ROTTERDAM, 21 February 2025 – Oxious Talent Factory has rebranded as Remake Society, reinforcing its commitment to circular textile production and social impact. The announcement was marked by the unveiling of a new logo, presented on a handmade bodywarmer crafted from recycled denim and banner material.

_{Image: Esther Smit and Tim Versnel (wearing the bodywarmer) with the Remake Society team in the background. Photo credit: Bart Hoogveld.}

Oxious Talent Factory becomes Remake Society

Rotterdam-based textile workshop Oxious Talent Factory has adopted a new name and identity, rebranding as Remake Society. The change reflects its mission to combine circular textile production with social impact in a commercially viable model. The transformation was officially launched by Rotterdam alderman Tim Versnel (Work and Income), who revealed the new brand logo on a sustainably made bodywarmer that he received during the event.

Alderman Tim Versnel commented on the rebranding: “Remake Society is a pioneer in the circular economy. Their efforts benefit both the world and the city. It is inspiring to see how quickly people develop language and technical skills here, enabling them to take steps towards stable employment. I admire Esther’s perseverance and creativity; she is a true Rotterdam entrepreneur with a social heart.”

From experiment to a proven model

According to Esther Smit, co-founder of Remake Society and Rotterdam’s Businesswoman of the Year 2024, the rebranding marks an important milestone. “Remake Society signifies maturity and a strong statement: our workshop has proven its value. We transform waste into new value, combining social impact with commercial strength while addressing the growing demand for solutions to the vast textile waste problem.”

The workshop provides employment opportunities for newcomers, returnees to the labour market, and individuals who have been overlooked in society. By using their craftsmanship for high-quality product development, wasted textiles are repurposed into new, sustainable, and fashionable products.

Circular business model

With its rebranding, Remake Society strengthens its position as a repurpose and repair hub for the fashion industry. Several well-known brands, including Zeeman, Jeans Centre, KPN, Terre des Hommes, and FC 88, already collaborate with the workshop to repurpose corporate clothing and banners into new products or repair existing garments.

Instead of discarding textile waste, this circular model ensures materials are commercially reused. “We connect businesses, government, and education to build a sustainable ecosystem where circular production and social inclusion go hand in hand. Additionally, we help companies reduce their environmental footprint and comply with new European sustainability regulations,” Smit explained. “We are in discussions with well-known brands and major players in the events industry who want to join our initiative.”

From talent development to market value

By reducing textile waste and offering a repair service, Remake Society creates opportunities for skilled workers who are often underutilised and unemployed. Some have no formal qualifications but have learned their trade from family members or worked in production facilities for major fashion brands. The workshop provides a space where people on benefits, newcomers, and those re-entering the workforce can demonstrate their skills, build a future, and earn a fair wage.

“These individuals, often experienced and highly skilled garment workers, give textile waste a second life. By retraining them and providing a professional work environment, we create both social impact and high-quality sustainable fashion. This aligns with the growing market demand,” Smit emphasised.

ROTTERDAM, 4 February 2025 – Homeowners in South Holland received substantial subsidies for sustainability improvements in 2024, though Rotterdam residents saw less benefit due to high numbers of rental properties. In 2025, the rules and subsidy amounts have changed, affecting homeowners considering renovations this year.

ISDE subsidies mostly granted outside Rotterdam

Since 2016, the Investeringssubsidie duurzame energie en energiebesparing (ISDE) has provided financial support to homeowners investing in energy-efficient upgrades. New research by the sustainability platform Slimster, based on data from the Regional Climate Monitor, shows that in 2024, subsidies were primarily allocated in smaller municipalities outside major cities.

In South Holland, Wassenaar received the highest subsidies per household, with an average of nearly €3,700 per 100 households. Other municipalities high on the list include Nieuwkoop, Bodegraven-Reeuwijk, Midden-Delfland, and Voorschoten. Residents of Voorschoten most frequently applied for insulation subsidies, while those in Bodegraven-Reeuwijk and Nieuwkoop led in applications for heat pumps. The typical subsidy per application was approximately €2,700.

