Behind the scenes at Unbranded: How MEDITE MDF shapes iconic television sets

Unbranded is deeply rooted in Dutch television history. The company originated in the early days of Dutch television and has grown into the specialist in set and experience construction for television, live entertainment, and experiences. With a team of fifty permanent employees, they have everything in-house to realise a project from sketch to completion.

During the pandemic, many believed that everything would move increasingly online and into the virtual realm. Now, Unbranded sees a clear trend back towards physical experiences. “We’re seeing that people are actively seeking out physical contact again. In our sector, where we create real-life experiences, demand is higher than ever,” says Simon van der Vegt, Operations Executive at Unbranded.

For over three years, Unbranded has worked with MEDITE distributor Van Drimmelen for the supply of sheet materials. Reliability and availability form the foundation of this successful partnership.

“Van Drimmelen is a dependable partner who always has sufficient stock. In a market where projects often need to be realised at short notice, that’s essential for us,” says van der Vegt.

“The collaboration with Unbranded is characterised by short lines of communication and mutual trust. Unbranded works on projects where there is no room for compromise on quality. MEDITE MDF offers the consistent properties that guarantee the quality of these projects, enabling Unbranded to realise the most impressive sets and experiences,” says Arjen Postma, Account Manager Houtgroep at Van Drimmelen.

Unbranded uses MEDITE MDF in the majority of its projects, deliberately choosing the MEDITE PREMIER variant. “Our own research and practical experience show that this board stands out due to its optimal compression, which allows for precise routing and a perfect painted finish,” says van der Vegt.

He highlights the finish as a key advantage of using MEDITE MDF. “Where other types of MDF can produce a cloudy effect after painting, MEDITE MDF covers quickly and evenly. With water-based paint, one or two coats are often enough for a flawless result. This not only saves on materials, but also on labour hours—crucial in a sector where speed is key.”

One of the remarkable aspects of the partnership with Unbranded is that MEDITE sheet material features in nearly all their projects. In TV sets, around 80 percent of the visible finish is often MDF—think wall finishes, grandstand elements, and decorative panels. MEDITE MDF is also indispensable in experience projects such as Highlights of Holland, where it often forms the basis for decorative elements, finishes, and bespoke components.

Van der Vegt explains: “What starts as a simple, brown board is transformed by us into a stone wall, an old beam, or a sleek decorative panel. That versatility makes the material incredibly valuable to us.”

Sustainability remains a key focus in the world of set construction. Unbranded works with FSC®-certified products and partners with initiatives such as Buurman in Utrecht, giving leftover materials a second life. According to van der Vegt, experience shows that MEDITE MDF offers Unbranded the best balance between quality, price, and sustainability.

With the growing demand for physical experiences, Unbranded looks to the future with confidence. “We love building someone’s dream. With MEDITE and Van Drimmelen as our trusted partners, we can continue to innovate and deliver quality, while ensuring sustainability and creativity go hand in hand.”