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Vandeputte Group: A Legacy of Flaxseed Processing and Sustainability

The Vandeputte Group, established in 1887, is a family-owned business specializing in flaxseed processing. With a rich history and a commitment to sustainability, they have become a key player in West European markets. Their dedication to responsible practices and community engagement sets them apart as a trusted name in the industry.

Vandeputte Group

What is the Vandeputte Group?

The Vandeputte Group is a family company with roots stretching back to 1887. It all began in a humble mill in Rekkem, right on the borders of Flanders, Wallonia, and France. Gustave Vandeputte, the grandfather of the current generation, started processing flaxseed there. Since then, the story has blossomed into much more than just a business—it’s a love story between a family and their passion for flaxseed. Over the years, this small family business has grown into a group with multiple activities, becoming a key player and a corporate citizen at the heart of West European markets.

Main Benefits and Key Facts

Vandeputte Group isn’t just any company; it’s a benchmark actor with a solid reputation and brand image. Here are some key figures and facts that highlight its significance:

  • Founded in 1887 by Gustave Vandeputte in Rekkem
  • Five generations of family commitment
  • Multiple activities developed over the years
  • Located centrally in West European markets
  • Featured in Le Figaro Économie, a testament to its influence
  • Strong focus on sustainable development throughout its history

The Rich History Behind the Group

It’s fascinating how a little seed—the flaxseed—sparked a journey that has lasted over a century. Each generation brought its own innovations and investments, nurturing the company’s growth. From a small mill to a group with a broad scope, the Vandeputte family’s dedication has been unwavering. This history isn’t just about business; it’s about legacy, passion, and a deep connection to the land and product.

Sustainability: More Than a Value

For the Vandeputte Group, sustainability was once just a value. Today, it’s their “raison d’être.” This shift reflects a profound commitment to responsible business practices and environmental stewardship. The company’s approach goes beyond mere compliance—it’s embedded in their identity and operations, influencing every decision and innovation.

Location and Contact Information

Situated at Boulevard Industriel 120 in Mouscron, Belgium, the Vandeputte Group is perfectly positioned to serve West European markets. For those interested in reaching out, here’s the contact info:

Phone: +32 56 85 97 20
Fax: +32 56 84 02 01
Email: vdp@vandeputte.com

Project Impact: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – promoting sustained economic growth through family business development
  • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – continuous innovation across generations
  • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – embedding sustainability in all activities
  • SDG 15: Life on Land – sustainable use of natural resources like flaxseed

Brand Image and Corporate Citizenship

Vandeputte Group enjoys an excellent reputation, built over five generations of dedication. It’s not just about business success; it’s about being a responsible corporate citizen. The family’s commitment to sustainable development has helped the group stand out as a trusted and respected name in the industry. Their story is a perfect example of how tradition and innovation can go hand in hand, creating lasting value for both the market and the community.

What Vandeputte Group actually does

Vandeputte Group is a fifth-generation family business founded in 1887 by Gustave Vandeputte in Rekkem, Belgium, now headquartered in Mouscron. It operates across three divisions: linseed oil processing, soap and detergents, and oleochemicals.

Where the business shows up

  • Linseed processing: seeds, expellers and linseed oil for food and industrial customers.
  • Soap and detergents: household and industrial cleaning product manufacturing.
  • Oleochemicals: plant-oil-derived chemical products for downstream manufacturers.

Why this belongs on a sustainability directory

Vandeputte Group supports SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production) through certified sourcing practices, including RSPO membership for palm-oil-derived materials and independently verified quality and environmental management standards across its production sites.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Vandeputte Group based, and who uses it?

Vandeputte Group is based in Mouscron, Belgium. It supplies linseed products, soaps, detergents and oleochemicals to food, industrial and manufacturing customers.

Which SDGs does Vandeputte Group support, and how?

SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production): certified sourcing and manufacturing practices across its linseed, soap and oleochemical divisions, including RSPO membership.

How is Vandeputte Group verified as a sustainability project?

Vandeputte Group holds ISO 9001 and ISO 22716 certification, IFS HPC certification at its Mouscron and Boulogne-sur-Mer sites, EU and Austrian Ecolabel certification, Ecocert certification, and RSPO membership.

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Arnaud Michel, founder of Keys for Tomorrow
About the curator

Arnaud Michel is the founder and curator of Keys for Tomorrow. In 2014, his master’s thesis on community currencies and sustainable development won the Prix Recherche at Belgium’s Prix de l’Économie Sociale; the research was later published as Ecological Economics (Elsevier, 2015). He curates this directory to the same standard, cross-checking every project against established certification bodies and directories — including B Corp, 1% for the Planet, and Solar Impulse Foundation — alongside direct research into each project’s own record. Connect on LinkedIn.

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