The Netherlands-based Blonk, an expert in food system sustainability, announced on Tuesday, April 4, that it will join Mérieux NutriSciences, a company working in food safety, quality, and sustainability for more than 50 years.
Blonk was founded in 1999 by founder and CEO Hans Blonk, and counts 50 food and sustainability experts, software developers, data and methodology specialists based in the Netherlands.
The company helps organisations in the agri-food value chain in understanding their environmental effect by providing guidance and creating custom software solutions based on the latest research and data.
In particular, the firm collaborates with federal and international organisations to establish sector-specific standards and create databases that enable analysis of the environmental effect of food items and their combination with dietary requirements for optimised diets.
What does Mérieux NutriSciences offer?
Mérieux NutriSciences is an independent family-owned company that claims to be a world leader in food safety, quality and sustainability. It claims to have business and scientific knowledge to address the demands of the food sector.
The firm aims to make workable, creative solutions that will help make food systems safer, healthier, and more sustainable. It has over 100 authorised laboratories across the world as well as a group of over 8,000 devoted workers.
“Sustainability is at the heart of Mérieux NutriSciences’ vision, mission, and business roadmap, which is highlighted by our ESG commitments for “Better Food. Better Health. Better World,” says Nicolas Cartier, CEO of Mérieux NutriSciences.
Aim of this partnership
By joining forces with Mérieux NutriSciences, Blonk aims to strengthen its global position and accelerate the transition to more sustainable food systems worldwide.
“Together we will be the reference partner for sustainability solutions in the agri-food sector. We believe that the synergy between the two companies, embedded in a shared science-based approach and matching values, will help us collectively act for the planet,” says Blonk.
Nicolas Cartier adds, “Our ambition is to become the reference partner for science-based sustainability solutions in the food sector to support the transition to more positive food systems.”
“With its specific experience in standards definition and data collection for the agri-food sector, Blonk strategically consolidates our existing capabilities in the field of environmental footprinting and enriches the sustainability solutions we already offer in packaging, new food alternatives, responsible sourcing and soil health, as well as transparent labelling.”
As per the deal, Hans Blonk, founder and CEO of Blonk, will continue managing the company as it operates as a separate business unit within Mérieux NutriSciences.
Additionally, Hans Blonk will also become business development director of the international environmental footprint division within Mérieux NutriSciences.
Hans Blonk says, “I am happy to pursue and strengthen my mission to make the food industry a more sustainable business by creating the necessary knowledge, capacity and technical infrastructure to significantly reduce environmental impact in the agri-food industry.”
“We are looking forward to closely cooperating with Mérieux NutriSciences and giving shape to sustainability together.”
