A pioneering partnership that began in 2009 continues to lead the way in sustainable packaging
Located in the heart of Rotterdam, Gimsel is a pioneering organic supermarket known for offering high-quality, sustainable, and fully organic products. For decades, it has been a trusted destination for conscious consumers who value transparency, craftsmanship, and care for the planet. When Gimsel Rotterdam became Bio4Pack’s very first customer back in 2009, it marked the beginning of a partnership built on trust, shared values, and a commitment to real sustainability.
Ahead of the 2026 PPWR Requirements
Gimsel Rotterdam has always been ahead of its time. Long before sustainability became a requirement, they were already setting an example for others to follow. As early as the 2000s, the supermarket introduced compostable fruit bags, helping customers make environmentally friendly choices every day.
While many supermarkets have chosen to offer nylon or so-called “reusable” bags, these solutions are often less sustainable than they seem. Nylon cannot be recycled in any waste stream, and despite being promoted as reusable, such bags are easily forgotten by consumers. As a result, customers frequently purchase new ones, turning sustainability into a sales opportunity rather than a genuine environmental solution. Gimsel Rotterdam takes a different path, focusing on real circularity and compostability instead of marketing-driven alternatives.
Today, that same forward-thinking approach has led them to achieve something remarkable. Together with Bio4Pack, the supermarket has taken a major step toward compliance with the upcoming European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). This regulation defines strict sustainability goals that will apply to all packaging in the European Union by 2026. One of its key measures is the requirement that certain everyday products, including ultrathin plastic bags, must be compostable.
With the guidance of Patrick from Bio4Pack, Gimsel’s well-known compostable fruit bags were recently redesigned to meet the PPWR standard for ultrathin bags. The material thickness has been reduced from 18 to 15 microns, which is the maximum allowed under the new legislation. As a result, Gimsel Rotterdam is now the first supermarket in the Netherlands that already meets the packaging requirements of 2026.
“During our long-standing and successful collaboration with Patrick from Bio4Pack, he’s always been proactive. Patrick closely monitors innovations and helps Gimsel make its packaging more sustainable.”
Roosmarijn Saat, owner Gimsel Rotterdam.
Designed for Functionality and the Circular Economy
But the innovation does not stop there. Gimsel Rotterdam has also adjusted the size of the bags so that customers can reuse them at home as small kitchen waste bags for fruit and vegetable scraps. This small but clever change gives the packaging a second life and allows it to be disposed of directly with household organic waste. It is a simple, practical way to close the loop and contribute to a circular economy.
For Bio4Pack, this achievement perfectly reflects our mission: innovation with a green heart. Together with partners like Gimsel Rotterdam, we develop future-proof packaging that not only meets regulations but also makes a real difference for people and the planet.
By acting today instead of waiting for tomorrow, the supermarket proves that sustainable retail is not a trend. It is a long-term responsibility that starts with conscious choices and strong collaborations.
A Step Towards a Circular Future
If you would like to know how Bio4Pack can help your business meet PPWR requirements and create truly compostable packaging solutions, visit www.bio4pack.com or contact us at info@b4p-tipa.com.
