The Netherlands has a name to keep up internationally in manufacturing chemistry. But to remain a leader, it needs to be greener. Just when the focus should be on sustainable production, companies are facing challenges, including access to technology and financing.
innovation and cooperation are crucial to promote the circular economy. Hence, on 7 November this year in Amersfoort, the network event Transition to Circulary was organised by Platform Groene Chemie, Nieuwe Economie and growth fund programmes BioBased Circular and Circular Plastics NL. The three parties aim for a circular, green economy by 2050, in which fossil raw materials for plastics have been replaced by bio-based raw materials, recycled plastics and - in the future - carbon from captured CO2 (CCU).
The Green Chemistry, New Economy platform is committed to accelerating the sustainable transition in manufacturing chemistry. Their goal is to realise a green chemistry, in which innovative technologies and business models with game-changers are given the opportunity to realise a new economy based on non-fossil raw materials. In this way, they aim to contribute to improving the innovation and business climate.
The fact that new connections are essential to realise circular and sustainable solutions is something we experience in practice at Hitma. We have been working for years on our 'single-use becomes circular project'. Our aim is to give plastic components and systems purchased from us by the (bio)pharmaceutical industry a second life when they are unused past their sell-by date. Currently, these products are still disposed of as waste and usually incinerated.
This resolution started with a wild idea, which made several colleagues laugh hard. But the project got off to a slow start and is now getting into gear. Building a network was also a challenge for us. Now that we have come into contact with several parties who are enthusiastic, including start-ups, things are starting to roll. This is good news for pharmaceutical companies that want to become more sustainable ánd it gives a huge energy boost within our company.
