{"id":10550,"date":"2019-01-08T11:14:58","date_gmt":"2019-01-08T10:14:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chemistrynl.com\/projects\/"},"modified":"2026-04-10T15:19:28","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T13:19:28","slug":"projects","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chemistrynl.com\/en\/projects\/","title":{"rendered":"Projecten"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

PPS Toeslagprojecten<\/h1>\n

Via TKI Green Chemistry & Circularity several projects receive a PPP allowance (PPS Toeslag). Below are brief summaries of the awarded projects per roadmap. The summaries will be updated once a year.<\/p>\n

Samenvatting Chemistry of Advanced Materials<\/a>
\nSamenvatting Chemistry of Life<\/a>
\nSamenvatting Chemical Sensing & Enabling Technologies<\/a>
\nSamenvatting Chemical Conversion, Process Technology & Synthesis<\/a>
\nPPS programmatoeslag 2016<\/a>
\nPPS programmatoeslag 2017<\/a>
\nPPS programmatoeslag 2018<\/a>
\nPPS programmatoeslag 2019<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Toegekende PPS Toeslagprojecten<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>
<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Testing recycled rubber for new markets<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>University of Groningen, Newborn Rubber BV, Tyromer Europe BV
\nGrand date: <\/strong>13 March 2026<\/p>\n

Rubber-based products are particularly challenging when it comes to recycling. Excluding chemical recycling strategies that basically yield very complex mixtures of molecules used as fuels, material recycling options are limited and traditionally struggling in finding appropriate markets. In recent years two technologies for material recycling have been successfully standing out of other options and are represented in this project by the two industrial partners (New Born Rubber, NBR and Tyromer, TY). The objective of this project is to define a set of standardized tests by which a recycled rubber material can be characterized and, consequently, introduced to the market.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Controlling the surface of complex biobased polymers<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>University of Amsterdam, Forbo Flooring B.V.
\nGrand date: <\/strong>13 March 2026<\/p>\n

In the face of climate change, there is a need to use more biobased feedstocks to produce the materials in and around our buildings. There are promising uses for polymers based on drying vegetable oils. These are already applied in, e.g., linoleum flooring and alkyd paints, but they also form the binder in historical oil paintings. This project brings together chemical expertise from industry and art conservation to study how surface properties of complex biobased polymer networks change under influence of environmental conditions like humidity, temperature and air flow, supporting both future industrial product development as well as paintings conservation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Optimizing macromolecular composition and yield of methylotrophic yeasts<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>Delft University of Technology, DSM-Firmenich
\nGrand date: <\/strong>13 March 2026<\/p>\n

Productie van voeding voor mensen en dieren is een belangrijke bron van broeikasgassen. Methanol, een alcohol die gemaakt kan worden uit groene stroom en CO2, kan worden gebruikt als \u2018voedsel\u2019 voor het kweken van gist. Om deze gist als duurzame bron van eiwit in voeding te kunnen gebruiken, moet omzetting van methanol in gisteiwit heel effici\u00ebnt verlopen. In dit project werken dsm-firmenich en TU Delft samen om te onderzoeken hoe exploratie van biodiversiteit, kweekomstandigheden en selectie van niet genetische gemodificeerde varianten van gisten kunnen bijdragen aan duurzame, economisch haalbare productie van voedingseiwit onder relevante industri\u00eble condities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Chemocatalytic conversion of glycolaldehyde from biomass pyrolysis<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>University of Groningen, BTG Biomass Technology Group BV, Betonmortel Sector De Hoop B.V.
\nGrand date: <\/strong>28 January 2026<\/p>\n

The goal of this project is to enable the use of biomass as feedstock for bio-based chemical building blocks for polymers. This is done by catalytic conversion of pyrolysis oil components produced by BTG using flexible pyrolysis technology from inedible agricultural residues. It aims to first fundamentally investigate the integrated conversion of a major pyrolysis component that is glycolaldehyde together with the pyrolytic sugars. It aims to scale the conversion technology to tackling the challenges accompanying the use of complex, unrefined pyrolytic sugar mixtures. The long term goal is to create a sustainable, integrated process for producing high-value chemicals from biomass residues via BTG pyrolysis technology, contributing to a greener chemical industry that avoids fossil carbon.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Chemocatalytic conversion of glycolaldehyde from biomass pyrolysis<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>University of Groningen, BTG Biomass Technology Group BV, Betonmortel Sector De Hoop B.V.
\nGrand date: <\/strong>28 January 2026<\/p>\n

