Our innovation strategy for the future
Innovation
What’s new?
Innovation is in our DNA
At Control Union, we understand the importance of looking ahead and embracing innovation. It’s a culture we nurture within our company. We see it as our responsibility – towards ourselves, our stakeholders, and our clients – to continuously innovate. At Control Union, everybody is involved. Everybody!
That’s how we offer cutting-edge solutions and technologies for our services in testing, inspection, certification and pest management.
With our innovative mindset, we’re able to meet the increasingly stringent requirements surrounding sustainable business. We always aim to go the extra mile adding value not only to our internal processes but also to those of our clients.
Innovation Hub
Within our Innovation Hub, we bring together talent from all departments to develop innovative solutions that advance not only our organization but also the industry and society at large. Our approach is holistic: innovation runs through every fiber of our company. By connecting colleagues, we foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and creativity. This sparks fresh ideas and impactful solutions – both inside and outside our organization.
Changemakers Program
Launched in the Netherlands in 2023, the Changemakers Program is now growing into a groundbreaking initiative within our Innovation Hub. What makes it powerful? We don’t innovate from a central R&D department but together with the colleagues who know the daily practice best. Our Changemakers.
Employees from various departments embark on an inspiring journey covering themes like Design Thinking, Agile working, co-creation, and cross-team innovation. Our Changemakers work on tangible ideas: from AI that streamlines processes to technology that makes our work safer, more enjoyable, and more efficient. They lead sessions, connect teams, and embody innovation from the inside out.
What the Hack? Hackathon with colleagues
Every year, Control Union Netherlands organizes a 24-hour Hackathon where a large group of colleagues come together to rapidly develop smart solutions for real challenges within our organization. And in 2025, this exciting and energizing event is going EMEA-wide! More teams, more ideas and even more innovation power!
During this intensive day, colleagues dive into creative brainstorms, rapid prototyping, and out-of-the-box thinking in multidisciplinary teams. The most promising ideas receive not only recognition through our internal Innovation Hub, but also the resources and support to make them reality and embed them in the organization.
Innovation through collaboration, hackathon with clients
At Control Union, we believe that the power of innovation lies in collaboration. That’s why we join forces with clients and partners to bring new initiatives to life. For example, we teamed up with a large client who is a supplier to the animal feed, food, and energy industries for an inspiring Hackathon. A great example of co-creation in action!
But we don’t stop at client relationships. We also collaborate closely with educational institutions and with promising startups focused on groundbreaking technologies. Together, we explore opportunities, build smart solutions, and shape the future of our industry.
Innovation Award
The Innovation Award is an international initiative that shines a spotlight on innovation within our organization. Along with the Marketing Award, Green Office Award, and Community Award, it forms an inspiring platform celebrating what makes our work special. The Innovation Award is an annual celebration of progress, creativity, and impact. Colleagues around the world share knowledge, inspire one another, and strengthen the innovative power of our organization. The most groundbreaking initiatives are eligible for recognition.
Design thinking as a mindset
Design Thinking is more than a method. It’s an innovative mindset that allows us to craft effective solutions around one clear, central question. It challenges us to stay curious, think differently, and look at challenges with fresh eyes.
At Control Union, we use Design Thinking as a driver of innovation both within our own teams and in co-creation with clients. It helps us unravel complex problems and translate them into smart, impactful solutions.
