From its founding to the future: Geert Derckx on the development of ‘Derckx Opticare’

Mr Derckx, please introduce yourself briefly. Who are you, how long have you been working at “Derckx Opticare”, and what is your role?
I am Geert Derckx, founder of “Derckx Opticare”, a family business established in 1994. Until January 2022, I was Director of the “Derckx Opticare Group”. From that point onwards, my son and daughter have taken over the business, with the exception of dry ice production. They will also take over this aspect at a later date.

Please describe the company. What is its main business?
“Derckx Opticare” specialises in specialised cleaning using dry ice blasting and (ultra-)high-pressure water (500–2500 bar). Our work includes cleaning machines or parts, preparing surfaces using various techniques, removing paints and coatings, and hydro-demolition.
In addition, we hire out dry ice blasting systems, including compressed air supply, to customers and supply them with the necessary dry ice – we are the typical “one-stop shop” for our customers. The sale of dry ice for various other purposes besides dry ice blasting, primarily as a cooling medium, is also an important area.

You have purchased three ASCO Pelletizer P28i machines. What has been your experience with the machines so far?
Since 2004, we have been producing our own dry ice using an ASCO Pelletizer A90 and later also an ASCO Pelletizer A220 for our own use. After a while, sales also became an important part of the business. With the introduction of the ASCO Pelletizer P28i, we increased production. This machine fitted perfectly into our strategy, following which two more were installed. The reason for this is the outstanding quality and reliability of the ASCO pelletisers. The A220 and the A90 are currently still in use to cover peak periods.

What is the dry ice produced used for? Who are your main customers?
The 3 mm dry ice pellets produced are mainly used for our blasting activities and for other customers; the 16 mm dry ice pellets are primarily used as a coolant – mostly for transport refrigeration and, beyond that, mainly in laboratories, hospitals and parcel delivery.

What was your biggest challenge in the dry ice sector and what are your day-to-day challenges?
Our biggest challenge was cleaning an old factory using dry ice blasting. All the walls, ceilings and columns of the entire shell had to convey a specific industrial look. Old layers of paint and markings had to be preserved so that everything remained visible. The building was later used as a student hotel. It was a unique project, both in terms of size (approx. 65,000 m²) and significance. The architect and the client were extremely satisfied after completion.

How well-known is dry ice blasting in the Netherlands compared to other cleaning methods (e.g. sandblasting), and how do you think it will develop in the future?
Dry ice blasting is still something of a niche technique compared to high-pressure water jetting and sandblasting. Environmental requirements and sustainability are becoming increasingly important, and dry ice blasting will certainly be used more widely to achieve these goals.

What future prospects do you see for ‘Derckx Opticare’?
Our dry ice blasting department and dry ice production will become increasingly important in the future. My son and daughter will certainly manage this brilliantly. A new generation with a new method, geared towards the future. The market will continue to grow.

3 ASCO Pelletizer P28i units, supplemented by an ASCO A90 and an A220.