Dutch packaging maker PaperFoam has secured a €2m ($2.2m) loan from Invest International to finance international production growth and bolster operational funding across its global sites.
Proceeds from the loan will finance capital expenditure at the Barneveld-headquartered company’s production facility in the Czech Republic.
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The project relies on domestic processing equipment, with Dutch industrial equipment suppliers Kuyer Metaal of Nijkerk and Shuffle-Mix of Barneveld providing the required manufacturing machinery.
Alongside the European site expansion, the funding will support working capital requirements at PaperFoam plants located in the US and Malaysia.
The manufacturer serves several commercial sectors, supplying multinational clients that include medical technology company Medtronic, cosmetics business Puig, and Dutch retailer HEMA, which uses the substrate for colourful “Kies & Mix” Easter egg packaging.
PaperFoam CEO Willem Derkman said: “Developing an innovative and sustainable alternative to traditional packaging requires time, investment, and partners who are willing to look further ahead.
“Thanks to the ongoing support from Invest International, we have been able to take important steps in our international growth. This funding helps us further expand our production capacity and efficiently serve new markets and clients.”
The supplier targets commercial brands seeking lower-emission packaging that satisfies baseline functional, aesthetic, and structural criteria.
PaperFoam manufactures its material as a substitute for standard paper and plastic packaging, using natural raw materials alongside patented foaming technology to yield lightweight, low-carbon containers.
Formulated from starch and natural fibres, the resulting medium is fully compostable, with recovered fibres capable of re-entering conventional paper recycling systems.
Invest International chief investment officer Jeroen Plag said: “PaperFoam is a great example of a Dutch innovator that has travelled a difficult path from promising technology to an internationally scalable company.
“Our involvement dates back to 2020, when we supported the company during its first expansion into the Czech Republic.”
