We go back a long way. With 130 years of practical experience in the solid board trade we have built up comprehensive knowledge to provide the market with the right products.
Our board can be found in many products all over the world. We dare to make the claim that everybody will have something at home that was made of Eska material.
The two Eska mills were founded by entrepreneurs who saw a future in strawboard production. The mill in Sappemeer was founded in 1879 and the one in Hoogezand in 1897. In 1993 both mills merged into one company.
Some 350 motivated and enthusiastic people work in our factories and offices in Hoogezand and Sappemeer. Together with 100 colleagues at our sites in England, Spain, Italy, Singapore and the United States they are the beating heart of our company and are responsible for Eska's success in the market.
Mission & vision
Mission
Our mission is to provide high quality materials and solutions, while utilizing the best in sustainable technologies, that inspire creators to develop captivating and durable products for a better life experience.
People make the difference. Eska believes in the power of knowledge and experience. By encouraging teamwork and developing specialisms we increase the added value we provide together. The past has demonstrated that our customers recognise the value of our advice and our products.
We strive for Zero-Waste production and inspire our partners to make the same choices and to take steps towards a sustainable circular economy.
In order to achieve our objectives we optimise the communication with our customers and partners on a daily basis. We use the ideas and suggestions of our partners to study the opportunities for developing innovative products.
At the same time we never cease to invest in our production process, to ensure we work more flexibly, manufacture better products and contribute to the sustainable future of the sector.
With the annual Eska Frog Award we draw attention to the products that are made with our board. Each year we invite clients to submit their most beautiful or original products. They compete for four Frog Awards in four product categories.
Our graphic cardboard is the basis for many different creations. Our task is to manufacture so our clients can create. We would like to honour our customers with their amazing and special products. Each year we put the names of the winners of the four Frog Awards on a monument outside the entrance to our Sappemeer site. The Eska Frog Award and the monument have been designed by Xavier Cuenca, a Catalan sculptor.
Best product per category
The competition is across four product categories and five regions. All the winners compete for the Eska Frog Award in their product category.
The four product categories are:
We want to honour our customers for transforming our grey product into beautiful and colourful products that you come across all over the world.
Diamond Print Services Ltd, United Kingdom
At Eska we have started a project in collaboration with Q-Consult Progress Partners. This project is called "Eska in 10 years". It encourages employees to think about the mill of the future. We are well aware that the board market will change significantly in 2, 5 or 10 years. And we have to change with it.
With our new product
Father Gerrit is a process engineer and knows everything about the production of board. Son Gerwin has recently been promoted to manager continuous improvement. They are very much involved in improving the quality of the board and developing new products. Both are proud to work for Eska, because it is a strong and thriving company. Luiken senior: ‘Many board mills were closed in the past, but I have never had the feeling that this could happen to Eska. Unlike many other mills, Eska has always invested in machines, technology and people.’
Gerwin adds: ‘Eska has always aimed at the top of the market. But the top of the market is changing. Eska used to focus mainly on graphic board for hardcover books, stationery products and puzzles and games. But this market has changed because of digitalization. What I like about Eska is, that we are continually looking for new markets in order to continue to be successful. Therefore, today we are targeting the market for luxury packaging. We listen to customers and adapt our products and approach to their needs.’
This led for example to the development of Eskablack. This deep black material, which has a very smart look and feel, is appreciated by worldwide brands like Gucci and Moët & Chandon. Gerwin: ‘Everybody in Eska knows who our customers are. And they are aware of the product features that are important to make high quality boxes, for example. It sometimes happens that a colleague in the mill initiates a change in the production process in order to improve the board quality.’
Father Gerrit adds: ‘We are a big player in the international board market. Eska’s involvement in luxury packaging has made clear that there is a strong need in the mills to see what is made of our board. Because then we can contribute to improvements and new developments. The people in Eska have lots of knowledge and experience.’’
Is it possible to make other colours than black? Gerrit: ‘Maybe. When there is a customer who asks for it.’ His son Gerwin adds: ‘For example if a customer asks for green board, then we are going to get started right away. What do we need to make this? And everybody is ready to deliver a contribution. The people at Eska are professionals who love their job.’
From recycled raw materials to an optimised production process: every day, during each step, Eska works to raise the knowledge and use of sustainable processes to a higher level.
Nobody understands as well as we do that we serve our customers best when we provide them with products that are manufactured as sustainably as possible. Sustainability is a top priority for Eska! What does that mean? Take a look!