The goal of this project is to enable the use of biomass as feedstock for bio-based chemical building blocks for polymers. This is done by catalytic conversion of pyrolysis oil components produced by BTG using flexible pyrolysis technology from inedible agricultural residues. It aims to first fundamentally investigate the integrated conversion of a major pyrolysis component that is glycolaldehyde together with the pyrolytic sugars. It aims to scale the conversion technology to tackling the challenges accompanying the use of complex, unrefined pyrolytic sugar mixtures. The long term goal is to create a sustainable, integrated process for producing high-value chemicals from biomass residues via BTG pyrolysis technology, contributing to a greener chemical industry that avoids fossil carbon.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Building with diapers: an upcycling case study<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>Radboud University, ARN B.V., Betonmortel Sector De Hoop B.V.
\nGrand date: <\/strong>28 January 2026<\/p>\n

A team from Radboud University, waste-to-energy plant ARN B.V. (Nijmegen) and concrete specialist De Hoop Terneuzen B.V. will study if and how waste streams obtained from recycling diapers and other hygiene products can be transformed into valuable ingredients in construction industry. This project is a case study in the technical viability of this idea and focuses on analysis and modifications of current waste streams.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Nutflix<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>Avans University of Applied Sciences, Privim B.V., Water Future B.V.
\nGrand date: <\/strong>28 January 2026<\/p>\n

For the transition to a more sustainable chemical industry, the production of biobased alternatives for oil-based chemicals is essential. An example of such a biobased alternative is anacardic acid, which can be produced through pyrolysis of cashew nutshells, a waste stream in cashew nut cultivation. Anacardic acid is a biobased building block for producing thermosets, which are used to produce adhesives, coatings, and insulators. However, to use the pyrolysis based cardanol first impurities need to be removed. In Nutflix, partners Avans, WaterFuture and Privium investigate whether two innovative membrane technologies can be used to facilitate this purification process.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Novel Electrolyte Additives for Cathode Interface<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>Polymer Technology Group Eindhoven BV, Shell Global Solutions BV
\nGrand date: <\/strong>28 January 2026<\/p>\n

The aim of this project is to improve electrolytes in Lithium-ion batteries to allow more cost-effective and performant energy storage options. The fundamental research will focus on novel additives to carbonate-based liquid electrolytes, aiming to improve the Cathode Electrolyte Interphase (CEI) layer. The work will include recipe formulation and optimisation, long-duration battery cycling and assessing synergistic effects of additives improving both, anode and cathode interfaces with the electrolyte. This will also be supported by mechanistic insights from simulations. The experimental data will further be used to benchmark and develop a robust AI based toolkit for optimization and design of novel electrolyte and additive compositions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Novel Electrolyte Additives for Anode Interface Improvement<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>Polymer Technology Group Eindhoven BV, Shell Global Solutions BV
\nGrand date: <\/strong>28 January 2026<\/p>\n

The aim of this project is to improve electrolytes in Lithium-ionbatteries (NMC and LFP) to allow more cost-effective and performant energy storage options. Stability of Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) layer is needed to prevent the unwanted growth of dendrites at the anode. The fundamental research will focus on novel additives to carbonate-based liquid electrolytes, aiming to improve the SEI layer. The work will include recipe formulation and optimisation, and post-mortem analysis of the electrodes after long-duration battery cycling. This will also be supported by mechanistic insights from simulations. The experimental data will further be used to benchmark and develop a robust AI based toolkit for optimization and design of novel electrolyte and additive compositions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Equilibrium: \u2013 Part 1<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>TU Delft, Tata Steel
\nGrand date: <\/strong>28 January 2026<\/p>\n

Tata Steel is transitioning to more sustainable steel production with lower CO\u2082 emissions, in which electric arc furnaces (EAF) and reducing electric furnaces (REF) will play a central role. A major challenge in this transition is the presence of tramp elements such as Sn, As, Mo, W, Sb, and other transition group and semimetals that accumulate when scrap is recycled affecting steel quality. Since this is a complex challenge, the project is structured in two phases. In Part 1, researcher will identify the relevant compositional and process windows and carry out first laboratory trials to demonstrate the feasibility of equilibrium studies.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Equilibrium: \u2013 Part 2<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>TU Delft, Tata Steel
\nGrand date: <\/strong>28 January 2026<\/p>\n

