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The Netherlands aims to achieve a fully circular economy by 2050. To achieve this ambition, specific measures have been formulated for the transition to circular plastics, as one of the most impactful production chains. We distinguish four strategies to make raw material use circular:
- Reducing raw material use
- Substitution of raw materials
- Life extension
- High-quality processing
By turning these four knobs, it is possible to reduce raw material use within the carrying capacity of our planet.
The three northern authorities subscribe to the ambition to be a leading circular region with an exemplary role in Europe in the next decade. A unique ecosystem exists in the Northern Netherlands to make the circular and biobased transition a success. A strong agro sector, two chemical clusters and a large port, innovative SMEs, scale-up facilities and several knowledge institutions united under the flag of the University of the North. All partners contribute to the availability of (bio)raw materials, chemicals, polymers and high-quality recycling methods for the circular region, which promotes close cross-domain cooperation.
Applied research within higher education has a crucial role to play in this area. The research carried out in professorships can offer solutions to complex social issues, such as the circular transition of plastics. Here, co-creation between education, research and professional practice is characteristic.
The professorship Circular Plastics at NHL Stenden is committed to sustainable production, use and reuse of plastics through applied research and education. In this way, it makes an important contribution to the European and national objectives around circularity and sustainability. The professorship is affiliated with the Centre of Expertise GreenPAC, an initiative of NHL Stenden and Windesheim.