The story of Lock’O’Loop
Lock’O’Loop was founded by Gwen in 2021. As a French-Canadian freshly arriving to The Netherlands, she noticed the absence of zero-waste stores in Delft – a big contrast with Montreal, where such stores were abundant. Drawing inspiration from Montreal’s zero-waste offer and the producers’ vending machines in France, she envisioned a model that combines click-and-collect with the principles of zero-waste. Orders were initially conceptualised to be delivered in lockers (hence the ‘lock’ in Lock’O’Loop), but soon the switch was made to friendly pick-up-points across the city. Over the summer of 2024, Lock’O’Loop changed owners and is now run by Koen and Alex.
Koen
My sustainability journey began in Delft in my late teens when I joined Friends of the Earth Netherlands, after having seen Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth (released a few years earlier) and a newspaper ad for the organisation. I soon became active in the youth branch, where volunteering with young activists across Europe solidified my commitment to a sustainable lifestyle. Through adventurous train trips and delicious vegan meals I discovered how fun eco-conscious living can be!
Having to decide where to do my Master’s degree, I opted for Brussels: the epicenter of the EU, the place for impactful climate policy. In Brussels I quickly discovered its vibrant zero-waste markets, adding a new sustainable habit. (If you’re around, be sure to visit Bio Market Tanneurs.)
After a few years it was time to go back to my roots: The Netherlands. Missing Brussels low-barrier zero-waste markets initially, Lock’O’Loop was a gem to find. When we read the announcement that Lock’O’Loop would potentially close, I didn’t want this initiative to go to waste. So we take the plunge into entrepreneurship and keep the mission alive.
Alex
Hi, I’m Alex! Originally from Lyon (France), I headed off to study economics in Strasbourg and later in Finland. It is during this time that I had a realisation: the traditional economic models I was studying were missing a crucial piece of the puzzle – our planet. Returning to France to complete my Master’s degree with a fresh perspective, I was determined to bridge the gap between economics and environmental sustainability.
I then moved to Brussels, where I began working as a sustainability policy and research consultant, preparing environmental and climate studies for various EU institutions. While this work is incredibly fulfilling, I’ve found myself wanting to do more at the local level – where change and impacts feels tangible.
After kayaking in Brussels’ canal to pick up trash (see the picture below) and trying to minimise my own plastic consumption, it is time for a new challenge! So here I am at Lock’O’Loop with Koen!