TU Delft and Tata Steel are joining forces to deepen scientific knowledge that will help make steel production more sustainable. In this 36-month research project we will study how \u201ctramp elements\u201d such as copper and tin behave when scrap steel is recycled in electric arc furnaces (EAF). Using advanced modelling and carefully designed laboratory experiments, the project will build a fundamental understanding of how these tramp elements partition between steel and slag. This knowledge is essential for enabling higher scrap use and supporting the Dutch transition to climate-neutral and circular steelmaking.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Biobased Flame Retardants for Building Components<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>Avans Hogeschool, Wageningen Food and Biobased Research, Paques Biomaterials, Charcotec, AMS Institute
\nGrand date: <\/strong>11 November 2025<\/p>\n

Our future facades, roofs and other building components will be biobased. Of course, these building components should meet all legal requirements, including flame retardancy requirements. To increase the flame retardancy of building components, so called flame retardants are added to the materials used. The most used flame retardants are however not biobased, and some have large environmental impacts.
\nThe goal of this project is to explore two novel biobased flame retardants \u2013 APP from struvite and a biochar based flame retardant – and test these in two biobased materials \u2013 furin resin and the biobased polymer Caleyda.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Operando Diagnostics for Insights into PEM Catalyst Degradation (PEM-INSIGHTS)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>DIFFER, <\/strong>Toyota Motor Europe, DENSsolutions,
\nGrand date: <\/strong>11 November 2025<\/p>\n

To make green hydrogen affordable and widely accessible, water electrolyzers must become more efficient and durable. PEM-INSIGHTS addresses this challenge by combining advanced diagnostics with operando microscopy, enabling us to observe\u2014almost atom by atom\u2014how catalyst materials behave under realistic operating conditions. By visualizing how the nanoscale particles that drive electrolysis evolve and sometimes degrade, we can uncover the fundamental mechanisms behind their instability. This knowledge paves the way for the rational design of more robust catalysts, ultimately lowering system costs, improving performance, and accelerating the transition toward a CO\u2082-neutral energy system.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

RePack<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Ecoras
\nGrand date: <\/strong>11 November 2025<\/p>\n

Hoe kan, rekening houdend met de eisen van de EU-regelgeving EU2022\/1616 en de PPWR (EU2025\/40), het volume food-compliant verpakkingen optimaal worden gerecycled tot food-grade polyolefine recyclaat? In het mechanische recyclingproces zijn twee stappen cruciaal om tot een hoogwaardig recyclaat te komen: sorteren en wassen. Dit project richt zich op het selecteren en effectief inzamelen (brongescheiden of via closed-loop systemen) van ten minste twee geschikte food-contact-material feedstock verpakkingsstromen bestaande uit PE en PP. Ecoras zal zich verdiepen in de relevante wet- en regelgeving en daarnaast een literatuurstudie uitvoeren om de technologisch stand van zaken in kaart te brengen. Op basis hiervan wordt onderzocht of voor deze verpakkingsstromen een wasprotocol kan worden ontwikkeld dat zowel energie-effici\u00ebnt als effectief is in het verwijderen van aanhangend vuil, labels, inkten en lijmen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Engineering electrocatalyst design for combined green hydrogen and ammonia production<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>RUG, AVOXT, Noorderzijlvest
\nGrand date: <\/strong>11 November 2025<\/p>\n

A major challenge in today’s society in the Netherlands is the reduction of nitrogen deposition. This deposition is largely caused by ammonia emissions from agriculture, and has a negative impact on biodiversity. In response to these challenges, research and innovation are essential to reduce nitrogen deposition. This project focuses on the ammonia electro-oxidation reaction (AOR) in digestate, a by-product of manure digesters. The research not only aims to make a scientific contribution to the understanding of the ammonia electro-oxidation reaction, but above all to offer practical solutions that can help the agricultural sector in achieving its sustainability objectives. Moreover, we will investigate the applicability of this technology to other residual flows, such as reject water from wastewater treatment plants.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Titanium Mesh Electrodes for CO2-to-Formate<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>Avans University of Applied Sciences, GAFT B.V.
\nGrand date: <\/strong>11 November 2025<\/p>\n

