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Color has a major influence on the decisions we make — often unconsciously. Especially now, in a time when consumers and clients are becoming increasingly critical, it is essential to achieve and maintain the right color for your product.
Color selection, color consistency and color accuracy are complex. They require specialized skills, knowledge and instrumentation to (re)produce a product in exactly the right color — time after time.
Many companies struggle with consistent color accuracy in their processes. The Nederlands Kleur Instituut helps with specialist advice to improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of your color processes.
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SNKI is the independent knowledge and advisory platform for color application, color experience and color technology in the Benelux. We believe that professional color management — based on science, measurement and validated observation — makes the difference between products that are right and products that are rejected.
The Nederlands Kleur Instituut collects, develops and disseminates knowledge, skills and products for professionals in color, color application and color technology. We translate color science into practical solutions that organizations can implement directly.
What we stand for and what you can expect from us
Scientifically founded, carefully executed. No assumptions, but measurement results and proven methods.
Knowledge only has value if it leads to a solution. We work towards concrete, implementable results.
Color science does not stand still. We integrate the latest insights from colorimetry, perception science and measurement technology into our services.
Color influences well-being, safety and quality of life. We deploy our expertise where it has social impact — from healthcare environments to public spaces.
There are few organizations with this combination of scientific depth and practical applicability. We cherish and strengthen that position.
50 years of experience. Not superficial knowledge, but deep understanding of color science, color perception and color technology — built over three generations.
The founder of the Netherlands Color Institute Foundation is Maas Kotterink. Maas Kotterink was born on October 3, 1931 in Enschede and grew up in Almelo. He studied direct chemistry at the HTS in Almelo and began his remarkable career in the laboratory at chemical company Servo in Delden.
In 1960 he moved to Zaandam and came to work at paint factory Pieter Schoen, where he became responsible for developing color recipes. He had a very well-trained eye for perceiving color differences and which pigments are needed to develop a color.
Maas Kotterink in his younger years
Maas Kotterink Sr.
In the late 1960s, Maas came into contact with Ralph Stanziola of Applied Color Systems (now Datacolor). ACS developed computers with which color differences could be measured and color recipes could be developed. This made it possible to work much more efficiently and save on pigments among other things.
After the merger of Pieter Schoen with Vettewinkel and Varossieau and the takeover by Petro Fina in 1972, the company Sigma Coatings was created (now part of PPG Coatings). Maas was commissioned to set up Sigma Coatings' color laboratory based on ACS color measurement equipment.
In 1976, Maas founded the company Total Colour Technics, a consultancy for applied color technology. Consultancy, color measurement, color formulation and color assessment were the pillars of the organization.
Maas Kotterink was the first to develop a unique monthly course 'Applied color technology' in which he shared his acquired knowledge and experience.
After the untimely death of his son Arjan in 2004, his son Mark took over the company in 2005 and continued under the name Nederlands Kleuren Centrum (NKC).
Because the market increasingly demanded knowledge about color and color experience, the Nederlandse Kleuren School (NKS) was founded in 2008. In 2018, the name of the NKS was changed to Stichting Nederlands Kleur Instituut (SNKI). This created a platform that gathers and disseminates knowledge about color and color experience and acts as an independent expert in matters of color and color issues. Activities are still being developed within SNKI that build on developments that Maas started in 1976. Maas Kotterink passed away at the age of 89 on February 24, 2021. Until his sickbed, Maas dedicated himself with advice and action to spreading knowledge about color.
Chairman of the board
Responsible for the strategic course and governance of the institute.
Color expert and board member
Second generation. Specialist in colorimetry, color formulation, color assessment and instrumentation. Responsible for consultancy, training and product development.
Marketing
Responsible for communication, content and SNKI's online presence.
Telephone reception
First point of contact for telephone enquiries and appointments.
Reception and security
Always alert and ready to greet visitors.
Innovation & Development
Innovation and product development.
In addition to our permanent team, various color professionals are affiliated with our foundation.
Monthly insights about color science and color technology
Share your challenges with us.