Rotterdam sees fewer subsidies due to housing composition

Rotterdam, along with cities such as Delft, Leiden, and The Hague, saw lower ISDE allocations. According to Marco Schuurman of Slimster, this is largely due to the housing composition in urban areas.

“The ISDE subsidy is specifically for homeowners, and cities like Rotterdam have a high proportion of rental properties and apartments,” Schuurman explained. “Additionally, homes outside the city are often larger and detached, which means more insulation material and larger heat pumps are needed. These higher costs lead to higher subsidies.”

Changes in ISDE subsidies for 2025

Homeowners planning renovations in 2025 should be aware of changes in subsidy amounts. The subsidy for triple glazing has increased significantly, from €65.50 to €111 per square metre, while support for HR++ glass remains at only €25 per square metre. Triple glazing is only eligible for a subsidy if installed with insulating window frames, typically made of synthetic materials.

Additionally, the government aims to encourage the use of sustainable insulation materials. Homeowners choosing biobased materials such as wood fibre or sheep wool can receive a bonus subsidy of up to €6 per square metre, depending on the type of insulation.

Conversely, subsidies for heat pumps have been adjusted. The minimum subsidy has been reduced from €2,100 to €1,250, but for larger systems, the subsidy per extra kW has increased from €150 to €225. This change is intended to promote heat pumps with higher efficiency or greater capacity, particularly for larger homes.

Conclusion

While Rotterdam residents benefited less from ISDE subsidies in 2024 due to housing composition, changes in 2025 could affect future applications. Homeowners looking to invest in sustainability measures should consider the updated subsidy conditions to maximise their benefits.

ROTTERDAM, 10 January 2025 – Nostalgic phone booths have reappeared in Rotterdam's streets, aiming to address the growing issue of social isolation. The initiative, part of the 'Mooiste Contact Maand', encourages more personal connections.

Phone booths return to Rotterdam to tackle social isolation

The streets of Rotterdam are now home to four nostalgic phone booths as part of an initiative launched by the KPN Mooiste Contact Fonds. The ‘Mooiste Contact Maand’ (literally ‘Most Beautiful Contact Month’) is an initiative aimed at raising awareness of social isolation (contactarmoede) and encouraging meaningful human connections through activities and outreach efforts. According to recent research, over one-third of Dutch people have days when they speak to no one. Among those aged 40 to 49, 37% report feeling their social connections are inadequate, and one in four feel they receive too few visits.

The phone booths will travel across the Netherlands in the coming weeks, inspiring people to make personal phone calls and reconnect. Throughout the year, the foundation will continue to organise activities to foster meaningful social contact.

Key findings on social connections

The findings of a survey conducted in November 2024 among over 2,000 Dutch participants reveal the following:

• Two-thirds of respondents admitted that, at times, they should call or visit someone but fail to do so.
• Nearly half (47.5%) admitted to sending messages when they believe a call or visit would have been more appropriate.
• 55.7% preferred receiving a phone call or visit over a message.
• 29% rated their social connections as insufficient, with a peak of 37.1% among those aged 40-49.
• 30% of respondents felt more comfortable expressing themselves in messages rather than face-to-face.
• Over 45% considered it a worthwhile resolution for 2025 to prioritise real social contact.
• Approximately 17% found phone calls intimidating, with this figure rising to 28.5% among people under 30.

Mark Versteegen, director of the KPN Mooiste Contact Fonds, makes a phone call during the launch of the Mooiste Contact Maand.

Psychological insights into social connection

Psychologist and author Marissa van der Sluis, who attended the presentation of the research, remarked, “While digital connectivity is constant, real connection is dwindling. Authentic contact involves seeing, hearing, and meeting each other in person. It’s unpredictable, which makes it challenging but also fulfilling.” She added that the increasing preference for text-based communication stems from its perceived safety, allowing users to refine their words before sharing.