This main goal of the project is to convert CO2 into something useful. Our target product is potassium formate. It is a safe salt used for de-icing, drilling, and as a building block for green chemicals. The conversion process can be carried out by using electricity from renewable resources.
\nThe important part of the project is a new type of electrode. It combines a thin titanium (Ti) mesh with a sponge-like coating called a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF). Inside this coating we want to immobilize tiny particles of bismuth (Bi) and together the structure will act like a catalyst. The fabricated electrodes will efficiently convert CO2 and water into formate with high selectivity.
\nWhy Ti mesh? It is strong, conductive, and corrosion resistant. It keeps its shape when you press it in a device. It also lets gas and liquid move through easily which helps prevent flooding and salt clogging, two common problems in conventional carbon electrodes.
\nWhy ZIF-Bi? The ZIF gives a porous structure with considerable surface area for reactions. The Bi particles are stable and favour formate over hydrogen. We can grow the ZIF on the mesh and then add bismuth in a simple, low-temperature step. This can (or expected to) be scaled up and lets us refurbish used electrodes instead of throwing them away.
\nMNEXT will study the literature and develop the electrode fabrication strategy. MNEXT will fabricate the electrodes and will test them first in a simple H-cell configuration. MNEXT will also do material and electrochemical characterization to learn how the structure affects performance. Gaft will take the best samples to their flow cell. They will optimize operating conditions, run long-term tests, and assess scale-up potential. Together they will compare energy use, product purity, and stability of the electrodes.
\nWhat makes this project unique is the full package: a robust metal backbone, an engineered porous surface coating, and a catalyst that prefers formate. The proposed structure of the electrode can be a fit for roll-to-roll coating and oven processing. Simple cleaning and re-coating steps will be developed so the electrodes can be reused many times. The expected impact of the project is twofold. Technically, the aim is for high efficiency at meaningful current densities, with stable operation over many hours. Societally, we turn waste CO2 into a saleable product using green electricity. The project supports Dutch industry with new know-how for CO2 utilization. It turns waste CO2 into a valuable product using (potentially) clean power.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Bulbfoam: Reducing Pesticides and Water in Flower-Bulb Disinfection<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project title: <\/strong>End-of-Life for Battery Chemicals in Design
\nProject partners: <\/strong>Eindhoven University of Technology, InnoVfoam BV
\nGrand date: <\/strong>11 November 2025<\/p>\n

The Netherlands is a global leader in flower bulb production, but current disinfection practices\u2014typically hot water treatments with pesticides\u2014raise environmental and health concerns. These methods require large volumes of water, generate pesticide-contaminated wastewater, and expose workers and nearby residents to chemical residues. With stricter EU regulations on pesticide use and water quality, there is an urgent need for more sustainable alternatives. Foam-based disinfection offers a promising solution, as foams can cover large surfaces while using far less liquid than conventional treatments. However, limited knowledge of how foam properties affect disinfection has hindered implementation. The BulbFoam project will investigate how foam characteristics\u2014such as stability, bubble size, and liquid retention\u2014impact cleaning and pathogen removal. It will test various surfactants, including biodegradable options, and conduct laboratory studies with industrial partners to ensure practical relevance. The project aims to deliver scientific insights and guidelines to support future commercial foam-based systems, reducing pesticide use, wastewater, and health risks in the bulb sector.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Fungi4Pharma: Mycelium-based biofilter for the removal of pharmaceuticals and transformation products from hospital wastewater.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, MycoFarming B.V.
\nGrand date: <\/strong>11 November 2025<\/p>\n

Medicines help people, but traces of them often leave hospitals in wastewater. Standard treatment does not always remove these chemicals, and their breakdown products can also remain in the water. Some of these breakdown products can still be an issue for human health and the environment. Yet, these compounds are generally not completely removed with conventional technologies and transformation products potentially formed are often not comprehensively characterised when evaluating wastewater treatment technologies. Fungi4Pharma develops a biofilter based on fungi that captures and degrades pharmaceuticals, turning them into harmless biomass. The project tests the filter under realistic conditions and uses modern laboratory measurements to check what is removed and whether any new by-products appear. The result aims to be a practical, scalable solution that helps water boards and hospitals reduce emissions, protect rivers and lakes, and support safe water reuse. MycoFarming, an award-winning bio-tech startup, contributes its innovative treatment technology, while Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam provides expertise in water quality monitoring, an ideal partnership to address pharmaceutical pollution.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Biological PFAS removal<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Orvion
\nGrand date: <\/strong>11 November 2025<\/p>\n

