• Can you tell us how 123RUIT.nl started, the market context at the time, and the similarities you see with AGE? How did the company grow from 8 workstations to the 50 you have today?

In 2013, 8 independent auto glass specialists started a collaboration. In 2015, the market changed significantly due to acquisitions and industry convergence. The auto glass industry was dominated by a few large chains and the technological demands of ADAS began to rise rapidly. Small, independent auto glass specialists were faced with the same question: How do we remain relevant, visible, and affordable in an increasingly complex market?

In 2017, the SZA foundation was established with the brand name 123RUIT.nl.
123RUIT.nl was established as a non-profit organization to support its affiliated auto glass specialists in their entrepreneurship.

The idea was simple: combine the expertise of local professionals, connect them with one brand, one quality standard, but let each participant operate in their own way. It was the best of both worlds, traditional craftsmanship combined with modern economies of scale.

As the organization grew towards nationwide coverage, a valuable international connection emerged. 123RUIT.nl became the official representative of the AGE network in the Netherlands. This gave every customer in the Netherlands access not only to local craftsmanship, but also to a European network of specialists.

In a way 123RUIT and AGE are similar. Entrepreneurs are free to do business as they like but benefit from each other’s knowledge and expertise. Only the scale differs. While 123ruit focuses on the Netherlands, AGE is growing internationally.

• As 123RUIT.nl has expanded, what role has Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) played in shaping the company’s strategy, culture, and values?

From the beginning, 123RUIT has focused on ESG policy. 123RUIT.nl was the first in the Netherlands to start using the quality labels Groen Gedaan and Qualified. These labels give us insight into relevant figures we use to reduce the pressure on the environment. At the 123RUIT HQ we have insight into the CO2 footprint per location. Also we are committed to the VSME reporting. This is a voluntary ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) reporting framework that helps smaller businesses to report sustainability information in a simple, proportional, and standardized way.

Reporting and insight is the fist step. Actually reducing our CO2 footprint is of course more important. 123RUIT.nl applies the principle: “Repair where possible, replace when necessary.” With direct steering, we even achieve a repair rate of more than 50% for our customers thanks to our specialism.

Within 123RUIT.nl, it goes beyond the E of ESG. 123ruit was founded to empower local entrepreneurs and we our participants are locally involved and support local initiatives.

• 123Ruit.nl participates in the GroenGedaan carbon footprint assessment. What motivated you to take this step, and what impact has it had on your sustainability practices? Could you also explain what GroenGedaan is and what this certification represents for your business?

The GroenGedaan! quality label is an initiative backed by insurers, leasing companies, fleet owners and the government.

These stakeholders increasingly require demonstrable sustainability from their repair networks. GroenGedaan! helps companies show that they meet CSRD and ESG requirements.

For 123RUIT.nl, this means among other things transparent CO₂ footprint measurement and clear opportunities for improvement due to a structural improvement plan backed by annual updates and audits.

• As an AGE member in the Netherlands and a board member in both entities, how has AGE supported 123RUIT.nl’s CSR objectives? And how can AGE help other members strengthen their CSR initiatives?

As a Dutch member of the Automotive Glass Experts (AGE) network, 123RUIT.nl benefits directly from AGE’s strong, international sustainability strategy, prioritizing windshield repair over replacement, which significantly reduces environmental impact.

AGE’s commitment to repair first practices, global ESG governance and standardized CO₂‑measurement tools reinforces the CSR ambitions that 123RUIT.nl has already embedded into its ESG policy.

To strengthen ESG performance, AGE supports all members, including 123RUIT.nl, through its partnership with Worldfavor, a centralized platform enabling accessible, standardized CO₂ emission measurement across the entire network. This helps members meet growing expectations from insurers, partners, and customers while minimizing administrative effort.

AGE further enhances member capabilities through global meetings, knowledge sharing, and transparency initiatives, emphasizing climate neutrality.

Finally, AGE offers clear ESG guidance and a standardized governance structure for all members, helping organizations implement actionable policies that reinforce environmental, social, and ethical standards across operations

• Looking ahead, what are your CSR goals and plans for 2026 and beyond, particularly regarding sustainable and circular entrepreneurship?

Coming years we will focus on Closing the loop. Broken car windows are collected by a specialized company, which then uses the glass as raw material for other glass products such as bottles, but ultimately also as the basis for a new windshield. On the other hand, we do face the challenge that the function of car windows is constantly changing due to the use of projection on the windshield and, of course, the cameras behind the windshield.

This means that quality and purity must continue to improve.

Waste management, including separate waste streams with reuse of plastic and glass is also top of mind.

All backed by advanced ESG reporting, powered by the Worldfavor platform, GroenGedaan and cross border collaboration within AGE to raise global industry standards.

In the coming years, we will be taking major steps toward circular working. This means less waste, more reuse, smarter return flows, and an increasingly green glass chain, supported by AGE.