Tour to Green Chemistry Hotspots in Groningen

27-06-2024

During the tour of GCNE participants to Groningen and Chemport, several green chemistry hotspots were visited, including BioBTX, Avantium, and the Verborg group. Paques, Senbis, and H&P Moulding also presented their latest developments on stage at the Energy Barn on the Zernike Campus.

More than 40 participants toured the Chemport cluster and companies in Northern Netherlands on June 25. At the Zernike Campus, Arnold Stokking emphasized the importance of coherent funding for scaling initiatives and adapting policies on, among other things, End of Waste Status and Level Playing Field.

Niels Schenk from BioBTX highlighted the significance of a level playing field and was proud of the investment of 80 million euros for the construction of the first large factory in Delfzijl. BioBTX converts plastic waste into so-called aromatics; chemical building blocks for everyday products like PET bottles, batteries, and foam. Niels guided the participants through the setup at the Zernike campus.

On stage, Joost Pâques explained how his company has developed a process to produce a fully biodegradable biopolymer from organic waste streams: polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). It is crucial to scale PHA production through a chain approach. Partners in this chain explained how it works, with input from Senbis by Gerard Nijhoving and H&P Moulding by Bart Labrie.

Maaike van Heeren from Chemport Europe explained how this cluster organization builds connections and supports frontrunners in green chemistry from lab to application.

During the tour to the under-construction factory of Avantium, Ed de Jong described how with significant perseverance in technology they have achieved production. In the factory, PEF bottles will soon be made from plant-based material, which are recyclable. Albert Heijn will use these as packaging for its private-label fruit juices.

At the Verborg Group, we had a tour showcasing how efficiently the processes are organized and how raw materials are delivered through the port. Verborg Group specializes in plant-based oils, fats, fat powders, and biodegradable products. With decades of experience, the group offers high-quality products and services in the vegetable oil sector.

We received many enthusiastic responses from the participants.

Jules Cuijpers from Resolved Technologies: 'wonderful event with impressive realizations and inspiring stories. Grateful to have been a part of this.'

Christophe Cappuyns from Alfa Laval: 'What an inspiring day! There are many initiatives in the Netherlands to make the material transition a reality. Very nice to contribute to this. Thanks to the organization.'

Arnold Stokking, chairman of GCNE: 'It's great to visit 3 frontrunners in green chemistry! BioBTX in Zernike Groningen, a pilot to create drop-in BTX from renewable feedstocks, the next scaling step has been approved! Avantium in Delfzijl, where they combat PET by producing bio-based FDCA for PEF. Not only green but also simply better! Verborg Group BV, where a brand new biorefinery produces lubricants from biobased raw materials.'

The organization was led by Joop Groen from GCNE and Chemport Europe together with the NOM.

If you would like to become a participant, you can register via this link.

Or contact Joop Groen.