Orvion, along with the University of Groningen’s Products and Processes for Biotechnology research group, aims to unravel the fundamentals of how a microbiological consortium in a 100-liter fermenter degrades PFAS. PFAS is unfortunately present in many waterbodies in our environment. PFAS is a potential genotoxic substance and needs to be removed from water bodies, especially when these sources are used to prepare drinking water. Orvion managed to set up a bioreactor that can remove PFAS. However, occasionally, the degradation reactor does not perform as expected. In this project, we will characterize the PFAS degradation pathways to find critical success parameters in the process. For characterizing the pathways, we will utilize DNA, RNA, and protein sequencing technologies, as well as advanced analytical techniques, to investigate the PFAS degradation pathways within the microorganism. The generated knowledge is pivotal for the scientific community to know how PFAS is degraded.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

End-of-Life for Battery Chemicals in Design<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project title: <\/strong>End-of-Life for Battery Chemicals in Design
\nProject partners: <\/strong>Wageningen University & Research, Evides Waterbedrijf
\nGrand date: <\/strong>11 November 2025<\/p>\n

Water scarcity and pollution are growing challenges, while organic micropollutants (OMPs) such as PFAS increasingly contaminate surface and groundwater. Conventional treatment methods cannot fully remove these chemicals, making advanced purification technologies essential. Granular activated carbon (GAC) is widely used for adsorption of pollutants, but filters eventually saturate and are currently regenerated with extremely energy-intensive thermal processes. This project proposes a more sustainable alternative: electrical regeneration. Recent findings show that applying an electrical charge can effectively desorb PFAS and natural organic matter (NOM) from activated carbon, potentially extending filter lifetime. The research will fractionate NOM, study how each fraction affects PFAS adsorption, and determine how electrical charging removes different NOM components and whether their composition changes. It will also examine how NOM\u2013OMP interactions influence pollutant removal during regeneration. By enabling on-site, energy-efficient GAC reuse, this approach could reduce environmental impact and treatment costs. The project combines Evides\u2019 practical expertise with Wageningen University\u2019s scientific knowledge.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Metal-free electrodes for the CO2-to-CH4 electroconversion<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>Utrecht University, Alta Innovation Support B.V.
\nGrand date: <\/strong>11 November 2025<\/p>\n

The transition to a climate-neutral energy system requires not only renewable electricity but also renewable carbon sources to replace fossil-based fuels and chemicals. Electrochemical CO\u2082 reduction (CO\u2082RR) is a promising route, especially for producing high-energy-density products like methane. Copper electrodes are the current standard for CO\u2082-to-hydrocarbon conversion, but their performance is difficult to sustain due to structural changes under operating conditions. A breakthrough discovery at Utrecht University revealed a new class of metal-free organic electrocatalysts (MOCK) that, when integrated into carbon electrodes, can convert CO\u2082 to methane with exceptional selectivity and performance. This metal-free approach avoids critical raw materials and offers advantages in cost, stability, and sustainability. The collaboration between Utrecht University and ALTA GROUP aims to understand and optimize these catalysts by studying structure\u2013activity relationships, uncovering fundamental reaction mechanisms, and evaluating performance targets in a 5 cm\u00b2 cell. The project will generate critical knowledge for designing next-generation metal-free CO\u2082 electrolyzers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Mandelic and amino acids through CCU by biocatalysis<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, ChiralVision B.V., GECCO Biotech B.V., GAFT B.V., OxFA GmbH
\nGrand date: <\/strong>11 November 2025<\/p>\n

