Dutch printing company De Bink Opmeer has developed an innovative notebook called bionotes, made from roadside grass. This eco-friendly material, known as VoorBIJ-paper, is produced entirely in the Netherlands. The notebook is a practical example of circular design and shows how local biomass can support sustainable communication and branding. It’s especially relevant for designers working in packaging, product presentation, and environmentally responsible brand experiences.

Local Biomass with a Purpose

The Bionotes notebook turns a common byproduct—roadside grass—into high-quality paper. Every summer, grass is cut from Dutch verges to support local biodiversity. Instead of throwing this material away, it is dried and ground it into fibre-rich pulp by Waardewenders. The result is a unique paper with a small ecological footprint. By using local sources, the company also reduces transport-related emissions and connects the material directly to its place of origin. You can find VoorBIJ paper in our collection.

This local approach adds depth to the product story. Designers and brands can now work with materials that are not only sustainable but also tell a clear story.

From Tomato Pulp to Coffee Grounds

De Bink Opmeer has explored other surprising materials for its paper products. Tomato pulp, water plants, sugar beet residue, and even used coffee grounds are all transformed into new kinds of paper. These materials are collected and processed into biomass, then used in products like public brochures, calendars, and branded notebooks.

One example is a collaboration with Coffee Based. Together, the teams created a coffee-scented report cover using coffee waste and bioplastic. The company also produces tomato paper under the Valorise brand, already used by organisations focused on circular enterprise.

Source & image: De Bink Opmeer