- NL
- EN
Manufacturer of
laundry and cleaning products
since 1876
Senzora is an independent Dutch family business from Deventer, founded in 1876. We develop and produce high-quality laundry and cleaning products for a wide range of customers in the Netherlands and internationally.
With approximately 100 dedicated colleagues, we combine 150 years of experience with specialist knowledge of formulations, legislation, and consumer trends. Thanks to our in-house production, modern technology, and extensive production capabilities, we can act quickly and offer solutions that meet today’s demands.
At Senzora, sustainability is not a trend or a marketing term, but a necessity. As a manufacturer, we feel responsible for contributing to a world in which future generations can live well too.
Laundry and cleaning products remain essential in everyday life. At the same time, the global need for hygiene continues to grow. That is why we keep developing and improving our products, with an ever-lower environmental impact, without compromising on quality, safety or washing performance. In doing so, we continuously seek the right balance between quality, cost and sustainability.
We look beyond the end product and consider the entire chain in the choices we make: from raw materials and production processes to packaging and transport. Together with our customers and partners, we work on sustainable solutions and share knowledge to help each other move forward. Transparency, collaboration and a fair price are important foundations in this approach.
Our way of working was recognised in 2025 during the Deventer Entrepreneur Awards, where Senzora won in the Global Goals category. This recognition reflects the way sustainability, innovation and responsibility come together at Senzora.
Building on this strong foundation, we continue to move forward. With the ambition to become one of the most sustainable manufacturers in our sector in Europe by 2030, we also aim to play a leading international role in the development of sustainable detergents. We will continue to invest in innovation and improvement, with the goal of further reducing the impact of our products and processes, without compromising on quality, reliability or affordability.
In April 2025, Senzora received the designation of Royal. This distinction is granted exclusively to companies with an excellent reputation and a proven track record.
The designation underscores what Senzora has stood for for generations: reliability, quality, and lasting relationships. A recognition we are particularly proud of.
In February 2026, His Majesty King Willem-Alexander paid a working visit to Senzora. The visit focused on sustainability, reducing environmental impact, and Senzora’s 150th anniversary.
In February 2026, His Majesty King Willem-Alexander paid a working visit to Senzora. The visit focused on sustainability, reducing environmental impact, and Senzora’s 150th anniversary.
The founder of the later Senzora, Antonie Johannes Schoemaker, embarks on the adventure on May 1, 1876, and takes over the grocery store of widow J. A. Spijker on the corner of Graven-Papenstraat in Deventer.
Even in the early days, Schoemaker proved to be no standard grocer. The transition to wholesaler/soap manufacturer and coffee roaster therefore came as no great surprise to those around him. He established himself in a small factory on the Bruynsteeg (formerly Diefsteeg), also in Deventer.
The small company grows, and the expansion possibilities of the premises on Bruynsteeg soon prove to be too limited. The two sons, Jan and Hein Schoemaker, set their sights on the site at Raamstraat 4. Before long, the new factory is a reality.
On October 15, A.J. Schoemaker en Zonen changed its name to SENZORA (Schoemaker EN ZOnen RAamstraat). The name originated from a competition between the Schoemaker siblings. In the Chamber of Commerce annual report, Senzora is now officially listed as a soap powder and peppermint factory.
In 1927, Senzora started with products for dry cleaners and laundromats. Washing machines for consumers did not yet exist.
In 1936, the Schoemakers expanded the product range once again. Senzora was the first in the Netherlands to start producing crystal soda; a powerful product for degreasing and water softening.
During the 1940-1945 war, the neighborhood used the air raid shelters beneath the factory during bombings. During the war, Senzora received a license from the occupying forces to saponify fatty acids to produce soft soap. Hygiene was very important.
The warehouse, filled with Senzora’s brand KWAK soft soap.
During the war years of WWII, Senzora obtained the license to manufacture soft soap. During wartime, people lived in closer proximity to one another, resources were scarce, and medical care was limited. Precisely for this reason, good hygiene was of great importance and a first step in preventing diseases.
In 1946, Senzora started a paint and varnish factory alongside soap powder. In the years after the war, many houses needed to be renovated, and Senzora contributed to this in this way. The paint and varnish factory was sold 15 years later, in 1961.
Senzora was the first in the Netherlands to conduct in-house research into phosphate-free detergents. And with success! At the end of 1971, TNO issued positive reports on the composition and washing power of Tricel, the detergent developed by Senzora, which was biodegradable and completely phosphate-free.
The introduction of the first liquid soft soap: Tricel Gold Soap Liquid. The major advantage was ease of dosing and solubility in cold water.
Wool and delicates were always washed with powder, often leaving residue in the textile. That is why Senzora was the first to introduce Tricel wool and delicate detergent.
In 1979, Senzora founded the joint venture Recyper together with a Belgian partner, specializing in the collection and recycling of perchloroethylene, a solvent widely used in dry cleaning and cleaning processes. This created a nationwide recycling system. In 2004, this service was sold to Van Gansewinkel.
Introduction of liquid soda cleaner, due to ease of use.
Senzora continues to grow into a dynamic, flexible, and internationally oriented company. Therefore, a new soap powder factory was built in 1996.
The start of construction itself became a special family moment: grandfather and granddaughter Schoemaker, the 3rd and 5th generations, jointly gave the go-ahead for the construction of the factory.
In 2001, Senzora received the designation ‘Purveyor to the Royal Household’. A royal distinction for companies that distinguish themselves through quality, reliability, and continuity, and have built a strong reputation over generations.
The factory on Noorwegenstraat has been expanded with a production line that can produce washing powder capsules.
After 100 years, the production of confectionery (peppermint and candy hearts) has been transferred to Fortuin Dockum BV.
In 2018, the factory on Noorwegenstraat was expanded with the soda department. The old soda factory in the Raambuurt closed its doors. The office also moved, to an office building around the corner from the factory, on Munsterstraat.
Senzora’s own laboratory is also moving to Noorwegenstraat. In this new lab, not only are recipes developed and improved, but (dish)washing powder tests are also conducted.
The fifth generation of Schoemaker, sisters Ilse and Jeanine, are taking over the reins from their father Jan-Jozef and uncle Pieter. Ilse is in charge of real estate and Jeanine of business operations.
On the eve of our 150th anniversary, on April 24, 2026, we received the designation Royal.
A special recognition of 150 years of entrepreneurship, reliability, and significance to society.
May 1, 1876 – May 1, 2026
Senzora celebrates its 150th anniversary!