The ACCU-Bio project addresses the challenge of reducing industrial CO\u2082 emissions by turning captured carbon into high-value fine chemicals rather than bulk products that require large amounts of energy. While sectors such as steel, cement, and biobased industries cannot fully avoid CO\u2082 emissions, carbon capture and utilization (CCU) offers a pathway to convert CO\u2082 into useful materials. ACCU-Bio focuses on producing valuable compounds\u2014such as mandelic acid and rare amino acids\u2014in which CO\u2082 forms a significant share of the final product. The project centers on biocatalysis, using engineered carboxylase enzymes to fix CO\u2082 efficiently under mild conditions. Enzyme immobilization will enhance stability and performance, while integration with electrochemical CO\u2082 conversion enables renewable formic acid to serve as both an energy and carbon source. By targeting high-value markets, the approach is economically promising and paves the way for future CCU expansion. A strong consortium ensures progress from fundamental research to prototype development, strengthening the Netherlands\u2019 leadership in CCU innovation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

CARVE \u2013 Carbon AiR capture Valorization for production of E-fuels & chemicals<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners:<\/strong> TNO, Skytree B.V.
\nGrand date: <\/strong>11 November 2025<\/p>\n

The CARVE project creates an integrated pathway that captures CO\u2082 directly from the air and converts it into valuable molecules for sustainable fuels and chemicals. As future carbon supply chains will depend increasingly on non-fossil CO\u2082, direct air capture (DAC) becomes essential, especially given the limited availability of biogenic CO\u2082 and competition from other decarbonization routes. At the heart of CARVE is TNO\u2019s COMAX technology, a sorption-enhanced reverse water-gas shift process that transforms CO\u2082 into CO at high efficiency and significantly lower temperatures than conventional methods. This is enabled by reactive sorbents and an innovative dual-chamber TVSA system that optimizes energy use. The project integrates DAC, COMAX, and green hydrogen production through advanced process modelling, enabling shared heat and utility streams to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. Experimental validation at TRL 5, combined with digital optimization, will deliver key insights for scaling low-carbon fuel production and strengthening the business case for future Power-to-X systems.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

PlaMaPHA: Plastic processing of Marine biomass based PHA<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, Biotic Circular Technologies EU BV
\nGrand date: <\/strong>11 November 2025<\/p>\n

Plastics offer low cost and versatility but rely on fossil resources and generate persistent (micro)plastic pollution, driving the need for renewable and biodegradable alternatives. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are particularly promising bioplastics because they can biodegrade relatively quickly in diverse environments. However, current PHA production is largely outside Europe and depends on primary raw materials such as sugar and palm oil. To create a truly circular and sustainable plastics system, PHAs must instead be produced from residual and waste streams. The PlaMaPHA project addresses this challenge by enabling PHA production from marine biomass through microbial fermentation. Biotic Circular Technologies EU BV and Wageningen Food & Biobased Research demonstrate how these PHAs can be processed into products like food packaging, toys, and plant pots. This work supports the transition toward a circular economy where carbon-based materials are continually reused and plastic pollution is minimized.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

CUP<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>WFBR, Caffe Inc B.V.
\nGrand date: <\/strong>11 November 2025<\/p>\n

Every year, millions of tons of spent coffee grounds are discarded worldwide, with only a small fraction being reused. In the Netherlands alone, approximately 250,000 tons of coffee grounds end up in the waste stream annually, representing both lost raw materials and unnecessary CO\u2082 emissions. Spent coffee grounds therefore represent an interesting source of biobased carbon for the renewable chemicals industry. Caffe Inc., an innovative SME focussing on valorisation of spent coffee grounds, already transforms part of their coffee waste into high-value biobased products, including coffee oil and oil-derivatives, natural dyes, and biomaterials. Together with Wageningen Food & Biobased Research (WFBR), an applied research institute focussing on the valorisation of biomass feedstocks in materials and chemicals, they will now will work together to convert the protein fraction of spent coffee grounds to protein-derivatives for use as ingredients in personal care products and leather additives\/alternatives. The project will focus on knowledge delivery for protein modification and application. This will include both hydrolysis for peptides and protein agglomeration. The modification work will be preceded by characterisation and extraction of the protein. Finally, product applicability will be assessed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Green Foams: Turning Plant Byproducts into Sustainable Ingredients<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>Eindhoven University of Technology (TU\/e), Wageningen University & Research (WUR), AB Mauri
\nGrand date: <\/strong>11 November 2025<\/p>\n

