This two-day mission, initiated by the King, was organised by the Flemish and Walloon business networks VOKA and AKT and is inspired by the model of Belgium’s international economic missions. Under the leadership of His Majesty the King, the participating companies aim to further strengthen interregional cooperation. In an economically and geopolitically challenging context, enhancing joint resilience is essential, both at national and European level. Our CEO, Pierre Macharis, also took part in the mission over the two days.

During the visit to VPK, discussions focused on how circular business models not only contribute to sustainability, but also strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of the industrial framework. As a Belgian family-owned company that has grown into a strong international group, VPK demonstrates how the circular production of recycled paper and cardboard packaging solutions — based on recycling and innovation — contributes to a future-oriented industry.

The visit to VPK highlighted the concrete leverage effects of circularity: more efficient use of raw materials, local anchoring of value chains and cooperation across regional borders. Innovation plays a key role in this approach. VPK strongly focuses on developing lighter packaging solutions, reducing CO₂ emissions and contributing to lower Scope 3 emissions for its customers. In addition, conversion projects in Strasbourg and Rouen, where the production of magazine paper was transformed into paper for packaging solutions, illustrate how VPK translates innovation into tangible industrial applications.

The interregional mission is built on the observation that Flanders and Wallonia are each other’s most important economic partners, with complementary strengths. While Flanders offers expertise, logistical advantages and investment capacity, Wallonia provides space and a skilled workforce. Initiatives such as this mission create opportunities to better leverage this complementarity and to explore new synergies.

Through visits to leading companies in both regions, participating business leaders gain concrete insights into how cross-regional cooperation can contribute to sustainable economic growth.

For VPK, the Royal visit was a great honour and an acknowledgement of the role industrial players can play in the transition towards a circular economy. By continuously investing in innovation, efficient processes and close collaboration with customers and partners, VPK is helping to build a strong and future-proof Belgian and international industrial landscape.