À PROPOS DE MINDEST
"The world is changing and so are its needs. Industries are adapting to evolving consumer behavior and the new regulations that follow.
For over 40 years, Mindest’s role has been to organize the recovery and valorization of co-products and waste from various industries. Mindest brings together professionals from diverse sectors to develop innovative, sustainable, safe, and environmentally responsible solutions that comply with current regulations.
Mindest ensures the implementation and execution of these new economic models, providing comprehensive solutions to both public and private stakeholders who place their trust in us."
Anne Bornhauser
President of MINDEST
MINDEST : a family story looking to the Future
In 1983, Bertrand Bornhauser, a pioneer of the circular economy, founded MINDEST with the ambition to structure and expand internationally markets that were still very local, focused on by-products from the agri-food sector. The company quickly grew. His daughter Anne joined the venture in 1988, followed by her sister Alix in 2000.
The “mad cow” crises of the early 2000s marked a turning point for the company. MINDEST reinvented its activities, developing new applications for raw materials derived from agri-food, while also turning towards waste treatment and recovery. This led to the creation of new sectors in renewable energies, biofuels, and the valorization of certain hazardous wastes.
In 2014, to ensure the company’s continuity, Bertrand handed MINDEST over to his three children. Anne took the lead in 2017, supported by Alix as Commercial Director and Marc, a lawyer and head of the Bornhauser law firm in Paris.
Today, the story continues with the arrival of the third generation: Henri Bornhauser and Alexandre Levesque. Their involvement brings new momentum to MINDEST and reflects a strong commitment to a sustainable, agile company, focused on the future.
For over 40 years, MINDEST has been building bridges between sectors, local authorities and industries. Thanks to its field-based approach, expertise, and adaptability, the company develops concrete solutions to turn waste into resources, in line with circular economy principles. We believe in the power of networks, partnerships with engaged players, and meaningful innovation to meet today's and tomorrow’s environmental, regulatory and economic challenges.
1983 — 2002
2003 - 2011
2012 - 2014
2018 - 2022
2023 - 2025...
ACCELERATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE RECOVERY OF MUNICIPAL AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE
CREATION OF MINDEST WMS COMPANY
& DEVELOPMENT
OF THE BIODIESEL ACTIVITY
A MAJOR PLAYER IN
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE VALUATION OF AGRI-FOOD BY-PRODUCTS
THE ARRIVAL OF THE THIRD GENERATION
CREATION OF VARIOUS RECOVERY SECTORS: WASTE GREEN
ENERGY ORGANIC FERTILIZATION
CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF NEW SECTORS
In September 2023, Henri Bornhauser joins the company and specializes in the recovery of municipal waste.
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In March 2025, Alexandre Levesque joins Mindest and develops new recovery solutions for plastics, tires, and wood.
1983: creation of Mindest by Bertrand Bornhauser in order to develop the international market for agro-food by-products (mainly flour and animal fats)
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1988: Anne Bornhauser joins Mindest
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1996 and 2000: 2 "mad cow" crises.
Mindest is creating a new sector in collaboration with the veterinary committee of the European Commission for the cross-border incineration of animal meal and fat in Europe. Mindest will incinerate + 1 million tonnes.
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2000: Alix Bornhauser joins Mindest.
Creation of Mindest WMS (Waste Management Solution), in association with Tiru (Dalkia Wastenergy), entirely dedicated to the valuation of RPIFHW.
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ISCC EU certification, obtained 10/2012.
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ISCC DE certification, obtained 02/2013.
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INS (Italian National Scheme) certification obtained 10/2015.
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In October 2013, creation of AD Biodiesel in partnership with Akiolis and Diester (Avril Group), a company specializing in the production and marketing of biodiesel made from animal fats and Used Cooking Oil (UCO). Mindest is in charge of the European sourcing of animal fats.
Since 2003, Mindest has been implementing the cross-border recovery of certain waste (sludge from sewage treatment plants and Wastewater Treatment Residues from Household Waste Incineration Fumes - RPIFHW).
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In 2005, Mindest becomes the exclusive supplier of category 1 animal fat for the production of green electricity in Belgium (<100kT / year).
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From 2005, Mindest becomes a supplier of raw materials for organic fertilization in Europe.
Mindest continues its development in the supply of animal fats for the main producers of biodiesel and "advanced Biofuels".
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Strengthening and development of the supply of biomass (biogas, energy, animal feed, etc.)
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In July 2021, with the acquisition of Dalkia Wastenergy, Paprec Energy becomes the new partner of Mindest WMS.
Since 2015, regular implementation of cross-border transport by train for recoverable hazardous waste (railroad tie, RPIFHW).
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In 2017, Bertrand Bornhauser passed the Mindest group on to his children. Anne becomes the CEO of the group.
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2017: creation of a waste division at Mindest, in partnership with Philippe Marquer