7 2025 - number 4 - promzvak.nl vak C O M M E N T B Y PETER VAN GESTEL (PETER.VANGESTEL@HETPORTAAL.COM) You can feel how hard it is not to get swept up in the negative sentiment in the market. I struggle with it too. And of course, the geopolitical situation doesn’t help. Every morning, I open my phone with dread to see what that Oompa Loompa across the ocean has come up with this time. But now I say: this ends here. Let’s turn things around. What that idiot has managed to do, is make us in Europe start believing in ourselves again. For the first time in a long while, we’re united. Let’s channel that into our industry. “Made in Europe” is more than ever a unique selling point for our end customers. Not just to spite Trump, but also out of sustainability concerns. I’ve visited many countries recently to explore our manufacturing industry — and I can tell you: it’s inspiring. Let’s start by appreciating the amazing products we make within Europe. And let’s not just look to the West — let’s also look East. Of course, we can’t ignore China in many areas (think tech). But take those fast fashion giants like Shein. A huge amount of capital flows their way, while we’re left with the junk and waste. Just cleaning up that mess — something we’re legally obligated to do — costs more than the product itself. Let it be our goal to once again buy quality European goods and stay far away from all that Temu and Shein crap coming out of China. I’ve said it before: despite everything, I still expect the market to grow. And that has everything to do with breakthroughs in digital technologies and the ability to order in low quantities. This will drive growth at the lower end of the market. But it does mean your business processes need to be as efficient as possible. After all, an order of 50 units takes the same effort as one of 5,000. But that’s something we excel at. Just look at the improvisation and resilience we showed during the pandemic. In addition, I see a new, related industry emerging — one that focuses on repairing and repurposing products from our market into something new. Think of companies like Remake Society and Circulr. This allows us to close the loop for an important part and give products a new life. A fantastic way to add value and make a positive contribution to the environment. So (important reminder to myself, too): no more complaining — roll up your sleeves and get to work!
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