Inclusion and Innovation: A Story of Collaboration

The journey of Lano, a family-run textile business, and Aarova, a maatwerk (custom) company, offers an inspiring story of how collaboration can drive sustainable practices, circularity, and inclusivity. Their partnership reflects a shared commitment to building a better future for the industries and beyond.

Since its founding in 1929, Lano has been a beacon of craftsmanship and quality. From manufacturing wallpapers to becoming a leader in carpets and artificial grass, Lano’s ability to innovate has helped it thrive. Lano is a testament to the enduring strength of family businesses.

“Everyone has a role within the company, and we treat everyone the same. So everyone is needed to make Lano to what Lano is. The family spirit is still here. And I think that’s also the case with Aarova,” says Heidi Debakker from Lano.

This ethos of respect and inclusion forms the backbone of their collaboration with Aarova.

Founded by Thierry Snauwaert, Aarova began with 52 employees and now provides meaningful employment to 380 individuals, many from vulnerable groups. Aarova specializes in diverse activities such as sample card production and catering services, truly showcasing how maatwerk companies can deliver exceptional quality while answering business needs and championing inclusivity.

“The sample cards are extra interesting for us. The people can do that sitting. We have regular problems of too little sitting work.” Thierry explains.

By investing in automation and innovation, they didn’t just enhance the quality of their products—they unlocked new potential for their people. Every step forward with technology became a step toward empowering their workforce.

The partnership between Lano and Aarova reflects a thoughtful approach to collaboration. Aarova brings a range of expertise and a deep commitment to creating meaningful work for people distanced from the traditional labor market. Lano combines decades of experience in textiles with a dedication to sustainability and innovation. Together, they have built a relationship that balances operational efficiency with a strong social impact.

“We have really built up the cooperation with Aarova,” Heidi explains. “They can do things we cannot. They are better equipped than Lano. Now we can do that, on their rhythm and on our rhythm. So we have less stock. And that works ideally.”

Thierry echoes this sentiment by emphasizing the importance of creativity in expanding opportunities for people with fewer chances in the labor market: “To keep employing people with less opportunity. And also be creative. We were not in the food [industry] first.”

This partnership is an inspiring example of how coming together can spark meaningful change—streamlining processes while opening doors to inclusion and sustainable growth. 

Groep Maatwerk plays an important role in creating frameworks for collaborations like this. By supporting companies that provide adapted work for people distanced from the labor market, Groep Maatwerk ensures that social and environmental objectives are prioritized alongside economic outcomes.

“If you want to achieve quality, look for quality partners. Don’t look too far. If you're looking for extra hands, don't look too far. And that's actually the message we want to give to companies in Flanders at the moment.” says Francis from Groep Maatwerk.

This way of thinking shows how local partnerships can create real impact, proving that sometimes the best solutions are right in your backyard. Francis highlights the importance of local, collaborative solutions to address global challenges.

“Our partnership contributes to sustainability by reducing stock and ensuring efficient use of resources,” Heidi highlights. “It’s a win-win for both companies and the environment.”

Lano and Aarova’s partnership serves as an inspiring example for the industry striving to embrace sustainability, circularity, and collaboration – that it’s not just aspirational; it’s achievable. Their approach highlights the power of thinking local and foster stronger community connections, the value of prioritizing flexibility and adaptability, and ,most importantly, their commitment to investing in people and processes demonstrates that innovation and social impact can thrive side by side, creating a model for meaningful and sustainable growth.

At its heart, the Aarova-Lano collaboration reflects the principles of sustainability, circularity, and meaningful collaboration. It redefines industry norms- it is an It’s not just about creating products; it’s about building systems that respect people and the planet. 
This partnership inspires industries to innovate responsibly and embrace partnerships that prioritize a sustainable future.

Thank you, Heidi Debakker, Thierry Snauwaert, and Francis Devisch.