Action Learning Day
Sustainable Food Supply at BelOrta
CONCEPT
On June 18, CIFAL Brussels organised a visit to the
BelOrta site in Sint-Katelijne-Waver, as part of the Action Learning Network Flemish Agencies and Entities
. The focus of the day was sustainability across the entire supply chain of fresh fruits and vegetables, from producer to retailer, with “duurzaamheid van grond tot mond
” as the central theme.
Venue
Programme
Opening Words
The programme began with a keynote by Philippe Appeltans
, CEO of
BelOrta, who provided an overview of the organisation and its operations. BelOrta is a Belgian fruit and vegetable cooperative with a network of more than 1,000 member growers. As a cooperative, it plays a crucial role in connecting producers with buyers and ensuring the efficient and fair distribution of fresh products.
Sustainability at BelOrta
Wim Hubrechts presented BelOrta’s approach to sustainability. He highlighted BelOrta’s role as an SDG Ambassador, the highest recognition within our
PCA2030 Trajectory.
He emphasised the growing focus on sustainability among suppliers and growers, and explained how BelOrta works closely with partners across the value chain to reduce its ecological footprint.
As an SDG Ambassador
, BelOrta is actively advancing a wide range of sustainability initiatives. Curious to learn more? Explore BelOrta’s sustainability report
here.
Sustainability at Euro Pool System
Frédéric Gansemans, Regional Director EPS Benelux & France, introduced
Euro Pool System and its focus on sustainable packaging solutions. EPS
is committed to creating circular logistics systems, with its reusable “green crates” recognised across the sector as an alternative to single-use packaging. In contrast to single-use packaging, these crates offer a lifespan of over seven years.
This was followed by a presentation from Lisa Freudenthaler, Sustainability Manager at EPS, who shared practical insights into the company’s sustainability strategy.
Lisa highlighted that sustainability is embedded in Euro Pool Group’s DNA, supported by its annual ESG reporting. Explore their ESG report
here.
Exploring BelOrta & Euro Pool System
Following the keynotes, participants were invited on a guided tour of the BelOrta site, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the journey of fresh produce.
At BelOrta, participants discovered:
- the fast-paced logistics process, where fruits and vegetables are received, auctioned, and dispatched within the same day
- advanced storage and handling practices that ensure optimal freshness
The tour then continued at Euro Pool System, where participants gained insight into the circular logistics of reusable packaging. They explored:
– The cleaning process, carried out in full compliance with food safety standards
– How water used during cleaning is carefully filtered and reused, contributing to a more sustainable system
- As a result of this modern installation, EPS reduced its water use by 80%
- By 2030, 50% of their water usage will be originating from reusable water
Calsa
After lunch, Jeroen Buyck, Managing Director of
Calsa NV, provided the trade perspective. Calsa is a leading Belgian trading company in fresh vegetables, fruits, and potatoes, and an important buyer of BelOrta products. The presentation emphasised
their focus on freshness and their ambition to minimise food waste.
More information on Calsa’s sustainability efforts can be found on their
website.
Visit to Primato
The programme concluded with a visit to
Primato, a family-owned company specialised in the high-end, sustainable cultivation of tomatoes. The visit began with a general keynote by
Kevin Pittoors, Director of Primato, who introduced the company’s operations and its approach to sustainability, highlighting the use of advanced technologies in their innovative greenhouse.
This was followed by a presentation from Peter Van Eynde
, HR Manager at Primato, who focused on the social dimension of sustainability. He explained how the company supports its employees, including many seasonal workers from abroad, by ensuring good working conditions and offering
opportunities for further development of their skills.
The visit concluded with a guided tour of the greenhouse and its logistics processes, offering participants first-hand insight into the production system. We visited the newly built 11.7-hectare greenhouse, bringing
the total site to 24 hectares.
Particular attention was given to Primato’s focus on a closed water cycle and efficient water reuse, including the implementation of a new type of water filter.
Interested in the presentation? Access the slides
here
IN COLLABORATION WITH and supported by
Action Learning Day
Visit to bluegate antwerp
CONCEPT
On Friday 16 May 2025, in cooperation with
Blue Gate Antwerp, the
Government of Flanders and
Bopro, a hosted site visit showcased the transformation of the former Petroleum South site into a pioneering eco-effective business park.
The event highlighted how a once heavily polluted industrial zone is becoming a climate-neutral hub for the sustainable and circular economy, featuring innovative infrastructure, green ambitions, and integrated water management.
It formed part of a broader effort to demonstrate how urban redevelopment can advance the Sustainable Development Goals.
Venue
Programme
Opening Words
Dimitri Torfs, Director Sales of Bopro, opened the day at Plein Publiek – a vibrant circular economy hub connecting citizens, businesses, and governments around sustainable solutions.
Exploring the Logistic Cluster at the Quay
Participants toured Blue Gate Antwerp, once Petroleum Zuid, the heart of Antwerp’s petroleum industry, now a model of sustainable urban redevelopment. Guided by Dimitri Torfs, the visit highlighted innovations
in circular economy, smart mobility, and climate resilience:
- Site remediation by DEME Environmental Contractors ( DEC), tackling one of their most complex projects.
- Logistics cluster with Amazon, Montea, and DHL Express; Amazon’s energy-autonomous, gas-free centre powered by solar and a heat network; DHL’s low-emission cargo bike deliveries.
- Circular construction by BMB Bouwmaterialen, including bike-based deliveries.
- Heritage integration with restored pipelines, repurposed railway lines into bike paths, and a protected cement-plastered building.
- Smart mobility solutions such as shared bikes, autonomous shuttles, and mobility scans to balance car and public transport use.
Lunch
Participants enjoyed a lunch prepared by
Plein Publiek’s catering
Ecological Integration and the Green Corridor
Danny Jonckheere, Chair of the Hobokense Polder (
Natuurpunt), gave an on-site presentation. He explained how Blue Gate Antwerp combines urban development with nature. Adjacent to the site, the 170-hectare Hobokense Polder nature reserve hosts wetlands, grasslands, forests, and over 500 plant species.
Within the site, the Green Corridor manages rainwater through open channels and underground pipes, reducing the need for individual tanks. This blend of smart infrastructure and environmental ambition sets a benchmark for climate-resilient,
nature-inclusive city planning.
Accelerating Sustainable Chemical Solutions
Participants explored
BlueApp under the guidance of Janne Spanoghe. This pre-incubator, linked to the University of Antwerp, supports early-stage ideas in sustainable chemistry and materials. It offers advanced
lab facilities, pilot infrastructure, and academic expertise to help innovations grow to a level that attracts investors or industrial partners.
Participants visited
BlueChem with guidance from Britt De Sutter. As Belgium’s first incubator dedicated to sustainable chemistry, it focuses on start-ups and scale-ups ready for market expansion. Located in the Blue Gate
Antwerp business park, it provides office and lab space and connects innovators with a strong network of industrial and academic partners.
Networking Reception
The day concluded with an informal networking, allowing participants to exchange reflections and strengthen connections in a relaxed setting. We thank the speakers, guides, and all participants for their valuable contributions to making
the visit a success.
Interested in the presentation? Access the slides
here.
In collaboration with
