Papendal puts
sustainability first

At Papendal, sport and sustainability go hand in hand. Their philosophy? Investing in sustainable choices today means creating a better, more future-proof world tomorrow. Under the motto “Fit for the future”, they’re building an environment that supports both athletes and nature.

During our visit, Anouk took us behind the scenes. From waste separation to smart energy use and healthy food: every choice is made with care. Think of an on-site vegetable garden, nutritious meals prepared with fresh ingredients, and a smart waste system that makes separating easy for everyone.

Papendal doesn’t just tick boxes, they go all in. Here’s what they’ve already achieved:

• 3,200 solar panels across the site
• An underground thermal energy storage system (WKO) with 800 meters of piping
• Charging stations for electric cars
• Green zones to promote biodiversity and eco-conscious landscaping
• Even sportswear gets a second life through collection and reuse

This commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed. Papendal proudly carries the Green Key label, an international mark of excellence for sustainable businesses.

Sustainability for athletes and guests

What makes Papendal unique is its dual focus. Elite athletes train here daily, while the hotel and conference centre welcomes guests from all over. These groups have different needs. Athletes want a fast, efficient system that fits their tight schedules. Guests, on the other hand, value comfort, awareness, and a healthy environment.

Papendal’s hotel team knows exactly how to bridge that gap. From the kitchen to the waste stations, every detail is designed to make sustainable choices feel easy and appealing.

One thing became crystal clear during our tour: waste separation is a core part of Papendal’s sustainable approach. You’ll find our BINBIN bins all over the property; at the main building, the sports fields, and in the hotel.

So why BINBIN? Because smart can be stylish:

• Multiple sizes to fit any space
• Clean, sleek design that fits a sporty environment
• Clever magnet strips for clear, simple communication

With BINBIN, waste separation becomes easier, more visible, and even attractive. And the results speak for themselves: since the bins were introduced, residual waste has been reduced by 50%. That’s real impact.

Shaping new habits together

Behaviour only changes when you make it simple. And at Papendal, they see it happen every day. Athletes, guests, and staff are sorting their waste better thanks to:

• Logical bin placement
• Clear waste streams
• Smart positioning throughout the site

Our bins aren’t obstacles, they’re invitations. Separating waste here feels like second nature. And that’s exactly how it should be.