Encouraging a return to authentic contact

Mark Versteegen, director of the KPN Mooiste Contact Fonds, highlighted the importance of pausing digital distractions to foster real connections. “This January, we’re showing people how small actions—like stopping scrolling and making personal contact—can combat social isolation,” Versteegen explained. Alongside the travelling phone booths, a special phone call workshop for young people will take place on 23 January, helping participants feel more at ease with calls. “We aim not just to raise awareness but also to equip people with tools to address this issue,” Versteegen concluded.

Sociologist and gerontologist Eric Schoenmakers, an expert on loneliness, emphasised the significance of social ties for overall wellbeing. “Breaking social isolation is crucial to prevent people from becoming disconnected. Initiatives like these provide meaningful pathways to stronger connections.”

Local advocate shares a personal story

Rotterdam-based influencer Qucee underscored the importance of addressing social isolation by sharing his own experiences. “I was bullied during my youth and felt profoundly lonely, avoiding making contact with others. That period even led to depression. A healthy social life is vital for our wellbeing, and I want to help break the stigma surrounding mental health. Real connection makes an enormous difference,” he said.

ROTTERDAM, 9 January 2025 – A recent study commissioned by HG, a specialist cleaning product manufacturer, has revealed that nearly 89% of Dutch households have dealt with mould, with over three-quarters of cases occurring in the past year. Rotterdam residents face particular challenges due to the city’s housing diversity and coastal climate.

Study highlights mould prevalence and causes

The HG study, conducted among Dutch households aged 25 to 65, sheds light on the widespread nature of mould issues across the country. Poor ventilation and high humidity are identified as the primary causes, with 80% of respondents linking these factors to mould growth. However, fewer people recognise low indoor temperatures as a contributing factor, even though colder air retains less moisture, leading to increased condensation.

“January, as the coldest month of the year, is a prime time for mould formation,” says John Zentveld, a mould expert at HG. “During winter, people keep their windows and doors closed to retain heat, but this results in high humidity and condensation, creating ideal conditions for mould to thrive.”

Rotterdam’s housing and climate exacerbate mould problems

Rotterdam’s unique mix of housing types presents varied challenges for residents tackling mould. In older neighbourhoods such as Delfshaven, pre-war apartments often have limited ventilation and damp basements, making them more susceptible to mould. Modern high-rise flats in areas like Kop van Zuid, while better insulated, can trap humidity if windows are not regularly opened. Converted industrial spaces in Katendrecht, with their large open layouts and exposed materials, are prone to condensation on cold surfaces.

Rotterdam’s coastal climate further complicates matters. The city’s maritime location means higher humidity levels compared to inland areas, making homes more vulnerable to moisture build-up. Daily activities such as cooking and showering contribute an additional 10 to 15 litres of moisture to indoor air, which, without proper ventilation, can settle on walls and other surfaces.

Energy-saving habits contribute to mould formation

The study highlights how rising energy costs have influenced household behaviour, with many residents reducing heating and ventilation to save on energy bills. These changes, while practical, have unintentionally increased mould risks. The cold air and limited airflow during winter months create an environment where mould can grow quickly, particularly in Rotterdam’s older or poorly ventilated homes.

Despite widespread awareness of the health risks posed by mould—78% of respondents believe mould is somewhat or very harmful to health—nearly half delay addressing the problem for two weeks or longer after noticing its presence.

Solutions tailored to Rotterdam homes

To address mould issues, residents of Rotterdam are encouraged to take preventative measures based on their home type. For instance:

• In older buildings, like those in Delfshaven, focus on improving ventilation and addressing damp basements.
• In high-rise flats, such as those in Kop van Zuid, ensure vents remain open, and consider using dehumidifiers.
• In industrial-style homes, like those in Katendrecht, maintain consistent heating to prevent condensation on cold surfaces.

“Ventilation, heating, and airing out rooms are essential for tackling the root causes of mould,” says Zentveld. “Mould won’t disappear on its own; it thrives on moisture and oxygen, which are always present. Cleaning visible mould helps, but without addressing the cause, it will return.”

Directions: common mould-prone areas in Rotterdam

Inspect your home for mould in places such as:

• Behind curtains and furniture in poorly ventilated areas
• Bathrooms and kitchens with high humidity levels
• Basements and other cold, damp spaces