€6 million working capital guarantee enables ABN AMRO financing for European expansion
Dutch SME Envipco, a pioneer in smart recycling technology, is significantly expanding its production capacity in Europe. This is made possible through working capital financing from ABN AMRO, backed by a €6 million guarantee from Invest International. With this financing, Envipco can further scale up its production facility in Romania and Greece to meet the growing demand for Reverse Vending Machines, RVMs across Europe.
Circular economy
Envipco develops and manufactures high-tech reverse vending machines that automatically recognize and sort large volumes of plastic bottles and cans while processing deposit refunds. One example is the Quantum Bulk Feed machine, which allows consumers to return up to 120 containers per minute. These systems are essential as more European countries introduce deposit schemes to meet the EU target of collecting 90% of packaging separately by 2029.
Partnership
In 2023, Envipco sought financing to roll out its successful U.S. model in Europe. Invest International stepped in with a loan that enabled the start of production at its strategic hub in Romania. This partnership proved successful: Envipco Group has since achieved €100 million in revenues.
“This financing allows us to scale up production and lead the European deposit revolution – Simon Bolton, CEO Envipco.
Next growth phase
To finance the next growth phase and meet rising demand, additional working capital was required. With Invest International’s €6 million guarantee reducing the bank’s risk, ABN AMRO has now provided the necessary working capital financing. This was made possible through the Dutch Trade and Innovation Fund (DTIF), managed by Invest International on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Over the next five to seven years, an estimated 200,000 additional reverse vending machines will be installed across Europe. Envipco aims to capture more than 30% of this market and is expanding into new countries such as Portugal, Poland, the UK, Spain, France, and Italy. This growth is expected to create numerous jobs in Romania, the Netherlands, and across Europe.
Koen Hamers, Head of SME & Mid Corporates at Invest International: “Many Dutch SMEs aspire to grow internationally but face barriers related to financing and risk. Envipco is a great example of Dutch innovative entrepreneurship with proven impact on the circular economy. We provide tailored solutions and sector expertise to enable sustainable growth, especially when the market has yet to fully embrace it.”
Simon Bolton, CEO of Envipco, emphasizes the company’s continued investment in R&D and green production: “This financing allows us to scale up production and lead the European deposit revolution. Our machines not only facilitate packaging collection but also contribute to a circular future where consumers actively participate in climate solutions.”
The Envipco team together with the team of Invest International.
Facts & figures on recycling
Impact on the circular economy
• Returning bottles via RVMs reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 70% compared to producing new materials.
• The EU aims for 100% recyclable packaging by 2030, driving demand for high-quality recyclables collected through RVMs.
• Deposit schemes cut litter dramatically, plastic litter in Dutch public spaces dropped by over 70% after expansion of the system.
The Netherlands & deposit returns
• Dutch consumers pay €0.15 deposit for small bottles/cans and €0.25 for large bottles, refunded instantly at RVMs.
• The Netherlands has 27,000+ rcollection points nationwide, making bottle return part of daily shopping routines.
• Annual Dutch market: 600 million large plastic bottles, 900 million small bottles, and 2.5 billion cans, all now covered by deposit schemes.
Sources: environment.ec.europa.eu, bonapi.nl, tomra.com