Foams play an important role in everyday products, but keeping them stable is challenging, and traditional stabilizers are often unsustainable. This project aims to develop biobased foam stabilizers from underused plant byproducts as greener alternatives to animal-derived ingredients like egg yolk. By isolating and re-engineering natural surface-active compounds and using advanced techniques such as microscopy, interfacial measurements, and microfluidics, the project will uncover how stable foams form and collapse. In collaboration with AB Mauri, the new stabilizers will be tested in applications like sponge cakes. The outcomes support a circular bio-economy with potential uses in food, cosmetics, and firefighting foams.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

ECHOES: Extraction of Biobased Oleochemicals from Yeast Biomass<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, NoPalm Ingredients
\nGrand date: <\/strong>11 November 2025<\/p>\n

ECHOES aims to develop innovative technologies \u2014 and combinations of technologies \u2014 for the efficient production, isolation and extraction of biobased ingredients produced by fermentation, specifically for use in the chemical industry.
\nThe project focuses on production and recovery of microbial oil from oleaginous yeast biomass, which are cultivated using second-generation (2G) agri-food side streams (e.g. dairy, sugar-refining, and potato-processing side streams). These yeast oils can serve as sustainable alternatives to fossil-based and palm-derived chemical ingredients. Oleaginous yeasts have the capability of efficiently converting fermentable sugars into oil under appropriate conditions. While NoPalm Ingredients will focus on the development of fermentation protocols for agri-food and dairy side streams, Wageningen Food & Biobased Research will focus on the downstream isolation and extraction steps which often remain inefficient and costly. ECHOES will investigate and optimize these downstream processes. The project will explore and evaluate innovative extraction methods \u2014 including hybrid approaches \u2014 with the goal of improving oil yield and enhancing the overall economic feasibility of the process. Additionally, ECHOES will assess potential applications for the residual biomass to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency.
\nThe knowledge generated will also be applicable to other fermentation-based biobased chemical production pathways, supporting broader adoption of biobased alternatives in the chemical industry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Chain-X<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>TNO, ChainCraft
\nGrand date: <\/strong>11 November 2025<\/p>\n

Chain-X-tender is a research collaboration between TNO and ChainCraft focused on turning renewable raw materials into valuable and sustainable chemicals for the industry. The heart of the project targets converting food waste-derived medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) into broader applicable longer-chain fatty ketones (LCFK), by developing a process to couple MCFAs together. Extending the carbon chain in this way provides more sustainable and versatile ingredients for both industrial and everyday consumer products. For example, the LCFKs can be transformed into fatty alcohols, which are essential ingredients in the production of surfactants, lubricants, cosmetics, and plasticisers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Bio-oil to Graphitic Carbon for the Sustainable Technologies of Tomorrow<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>TNO, BioBTX
\nGrand date: <\/strong>11 November 2025<\/p>\n

The aim of the project is to develop an improved methodology to produce graphitic carbon from biogenic and waste residue streams as a means of circular carbon intensification and to replace a fossil-based critical raw material used in advanced materials. Instead of mining natural graphite or relying on highly energy-intensive synthetic methods, this process converts oils derived from the pyrolysis or gasification of biomass and plastic wastes, second generation feedstocks, that do not compete with food, into carbon black and then restructure this carbon into crystalline graphite through a catalytic graphitization process. Graphite is a key building block not only for batteries, electric vehicles, and data centres, but also for functional molecules in high-performance polymers, coatings, composites, fillers, additives and other materials used across many sectors of the chemical and e-chemical industry. Current production of synthetic graphite depends on fossil feedstocks and temperatures exceeding 2,500 \u00b0C, with residence times lasting weeks or even months, consuming vast amounts of energy and often requiring harsh chemical treatments with the use of only fossil derived feedstocks. By introducing non-fossil derived feedstocks and readily available catalysts such as iron, the process temperature can be reduced to around or below 1,300 \u00b0C, and residence times are shortened dramatically, significantly lowering both energy use and environmental impact.<\/p>\n

This cleaner, safer pathway also avoids the use of critical raw materials in the production process itself, ensuring that the primary goal of replacing a critical raw material with a sustainable, local alternative is met. The resulting material properties will be correlated to the pertinent industrial applications, while eliminating reliance on fossil-based residues and toxic reagents. By producing high-value graphitic carbon from local biobased and plastic waste streams, this innovation contributes directly to circular chemistry, reducing CO2 emissions, lowering environmental burden, and creating secure European access to a critical carbon material. The project aligns fully with the goals of the TKI for Green Chemistry and Circularity by demonstrating how second generation feedstocks can be upgraded into high-performance, application-ready building blocks for functional molecules, helping to accelerate the green and digital transition while ensuring that new materials have clear end-of-life solutions and do not create persistent environmental waste.<\/p>\n

