The family-owned Dutch business Dijkshoorn Bleiswijk has pioneered a method for producing biobased building materials from plant residues. This innovative approach has allowed the company to benefit from the MIA-Vamil tax incentive by investing in the necessary machinery.
Active in agriculture, horticulture, and recycling, Dijkshoorn Bleiswijk has focused on maximizing the value of agricultural waste for 25 years. Director Matthijs Dijkshoorn emphasizes their goal of reprocessing plant residues, such as pepper chips, into useful materials instead of simply composting them.
Dijkshoorn Bleiswijk has developed a proprietary production method to create natural building materials. “We first extract the juice,” explains Dijkshoorn. “From this juice, we produce plant fertilizer. The remaining dry, fiber-rich substance is then transformed into sheet material, which can be used for shuttering foundations.”
The company developed a specialized sieve machine to separate sap from the fibers to facilitate this innovation. Additionally, they invested in a unit designed to remove pollutants. Dijkshoorn Bleiswijk utilized the Environmental Investment Allowance (MIA) and Random Depreciation of Environmental Investments (Vamil) for these sustainable investments, resulting in significant tax benefits. “These incentives allowed us to deduct a percentage of the investment from our operating profit,” says Dijkshoorn.
Dijkshoorn learned about the MIA-Vamil scheme through online research and conversations with other entrepreneurs. He successfully arranged the application process himself via a user-friendly online platform. “The RVO website is straightforward. You can quickly determine if your investment qualifies for tax benefits,” he notes.
Dijkshoorn also finds the Energy Investment Allowance (EIA) to be an accessible option. His company applied for this incentive in conjunction with the installation of 6,000 rooftop solar panels. “I believe in these tax schemes that promote sustainable, profitable businesses. When you invest in sustainability, you can deduct a portion of the investment from your profits. In the near future, I plan to invest in a battery pack, and I’d welcome the associated tax benefits,” he adds.
Dijkshoorn Bleiswijk’s innovative approach exemplifies how businesses can successfully integrate sustainability while leveraging available tax incentives.
