Intersnack Netherlands and Verhoeve Netherlands are joining forces as part of the "Work Safely" initiative

Published May 29, 2026

Intersnack Netherlands produces nut butters, including peanut butter, and processed nuts for various snacks at its facility in Doetinchem. Since 2022, Verhoeve Netherlands has been treating the wastewater generated by the facility using a complex water treatment plant before discharging it into the municipal sewer system. Verhoeve performs weekly maintenance on the plant. In addition, major maintenance on the entire plant is carried out several times a year.

Safe workplace

Intersnack and Verhoeve place a high priority on a safe workplace. Earlier this year, the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) managers from both companies got together to assess whether their respective operations still align with the safety standards set by both companies. The goal was to ensure that safety measures are implemented in a pragmatic way on the shop floor so that they are actually put into practice. The most important result is that employees are aware of each other’s risks and take the necessary actions to bring them down to an acceptable level. Communication and coordination among all parties regarding this during preparation, execution, and completion make all the difference.

Wastewater treatment

Chemicals are used to treat wastewater. The wastewater buffer tank is cleaned in a so-called “confined space.” This work must be performed competently and carefully in accordance with established procedures. However, the overlap with food safety and the HSE aspects of Intersnack’s production process during minor and major maintenance also requires close coordination.

Workplace agreements are set out in a joint health and safety plan. The goal is not to create a mere formality, but rather to provide a clear framework to support us amid the ever-changing dynamics of the workplace. How can we ensure that we work safely together and that every employee returns home safely each evening?

Production Process Safety

The sessions held have led to the development of a joint Health and Safety Plan (H&S) that, for once, does not focus on the safety of each company’s individual staff, but takes a comprehensive approach. What impact does the execution of maintenance work have on safety—both for Intersnack’s production process (including its employees) and for Verhoeve? And how can we ensure that we work safely together and that every employee returns home safely at the end of the day?

It was agreed that the session we held was not a one-time event. In addition to acting in accordance with what we agreed upon and documented, it is also important to monitor, evaluate, and make adjustments as needed, so that we all keep safety and safe working practices firmly in mind.