– something van Dijk acknowledges may be a bit of a “dream.”

“Don’t lose hope… Look for an ally.”

Van Dijk advises young professionals, “Do not lose hope and continue speaking up. If you are speaking up from a perspective of hope, it is much more powerful than speaking out of despair– although sometimes it can be the feeling behind it. Look for allies. Sometimes grey-haired, fifty-plus men can be allies. Don’t fear.”

“The world needs packaging. Products we buy need protection, foods we consume need preserving, and brands we love need to find ways to stand out on crowded shelves. Yet, our desire for safety, convenience and differentiation should not come at the expense of future generations and their ability to sustain themselves. I fundamentally believe that quality packaging does not have to be at odds with the planet— and with our teams at Trivium, we work hard to demonstrate that every single day. For the sake of our customers, our planet, and our people.”

Underlying the circularity champion are three pillars that cover their value chain. Within each pillar, they have set ambitious targets that they aim to achieve by 2030. For example, they closely monitor their energy consumption and emissions, maximise their recycling rates, optimise the use of secondary packaging materials, manage waste appropriately, and limit water usage.

Trivium joined the UN Global Compact in 2021. They committed to the Ten Principles and focus on 8 of the SDGs: 4- Quality Education; 5- Gender Equality; 6- Clean Water and Sanitation; 8- Decent Work and Economic Growth; 9- Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; 12- Responsible Consumption and Production; 13- Climate Action; and 17- Partnership for the Goals. Wassenaar believes that by joining the UN Global Compact, they can scale their sustainable development globally and seek to learn and contribute to the international network and vast resources available to organisations.

and explores their values and behaviours with respect to both sustainability and packaging. The survey reveals insights on consumer willingness to pay for eco-friendly packaging and consumers’ perceptions of packaging materials.

Wassenaar’s goals for the future are to do more on SDGs 17-Partnership for the Goals and 5- Gender Equality. By joining the UN Global Compact, they can expand their network and become more active in working beyond their industry. For Gender Equality, Trivium Packing seeks to create a “true balance between men and women in production locations.” This is still a challenge as more men than women are working on the production line, which is why they have created an Inclusion and Diversity working group, giving employees the ability to provide guidance on what they can do differently in the future.

Wassenaar’s Personal Sustainability Journey

Wassenaar strives to follow all the SDGs in her personal life. With four children, she makes sure to raise them with sustainability in mind. Recently, the family has turned vegetarian in an effort to consume less meat and be aware of their carbon footprint. The family collectively buys second-hand, whether that be clothing or furniture.

Moreover, Wassenaar and her family have taken in Ukrainian refugees. They all understand that they cannot solve all the problems in the world, but they can take small steps every day to make changes and adjustments that contribute to social issues and sustainability.

“Be courageous and be kind”

Wassenaar says: “My advice is always to be courageous and be kind. If you see something that you want to change, then take action: speak up and stand up. However, always look beyond your own needs as your decisions also influence others.”

During my seven years working for PROMPERU Benelux & Scandinavia (Promotion board of Trade & Tourism of Peru), I have developed a network of more than 2,000 professionals. I had the chance to manage projects within the HQ and other institutions, such as CBI, RVO, and SIPPO. By working hand in hand with SMEs, large enterprises and cooperatives, I have developed my passion for, and understanding of supply chains, and have enhanced my interest to seek new opportunities and contribute to implementing the sustainable change our planet deserves.

The UN Global Compact network helps empower, accelerate, and scale the global collective impact of sustainability. It has motivated me to include it in my daily work, to spread the message and to make the organization achieve their maximum potential. I am looking forward to being part of Global Compact Network Netherlands and can’t wait to meet your organization!