Environment
Caring for nature and the environment at Rijk Zwaan means using natural resources responsibly and ensuring our operations are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Our priorities include climate, clean environment, water use, biodiversity, and circular economy.
Our priorities
Climate
Plants need warmth and light to grow. To save energy and reduce CO₂ emissions, we focus on sustainable energy sources such as geothermal energy, residual heat, aquathermy, and solar power
Clean environment
For a healthy future, we aim to prevent pollution. We develop varieties that are better suited to sustainable cultivation methods and reduce the use of chemical crop protection wherever possible.
Water
Water is essential for plant growth, but we want to avoid wasting water and reduce our dependence on tap water. Our goal is to irrigate all crops in the greenhouses in The Netherlands with rainwater by 2030. We also invest in water storage and water-saving irrigation techniques.
Biodiversity
Preserving global diversity of plants and animals is vital for our future. We take ecological measures on our sites and collaborate with gene banks to safeguard genetic resources.
Circular economy and waste
We strive to use resources sparingly and avoid waste. This includes sustainable choices for workwear, plastic use, construction, and building design.
Our examples
Climate Energy-saving pepper
Rijk Zwaan develops future-proof varieties, such as peppers that thrive at lower temperatures. For example, Alzamora RZ can reduce gas use by up to 50% per square metre. Understanding abiotic stress in plants
When plants experience stress due to cold, heat, drought or salinity in the soil, this leads to reduced production. That’s why we develop varieties that thrive under warm, dry conditions. Constructing new facilities
Rijk Zwaan is growing, and that’s why we continue to innovate and expand. At our location in De Lier, we built the Seed Connect Centre in 2025: a new facility for seed processing and storage. Naturally, we took our environmental impact into account during construction. Clean environment Aphid resistance in lettuce
Green aphids are difficult to control. At the same time, reducing chemical crop protection is essential. Rijk Zwaan introduces new iceberg lettuce varieties with aphid resistance. Water Innovation on the work floor
Seed extraction traditionally required large amounts of water. We developed a new machine that only needs to be filled once per batch and then reuses water continuously. Biodiversity Pollinators for fruit and seed production
Pollination by insects or other animals is essential for more than three-quarters of our crops. We work with Naturalis Biodiversity Center to find new pollinators. Circular economy and waste Reducing food waste with Knox™
Globally, one-third of all food is wasted annually. For fresh-cut salads, this figure is even higher. Breeding innovation helps tackle this issue, and Knox™ from Rijk Zwaan is a prime example. Three pilars for doing business with respect
Environment
Caring for nature and the environment at Rijk Zwaan means using natural resources responsibly and ensuring our operations are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Our priorities include climate, clean environment, water use, biodiversity, and circular economy.
Social
People come first at Rijk Zwaan. Our priority is to offer all employees worldwide a sustainable and pleasant job, with good and fair employment conditions – not only in the Netherlands but also at our subsidiaries and external producers.
Governance
Honest and ethically responsible entrepreneurship is embedded in our corporate culture worldwide. We make no concessions on this.