About us
KIVO develops and produces flexible plastic packaging for a wide range of applications. From our locations in the Netherlands and Kosovo, we work daily on packaging solutions that combine reliable performance with the lowest possible environmental impact, fitting within the demands of today and tomorrow.
From 1966 to now
KIVO through the years
In the autumn of 1966, the first production of flexible polyethylene-based plastics took place in a modest factory on Julianaweg in Volendam. This marked the start of KIVO (Kunststof Industrie Volendam) under the leadership of founder Dick Kwakman.
Gedreven door een sterke ondernemingsgeest en klantgerichtheid werden er vanaf het begin vele soorten LDPE folies en zakken geproduceerd voor een breed scala aan toepassingen. KIVO werd al snel beschouwd als vooraanstaand producent en de basis was gelegd voor continue groei en ontwikkeling.
Al in 1984 startten we met de productie van HDPE folies en zakken. Het machinepark en het productportfolio werd uitgebreid waardoor verdere groei kon worden gerealiseerd. Ook vandaag de dag behoort KIVO nog steeds tot de grootste producenten van HDPE folies en zakken in Europa.
The importance of consistent product quality, continuous development and professional service has always been pursued and led to ISO certification in 1995. In the same year, formal measures were already taken as a precursor to BRC-Packaging certification to step up and ensure food safety.
Also in the field of production techniques and development of better materials for existing and new applications, KIVO did not sit still in the 1990s. It is therefore typical of KIVO that when multilayer coextrusion was introduced, not one, but immediately two new 3-layer coextrusion lines were purchased.
In 2008, founder Dick Kwakman passed the baton to his youngest son Robert as Managing Director, after which, in 2010, the shares were also divided equally among Dick's three sons: Robert, Henry and Louis. This allowed the fine family business to continue successfully and with the same fervour.
In 2011, KIVO introduced the 5-layer production of barrier films, a pioneering step in the industry. This innovation enabled us to offer more efficient and sustainable packaging solutions, reaffirming our leading position.
In February 2012, KIVO acquired Polaris Verpakkingen, now known as KIVO Zwolle. This strategic acquisition expanded our production capacity and enabled us to focus entirely on producing bread bags. With modern facilities and a focus on efficiency and quality, KIVO Zwolle has been supplying high-quality bread bags to bakeries and supermarkets worldwide ever since.
In 2014, KIVO expanded its operations with the establishment of KIVO Kosovo, a joint venture with VM3. The new plant in Kosovo hosts all production processes, such as extrusion, printing and sealing, similar to our facilities in Volendam. This expansion strengthened our market position and offered new opportunities thanks to the motivated, highly skilled local workforce.
In 2018 werd KIVO Recycling opgericht, waarmee we onze inzet voor duurzaamheid versterkten. Deze faciliteit in Volendam verwerkt ons productieoverschot tot hoogwaardige folies voor non-food toepassingen. Door deze stap kunnen we onze ecologische voetafdruk verkleinen en bijdragen aan een circulaire economie.
In 2024, KIVO took an important step towards making its production processes more sustainable with the installation of hundreds of solar panels at KIVO Kosovo. The solar panels power the factory with green electricity, which not only reduces dependence on fossil fuels, but also contributes to lower CO2 emissions. This step fits perfectly with KIVO's broader strategy to provide environmentally friendly packaging solutions and set an example in the industry.
We Love
Sustainable Plastics!
At KIVO, we are 100% proud of what we make and of the people who make it possible. With more than 350 colleagues in the Netherlands and Kosovo, we are all part of the KIVO family. Together, we work on sustainable packaging solutions of the highest quality, always setting the bar high. We have a lot of fun together, both during and outside working hours, and this close bond strengthens our shared commitment to sustainability and quality. If you want to be part of our proud and close-knit KIVO family, check out our vacancies in the Netherlands via the button below.
From raw material Recycling bin
At KIVO, we believe that plastic packaging will continue to play an important role, provided it is designed, used, and recycled properly. That's why we look at the entire lifecycle of every package: from raw material to recycling. In this way, together with customers, we develop packaging that performs well today and fits within tomorrow's requirements, such as the PPWR.
Our approach is based on four pillars:
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Reduce
Optimising thickness and material usage
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Recycle
Deployment and upscaling of recycled raw materials (PIR and PCR where possible)
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Redesign
Improving recyclability
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Renew
Use of bio-based materials where appropriate
Packaging that performs on the line
Our portfolio comprises a wide range of flexible plastic packaging, developed for food, non-food and industrial applications, among others.
We combine material knowledge with technical expertise, so that our films perform optimally on packaging lines. Consider:
- stable processing on FFS machines
- Consistent quality and output
- Minimisation of downtime
By working closely with machine builders and customers, we ensure that packaging is not only sustainable but also runs efficiently in practice.
From recycling to PPWR-proof packaging
Sustainability at KIVO is not a separate activity, but is integrated into our way of working. We have our own recycling facility for the production of PIR materials and work with strategic partners for high-quality PCR. In addition, we are affiliated with initiatives such as the Circular Plastics Alliance, with which we focus on chain collaboration and scalable solutions.
Key premise:
- recycled material where technically and legally possible
- no use of PCR in direct food-contact applications
We actively support customers in developing packaging that meets the upcoming PPWR requirements, such as:
- design for recycling (minimum grade C from 2030)
- use of recycled material where permitted
- reduction of material usage
Want to know more or meet us?
Would you like to know more about our packaging solutions or collaborate on future-proof packaging? Get in touch with us or view our vacancies.