Precision in dosing
Jorg sold professional fertilizers in bags ranging from 10 to 25 kg. “I want my consumer customers to be able to dose precisely, because that’s the foundation of a strong and healthy lawn. But a 10-kilo bag was simply too much,” he explains. The bags didn’t match the average size of a private garden. That’s why he decided to start packaging fertilizers in small plastic buckets himself. However, this came with a major drawback: “Packaging lawn fertilizer in buckets is very labor-intensive – I have to press the lids on firmly and carefully apply the labels. Shipping round buckets in a square box is also tricky because they take up a lot of empty space. I started looking for a packaging solution that was more efficient and practical.”
A pouch quickly seemed like a good solution: easier to fill, more sustainable options and better stackability. But finding the right format proved difficult. “Many suppliers only offered small packages, required high minimum orders, or used aluminum inner layers – something I don’t consider sustainable.”
Testing packaging with a sample box
The turning point came when Rob Engelman from Pouchfabriek called with the suggestion to explore suitable packaging together. “He proposed delivering a set of samples so I could test different sizes and materials with the fertilizers. Very thoughtful and exactly what I needed,” says Jorg. “This allowed me to experience how strong the packaging material was – extremely important, because lawn fertilizer in large quantities can cause tearing. I could also determine whether the desired volume would fit well inside the pouch, which gave me confidence.” He emphasizes that the collaboration went smoothly from the very first moment. “We had a great connection, and it felt good to work with a partner also based in Brabant.”
Sustainable and flexible
For Jorg, continuously exploring how his company can contribute to a better world feels natural. Choosing a mono-PE pouch was therefore an obvious step: research by Pouchfabriek shows that producing this material results in up to 87% less CO₂ emissions compared to his plastic buckets. In addition to being more environmentally friendly, pouches are also far more practical. Jorg: “They take up much less space in the warehouse and are easier to ship because they can be stacked. Customers benefit too: while storing an empty bucket can be annoying, an empty pouch simply fits in the trash.”
Guidance in the design process
The pouch received a clean, modern design – bright colors and a transparent window that makes the fertilizer visible. “I think it’s important that customers can see what they’re buying,” Jorg says. “Just like in a store, where you want to instantly recognize what you need. The pouch now clearly states: Spring Lawn Fertilizer, with underneath: restores after winter. That’s clear for consumers.” The design was created by an external designer, while Pouchfabriek guided the process. “I’m a perfectionist, so I appreciated that Rob collaborated with the designer, allowing me to occasionally take a step back.” When the design was finished, Pouchfabriek provided Jorg with a proof print. “That was really reassuring, because your biggest fear is that it won’t look good or that the correct dosage won’t fit on the packaging. But now I knew exactly what I was getting.”
Serving customers well
Starting next spring, Kuypers will launch the first pouches on the market. He’ll begin with the two best-selling sizes and expand gradually. How does he look back on the collaboration? “I’m very happy with the flexibility that Pouchfabriek offered. If legislation or the composition of my fertilizer ever changes, I’m not stuck with huge inventories. That gives freedom and peace of mind. And the short delivery times? A great bonus. I truly believe that with these pouches, I can serve my customers exceptionally well.”
