GCNE helps the transition of the chemical industry to a Circular Economy

The research utilizes various sources to gain insight into the development of the Green Chemistry ecosystem. It examines the challenges, investments, and growth phases of the companies.

Arnold Stokking: “The valley of death for start-ups and scale-ups in the green chemistry sector is complex due to the significant transition challenges and competition with fossil fuels. Scaling up therefore requires patient capital. However, the greening process will certainly continue, making investments worthwhile.” 

Download the full report via this link GCNE Monitor 2024.

The GCNE platform is committed to accelerating the greening of the manufacturing chemistry sector by improving the innovation and entrepreneurial climate.

To this end, GCNE aims to stimulate a portfolio of impactful initiatives – the gamechangers – that contribute maximally to this objective. Each year, the development of the gamechangers landscape and the impact of the GCNE efforts are tracked. This allows GCNE to continue steering efforts towards acceleration routes and provide advice to parties within and outside its community. 

Here are a few highlights from the report:

• Geographic clustering is important for players in the green chemistry ecosystem. The industrial regions in the Netherlands serve as innovation hubs, each with its own focus areas.
• Most companies in this ecosystem get stuck in the early growth phases due to limited access to capital. This calls for targeted support during these early growth stages.
• Companies in the green chemistry ecosystem often find themselves in an advanced technological phase (TRL 6-8), but lag behind in market maturity (MRL 4-6), which requires policies for stimulating market demand, collaboration within the value chain, and support for commercial implementation.
• Companies in other transition sectors experience comparable growth phases in terms of duration but often gain access to financing earlier in the process. Consistent, tailored support and patience are necessary to successfully guide companies in green chemistry through the growth phases.
• A survey of the companies in the ecosystem revealed that they benefit from GCNE initiatives such as matchmaking, policy lobbying, and technical support through the Green Chemistry Accelerator. Existing GCNE initiatives have increased the visibility of sustainable innovations and better connected companies with investors and policymakers. At the same time, much more effort is needed in these areas; this monitor provides good tools for the GCNE team to continue making progress.