Since its inception in 1897 by Cornelius Bruynzeel Sr, Bruynzeel Storage Systems has evolved from a humble joinery business in Rotterdam into the European market leader in space-creating storage solutions. With a legacy spanning over a century, Bruynzeel remains committed to innovation and sustainability, helping organisations use space more efficiently and effectively.
Bruynzeel storage system. Source: www.bruynzeel-storage.com
Bruynzeel’s vision is clear: To be the world leader in space-creating solutions that contribute to a sustainable planet. Bruynzeel is proud to be a ‘footprint reduction company’, delivering innovative storage solutions that not only maximise space utilisation but also significantly reduce carbon emissions and the use of resources. Their motto—Creating space for a healthy planet—is more than a slogan; it's a call to action embedded in their product design, manufacturing practices, and corporate strategy.
By applying mobile shelving systems and the DoubleDecker solution, Bruynzeel’s clients can achieve up to 75% physical footprint reduction and as much as 98% environmental impact reduction compared to new construction. Their commitment goes beyond engineering—Bruynzeel partnered with DGB Group to compensate for their hard-to-abate emissions and make a change for our planet.
Read our conversation with Bruynzeel’s Head of Marketing & Sustainability, who shares how the company is turning storage innovation into a force for environmental impact.
Can you tell us more about Bruynzeel and why sustainability is important to your company?
Bruynzeel Storage Systems has grown into a global leader in space-saving mobile storage solutions. Sustainability is at the core of our business. We understand the crucial role we play in helping organisations worldwide reduce their physical and environmental footprint. Our vision is to be the world's most environmentally friendly provider of storage solutions, contributing to a sustainable planet by optimising space and reducing CO2 emissions in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Bruynzeel storage system. Source: www.bruynzeel-storage.com
What sustainability targets have you set, and how are you working towards achieving these sustainability targets?
We aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2035, verified by the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). Since 2021, we have maintained climate neutrality in our own operations (Scope 1 and 2), independently audited by Deloitte. Our initiatives include using Bruynzeel GreenSteel®, which reduces CO2 impact by over 91% compared to galvanised steel, and striving to shift towards 100% GreenSteel® by 2030. We focus on reducing material usage, energy consumption, and waste across our sourcing, design, manufacturing, and business models. Furthermore, we achieved the Ecovadis Gold rating and strive to reach the platinum level in the coming years.
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What motivated Bruynzeel to compensate for its carbon footprint with DGB Group?
Our motivation is driven by a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and transparency. Partnering with DGB aligns with our broader sustainability goals and reinforces our dedication to mitigating climate change impacts. Our priority is to reduce and mitigate emissions, but where needed, we will compensate through impactful initiatives with reputable partners like DGB. By compensating for the limited Scope 1 and 2 impact of our car fleet through the Hongera Energy Efficient Cookstoves Project in Kenya, we contribute to reducing deforestation and supporting local communities.
Read more: DGB’s cookstove projects: How they truly make a difference
What were your key considerations when selecting the Hongera Energy Efficient Cookstoves Project for your carbon compensation?
We selected the Hongera Energy Efficient Cookstoves Project due to its significant environmental and social benefits. The project reduces CO2 emissions, combats deforestation, and improves the health and livelihoods of local communities in Kenya. The project’s Gold Standard certification ensures the highest level of credibility and effectiveness in our carbon offset efforts. This project aligns with our values of sustainability, social responsibility, and community support.
Read more: Ensuring impact: Kitchen performance testing for DGB’s cookstoves
Local community members and DGB team during cookstoves distribution in Kenya. Hongera Energy Efficient Cookstoves Project, DGB.
How does this initiative align with Bruynzeel's broader sustainability goals and values?
The cookstoves project fits seamlessly into our sustainability journey, reflecting our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint and supporting global communities. It complements our efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2035 and reinforces our role as a leader in sustainable practices in our industry. By participating in this project, we demonstrate our dedication to a healthier planet and fostering a fairer, more equitable society.
What message would you like to share with other businesses considering similar actions?
We encourage other businesses to take proactive steps towards sustainability. Don’t wait for regulations; integrate it into your business strategy and company values. Dare to invest ahead of the curve to drive your vision and team up with key suppliers, partners, and customers. It is crucial to raise the bar together and drive value chain transformation. Start, adapt, improve and reflect.
Close-up of a DGB team member and a local woman during cookstoves distribution in Kenya. Hongera Energy Efficient Cookstoves Project, DGB.
Partnering for impact
To compensate for residual emissions, Bruynzeel chose to support DGB’s Hongera Energy Efficient Cookstoves Project in Kenya—an initiative that tackles deforestation, indoor air pollution, and community wellbeing all at once. By distributing 150,000 energy-efficient cookstoves, the project reduces firewood usage and relieves pressure on local forests, while also improving health outcomes in rural households. Certified under the Gold Standard, the project delivers measurable environmental and social impact—precisely the kind of integrity and scale clients like Bruynzeel look for when choosing offset partners.
Looking to reduce your carbon footprint with purpose? Explore DGB’s nature-based carbon units and discover how your business can invest in real environmental solutions—with impact you can stand behind.
