Annemiek den Heijer, the new co-owner of Chemrade, talks about her personal mission for healthy and safe work environments.

What does it mean to you to become a co-owner (major shareholder) of Chemrade?

 Annemiek: “This is a major milestone in my career. From a young age, I’ve been driven by curiosity and a strong desire to make a practical impact. I grew up in Gouda as the eldest of four children in a warm, loving family. We were always outdoors, active, and entrepreneurial. That hands-on mentality has stayed with me. During my liberal arts and sciences studies in Utrecht, specializing in biology and toxicology, it became clear: I wanted to do work that goes beyond academic theory. Research that collects dust on a shelf is not for me. At Chemrade, I found that practical focus.”

What specifically attracted you to Chemrade, and what does this role mean to you?

"Chemrade came my way when an employee reached out to me, and from the very first conversation, I felt a connection. The people here, the work, the diversity of projects and clients—this was exactly what I was looking for. Now, after working here for four years, I’ve been given the opportunity to commit to the company long-term, working alongside people who can further my growth in both occupational hygiene as in entrepreneurship."

How would you describe the culture at Chemrade?

"Chemrade is a place where everyone feels valued. We work in a very open and trusting environment, which strengthens our team. To me, that’s essential: everyone is allowed to be themselves. It’s a rapidly growing company with plenty of room for new ideas. The best part is seeing those ideas translate into improvements in the product or the way we approach the market."

Chemrade recently won an award from Verdantix. Can you tell us about that?

"Yes, that award was a great recognition of the success our product has achieved in the construction and installation technology sectors. Verdantix is a research and advisory firm deeply rooted in the HSE market. Our industry solution makes complex information accessible to companies that don’t have a large HSE department of their own. It enables small companies to manage hazardous substances safely in the workplace without needing their own expertise. Where a small business used to require an external occupational hygienist, they can now handle it themselves. This saves time and costs while ensuring employees remain safe and healthy. It aligns perfectly with our philosophy of 'responsible care.' You take responsibility for a safe and healthy workplace for your employees. It feels good to know that our solution positively impacts the health of hundreds of thousands of employees in this way."

What are you most proud of?

“Sometimes, we work for companies whose ethics we don’t necessarily agree with, but even there, we want to protect people. Everyone deserves healthy working conditions, and we contribute to that. Employee health can be the bridge to a healthier end product. That’s what we all hope for, and it’s amazing to be a part of that."

If you could dream freely, what would you like to read about Chemrade in three years?

“It would be wonderful if a community emerged where companies could share information about hazardous products they have in common. Everyone would benefit from this!”

With her personal mission to create healthy and safe working environments for everyone, Annemiek is not just stepping into a new role at Chemrade—she is bringing a clear vision for the company’s future. Her drive and practical approach make her a strong leader and an inspiring example in the industry.