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Ineke Vlot has worked at SMK as Programme Manager non-food of various non-food programmes since 1996. For EU Ecolabel, she assesses application files for certification. From her role within SMK, she represents the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management in the Regulatory Committee of EU Ecolabel and advises this Ministry about new and revised EU Ecolabel criteria with regard to voting positions within the European Union Ecolabelling Board (EUEB). From 2020 to 2024 Ineke was the President of the EUEB. She has been the vice president of the EUEU since April 2015.

Ineke is also responsible for the development and management of the Milieukeur non-food certification schemes.

In addition, she is involved in Sustainable Purchasing/Green Public Procurement for various product groups, both nationally and internationally.

Ineke is also a board member of the Association of Certification Scheme Developers, founded end of 2018.

Ineke studied biology and environmental sciences at Leiden University. During her studies, she performed research on topics including environmentally-relevant product information for consumers, modelled on the German ‘Blaue Engel’ (Blue Angel) certification programme.

After graduation, Ineke worked for a lengthy period as a project leader at the Centrum voor Energiebesparing (CE Delft; centre for energy savings). Her responsibilities included the feasibility study for Milieukeur (examining the possibility and desirability of setting up a Dutch eco-label) and research into international product-focused environmental policy. Before that, she was a project leader at the Stichting Consument en Veiligheid (consumer and safety foundation) and a product researcher at the Keurmerkinstituut (Certification Institute).

Lars Woltmann has been working as project leader EU non-food at SMK since August 2008. He is responsible for the assessment of application dossiers for the EU Ecolabel certificate and maintains intensive contact with certificate holders and other stakeholders. Furthermore, he advises on new and revised EU Ecolabel criteria to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture, and Innovation regarding voting positions in the EU Ecolabel Board (EUEB).

Lars studied Biology at the University of Göttingen and then worked there for over five years as a researcher/teacher, of which he spent two years conducting ecological research in Indonesia.

Klara Schmalbach has been working at SMK since March 2024. As a junior project leader for the EU Ecolabel, she supports the non-food department in preparing applications and assists the team with EU Ecolabel certification. Additionally, she serves as the point of contact for inquiries regarding the EU Ecolabel.

Klara came to the Netherlands for her master’s studies in Governance of Sustainability at Leiden University. While expanding her knowledge of the intersection between environmental and policy studies in this program, her personal focus was on the circular economy and European legislation.

Klara sees her work at SMK as a great opportunity to contribute to increased circularity within the EU and the Netherlands.

Ellen Brussee has been working at SMK since October 2019. As a Communication Manager, she deals with the b-to-b communication activities for SMK and the different labels and programs. She is in contact with our stakeholders through press releases, events, websites, newsletters, and social media channels. In addition, she facilitates hallmark holders in their consumer communication through guidelines, advice, and content. Ellen is part of the Communication Working Group of the European Commission for the EU Ecolabel.

Ellen studied Science of Communication at the University of Amsterdam. In Canada she followed a minor Marketing and graduated in Amsterdam with a Master of Science in Corporate Communication. She continued to develop and achieved certifications in Business and Online Marketing.

She worked in profit and non-profit organizations on the development and execution of marketing and communication strategies for different (international) target groups. While working at agencies, she worked for clients like HelloFresh, Qurrent, VandeBron, Rabobank and the municipality of Leiden. Her expertise lies in the area of social media.

Since summer 2024, Jindra has been working as a communications consultant at SMK. She did her Bachelor in Communication Studies and her Master in Communication Studies at the University of Amsterdam. In South Africa, Jindra followed a minor in Media & Film Studies. Before joining SMK, she worked in the cultural and non-profit sector. In her new position, she can pursue her interest in sustainability. ‘In this position, I can combine my background in communications with my social commitment. I like to dedicate myself to a more sustainable world, which is exactly what SMK stands for. That is why I am looking forward to using my expertise for SMK.’

Juanita Franco Creutzberg has been working as a communications officer at SMK since September 2025. In this role, she is the hands on behind the communications team and translates strategies into clear and accessible communication. She combines her broad experience with a practical approach and is committed to highlighting the impact of certification labels, enabling businesses and consumers to make more conscious and sustainable choices.

Juanita studied Biology and Science Communication at Leiden University and has over seventeen years of experience in international communications, mainly within the non-profit sector. She has worked at the intersection of strategy and execution on themes such as sustainability, forest management and conservation, social impact, and science.

“At SMK, I want to contribute to a sustainable future where certification labels make a real difference through clear and accessible communication.”