Together with Krijn Verwijs we are launching the Krijn Verwijs Packaging Challenge. Krijn Verwijs is rising to the challenge of making the packaging of the products under their Premier brand as sustainable as their mussels. This way, not only the product but also the packaging becomes future-proof.
“Create packaging for our mussels with the smallest possible footprint, that protects the food and reduces the impact on the planet.”
Caroline VERWIJS
DIRECTOR KRIJN VERWIJS
Reduce the ecological footprint of our 1kg mussel packaging
Mussels are the most sustainable choice at the fish counter. In fact, among all animal proteins, mussels are at the top! Mussels absorb carbon from the water and store it in their shells. During the growth process, the shell captures carbon from the water and retain it. As a result, mussels have a positive ecological footprint. Moreover, mussels are farmed sustainably, without added fertilizers, freshwater, or pesticides. This makes mussels a pure and honest product, straight from nature.
Besides being sustainable and tasty, mussels are also very healthy. They are packed full of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3s, while being low in fat. This makes them a perfect base for a healthy meal.
Mussels score well in three areas: sustainability, health, and taste. For this reason, this is the right time to make the packaging future-proof as well. It only makes sense that the sustainability of the mussels extends to the packaging as well. This ensures mussels will remain the best choice at the fish counter.
Krijn Verwijs is a fish, shellfish, and crustacean company. Together with Dockwize the innovation connector, they challenge you to develop a new and/or improved packaging for their 1kg mussels that demonstrably reduces the ecological footprint — without compromising shelf life, food safety, product quality, or cost.
We’re looking for solutions that are practically applicable and at one of the following stages:
Prototype testing phase
Initial design testing phase
Initial design validation phase
Base material at minimum TRL 7 (Technology Readiness Level)
We are seeking parties, individuals, and collaborations who can provide innovative, sustainable, and food-safe packaging solutions for the 1kg mussel packaging — ideally scalable to 2kg, 5kg, and 10kg formats.
POSSIBLE DIRECTIONS FOR SOLUTIONS
Alternative packaging materials (e.g., replacing PP with bioplastics, glass, cardboard, etc.)
Packaging with lower energy usage during production and transport (e.g., lighter, stronger, simpler, more compact)
Improved packaging shelf life (less spoilage, longer shelf life)
Pre-packaging treatments that enhance shelf life
Entirely new approaches across the supply chain
Or combinations of the above
The challenge is open to:
Startups, scale-ups, and entrepreneurs
Packaging companies and packaging machinery manufacturers
Technology developers and material specialists
Designers, researchers, and students
Consortia and strategic alliances
Why participate?
Krijn Verwijs aims to be the first buyer of the most promising solution.
The two most promising concepts from the challenge will be subject to an intensive testing process with Krijn Verwijs to assess feasibility for successful implementation. If results are positive, Krijn Verwijs will become the first buyer and will actively support the selected party’s market introduction. This includes providing expertise and resources as well as facilitating warm introductions and collaborations with relevant retailers and packaging suppliers. Please note that this support is a best-effort commitment and does not guarantee success or sales.
Additionally, the winner will receive exposure at Seafood Expo Global (April 2026) in Barcelona.
Alternative rewards for non-final suppliers
If participants that are not yet ready to deliver a final solution are selected in early rounds, alternative forms of reward may be considered.
Dockwize also offers:
The Dockwize innovation hub and Krijn Verwijs will offer support in development and certification
Access to funding and scaling opportunities within the sustainable innovation ecosystem
Potential to scale the solution to other product lines or sectors
What requirements must the packaging meet?
A full list of requirements is available upon registration. Key criteria include:
Demonstrably smaller ecological footprint (in terms of CO₂ reduction and food waste prevention)
Minimum 7-day shelf life of the product (preferably longer)
Suitable for chilled storage and transport under varying atmospheric conditions
Resistant to salty moisture and mechanical stress
Recyclable or circular under current legislation
Compatible with the current supply chain and production environment, or enables optimization
Over time it can be competitively priced against current solutions
About the process
Duration: 3–6 months from launch to first plan selection
Guidance: Content and process support by Dockwize and external experts
Selection: Krijn Verwijs selects potential parties in three rounds: afterregistration, after the preliminary round, and after the final development round
Testing and validation: Carried out in Krijn Verwijs’ operational environment
JOIN US
Are you working on packaging that truly makes a difference? Sign up for the Krijn Verwijs Packaging Challenge and co-design the packaging of the future.
Do you know someone in your network whose innovation can impact circular packaging? Share this challenge with them!
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