Het Nieuwe Nassen Challenges

Every year we produce 390 million tons of plastic worldwide, of which as much as 40% is thrown away within a month. This leads not only to a huge mountain of waste, but also to microplastics in our food and skyrocketing waste costs. Less disposable means win-win-win for people, planet and your wallet.

So after combating food waste, putting more plant-based on our plates and embracing local&nature-inclusive crops, it's now time for the next step: disposables out the door! Together with The Shore and We Are Nature, we are launching the latest Het Nieuwe Nassen-challenge: ‘Weg met Wegwerp’.

The challenge “More Plant-based on the Plates” ('Meer plantaardig op de borden') has been completed! For three months, Bar Blink, Diergaarde Blijdorp, Masa, Plaswijckpark, The Usual Rotterdam, Maritiem Museum, Dudok Horeca Groep and Franciscus set to work measuring, learning and experimenting. With the guidance of plant-based chef Pepijn Schmeink, Eiweet expert Jessie van Hattum and behavioral expert Marianne Karstens of the Green Protein Alliance, they not only worked on new dishes, but also discovered clever strategies to entice guests to make more sustainable and healthy choices.

The result? Inspiring, delicious and educational! On March 20, 2025, the participants and experts shared their experiences and successes during the inspiring final meeting - Food for Thought.

Do you have more than 40 kilos of food waste in the waste bin per week, i.e. half a wheelie bin full? Then join us. Only Rotterdam restaurants can register for this challenge. There are 10 places available.

Are you a Rotterdam catering entrepreneur or chef and do you also want to get started with Het Nieuwe Nassen? Save money by reducing food waste, make an impact on your menu by making dishes more sustainable or get started with nature-inclusive and local. Please contact us.