Our story: from cardboard festival tents to beds, lamps and business solutions.
We make absolutely everything from cardboard: whether you live, work or play!
As true cardboard creatives, we offer smart, innovative, and creative cardboard solutions because we believe that cardboard is functional, original, surprising, innovative, and an environmentally friendly choice.
How it started
In 2015, the founders noticed how many tents were discarded at campsites after festivals (a staggering 25%) and decided to do something about it. With the expertise and passion for cardboard from Delft University of Technology, the Kartent was born: a fully recyclable cardboard tent, strong enough to withstand rain and large enough for two people. Due to the success of this tent, the Kartent Junior was also created. These tents have been a resounding success worldwide, including at Madnes (NL), Welcome to the Village (NL), Best Kept Secret (NL), Helfest (FR), Unify (AUS), and more. To further improve the reuse of the cardboard after festivals, a cutting machine was purchased that could cut the cardboard into all sorts of shapes.
From tents to beds, lamps and toys
The 2020 pandemic gave us the unique opportunity to unleash our creativity even further: using a cutting machine, we created new products like a chair, a table, and a waste bin made from used cardboard. And it didn't stop there: we switched from used cardboard to recycled cardboard, and many more new products were born, including a cardboard bed, lighting, play walls, and much more.
Our range
On our website, you'll find over 300 unique products: from home & interior, office supplies, toys, and themed products to cardboard solutions for the business market. We make absolutely anything you can imagine out of cardboard! Think of a cardboard slide, a wheel of fortune, beds, custom cabinets, office partitions, and creative eye-catchers with impact! From creative exhibition stands, displays, and signage to custom work for campaigns, exhibitions, and events. Our cardboard creatives are up for any challenge. On our website, under "Kartent Business," you'll find a selection from our extensive portfolio for various clients. Get inspired and schedule a free brainstorming session to discuss your needs.
Why cardboard?
Did you know that cardboard is not only strong and affordable, but also sustainable? Our high-quality cardboard is made from at least 73% recycled material, supplemented with new FSC-certified wood fibers from responsibly managed forests. This way, you're choosing quality and making an environmentally conscious choice! With over 300 unique products designed, locally produced, and made-to-order only, we don't overproduce—that's what makes us unique. Fast delivery, strong, lightweight, and always 100% recyclable.
We are Kartent and we love cardboard!
Timo Krenn
Co-founder & CFO
Timo is a shrewd multi-talent and enthusiastic polyglot. He once started at the big PWC, but the suit was too tight and cardboard boxes were more his thing. Now he gets to play with cardboard every day!
☕️ The best thing is a (black) coffee that someone else makes for you.
Sam Steins Bishop
Sales
Want to know which type of cardboard is best for you? How cardboard can take your business to the next level? Or do you just want to know how many corrugations there are in a sheet of corrugated cardboard? Sam can help you with (almost) all questions! Sam is always up for a game of hockey (at a high level).
☕️ Sam also prefers to drink an espresso.
Cas den Braber
Sales
Chatting with Cas is always dangerous, because before you know it you have bought another piece of cardboard at a special friends price. It has happened to many colleagues! His sales pitches are as smooth as cardboard, which is why he has been able to get many people excited about a new cardboard reality!
☕️ His favorite coffee? Just black.
Jan Portheine
Co-founder & CEO
Jan is an entrepreneur through and through. He was once trained as an architect, but now he likes cardboard much better. In his spare time he likes to lace up his skates or hit a hockey ball.
☕️ He prefers cappuccinos with a little sugar.
Sylvia Ko
Product design
Sylvia ensures that our cardboard designs are always of the highest quality! With a steady hand, she knows how to draw straight lines, whether on the computer or with a Stanley knife. With Sylvia, your cardboard is definitely well put together!
☕️ She prefers to drink an espresso macchiato.
Helen Portheine
Graphic design & DTP
Cardboard and cartoons. Isn't that just a dream combination? That's what Heleen thought too, and that's why she makes sure that everything we design looks tiptop! Heleen adds color to our cardboard, and of course to our office!
☕️ She prefers to drink a Latte, but unfortunately our coffee machine doesn't make that...
Myrthe van Rijnsoever
Graphic design & DTP
From clean lines to playful colors: Myrthe transforms a blank page into a truly beautiful work of art. She loves colorful, eye-catching designs and is happy to brainstorm with you to bring them to life.
You'll recognize her by the smell of... yes, oat milk in her coffee. Because regular milk? That doesn't suit her style.
Charlotte Buts
Marketing
Ever wondered why we grow so insanely? Well, because we have a 'growth hacker' in-house! Charlotte is the secret, a real team player! She loves beautiful nature and therefore wants to travel around the world at least 5 times.
☕️ Charlotte prefers to drink a cappuccino with her colleagues.
Sophie Deelstra
Marketing
Whether it's a newsletter, (team) photos, or a social media post, Sophie is a master of it! With an eye for detail and a quick pen, she keeps everything running smoothly. After work, she likes to lace up her running shoes to clear her head and spark new ideas.
☕️ Her favorite energy boost? A cappuccino or, if you can, an espresso martini!
Merel Vergeest
Marketing
Merel is our all-rounder, always ready to help. As long as there's cardboard involved! Not only does she ensure our social media is always up-to-date, she's also happy to do some cardboard folding in the warehouse!
☕️ You can always wake her up for a cappuccino in the morning. (Not at night, though.)
Willemijn Wesselink
Office manager
Willemijn is always ready to answer your questions. Nothing is too crazy. She also performs financial tasks with love. After a few years in the media, it was time for something else!
☕️ Completely in her element at Kartent, she enjoys her decaf cappuccino with her colleagues.
Dennis Bakker
Product creation
Dennis is our support and confidant in the warehouse; every product you receive has passed through his hands! Despite his typically Dutch name, Dennis was born and raised in Spain, which is why he regularly surprises us with delicious Spanish snacks.
☕️ He likes to kick a ball and prefers a beer to coffee.
Koen Hobbelink
Product creation
Is heavy metal coming from the warehouse? Do you hear someone screaming in the distance? Are there smoke clouds drifting past the windows? Then it could be that Koen is doing some serious work! Don't be put off by his wild appearance, because Koen has a character as soft as cardboard!
☕️ His coffee taste is like his music taste: Nice and black.
Bo Lambrecht
All-rounder
Bo started as a product design intern, but felt so at home among the cardboard that he never left. He now combines his studies with working in the warehouse, where he is up for any job. From building exhibition stands to delivering orders by bus, Bo doesn't shy away from it. As a football fan, he is right at home next to the Johan Cruijff Arena.
☕️ Its fuel? A delicious flat white!
Glenn van Graafeiland
All-rounder
Glenn is one of those typical all-rounders you can never have enough of. Whether it's packing orders, building exhibition stands, or last-minute cardboard jobs, Glenn is ready and lightning fast. When he's not working, he's running or climbing. Literally! From trail runs and quick after-work laps to mountain climbing, Glenn loves to challenge himself.
☕️ What makes it so fast? A double espresso. Or two.