The transition to electric mobility depends on large amounts of advanced batteries. While their environmental performance during use is relatively well understood, what happens at the end of their life remains uncertain. Car batteries can be reused, repurposed for stationary storage, or recycled \u2013 but often only partially, and
\nsometimes in ways that reduce material quality. For designers of cars and battery chemicals, this makes it difficult to choose the most sustainable option. The EL-Chem project helps solve this problem. It develops new methods and software to show the real environmental consequences of different end-of-life routes for battery materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. By combining detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with practical tools for product designers, EL-Chem makes it possible to compare scenarios such as reuse in a second life, recycling, or down-cycling. Instead of a single number, designers will see ranges and probabilities, reflecting the uncertainty of future use and disposal. The project builds directly on two earlier projects. The CRISP consortium is currently building design-oriented LCA software, and the ESED project showed that simplified but validated tools are crucial for decision-making in the early design stages. EL-Chem brings these lessons to the complex world of battery chemicals. The results will support industry in creating batteries that are not only high-performing but also designed with their future reuse and recycling already in mind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Wood2Wood<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>WFBR, Houtzagerij Hengeveld, HIS hout industrie, Hoeksch Hout, Huyskamps, Touchwood, XEO, WoodDudes, VelopA, DMPT
\nGrand date: <\/strong>11 November 2025<\/p>\n

The wood and timber industries process enormous volumes of trees. Even with extensive optimization, maximally 60% of the tree ends up in a final product. In other words, 40% of the tree becomes a side-stream. Simultaneously, wood-composite products such as particle boards, plywood and high-pressure laminates are also produced in huge volumes and are traditionally manufactured using extensive amounts of virgin wood and fossil-based, environmentally unfriendly and toxic binder chemicals, an obvious challenge for the materials transition.<\/p>\n

The Wood2Wood project combines both challenges by converting the side-streams generated by the wood industries into 100% biobased, high-quality board materials for utilization in the applications targeted by the very producers of the side-streams. In essence the project thus pursues more valuable wood products per kilo of tree.
\nWageningen Food & Biobased Research (WFBR) has developed a technology to convert lignocellulosic side-streams into valuable board materials, using nothing else than water, heat and pressure. Only recently, WFBR discovered the mechanism behind the technology. It is now largely understood which biopolymers react, and more so, how they react. This knowledge now allows the selection of side-streams fit-for-purpose, and importantly, also allows improvement of the process parameters (lower pressures and lower temperatures) while improving product properties.<\/p>\n

WFBR will, together with a complementary, value-chain wide consortium constituted by partners Houtzagerij Hengeveld, HIS hout industrie, Hoeksch Hout, Huyskamps, Touchwood, XEO, WoodDudes, VelopA and DMPT strive for essential technological advancements to valorise Dutch side-streams into 100% biobased materials,<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

FRESH: Fragrance Resistance Engineering for Sustainable Home products<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>Wageningen Plant Research, Isobionics B.V.
\nGrand date:\u00a0<\/strong>11 November 2025<\/p>\n

The fresh scent in shampoos, creams, deodorants, and cleaners mostly comes from a family of small fragrance molecules, including linalool, geraniol, and their acetates (linalyl acetate, geranyl acetate). Although these are natural plant compounds, today these ingredients are produced mainly from fossil-based chemistry. Plant extraction is possible, but yields are low and supply chains remain vulnerable to seasonal variability, potential agrochemical contaminants, land-use constraints, and undesired geographic dependency. A promising alternative is to use microbes to convert renewable feedstocks (for example, sugars from agricultural residues) into high-quality fragrance ingredients via microbial fermentation. This fits circular chemistry: less fossil dependence and smarter use of resources.<\/p>\n

However, many of these fragrance molecules we want microbes to make are toxic to these organisms themselves. Even at low levels they can damage cell membranes and metabolism, stopping growth and production. This \u201cself-poisoning\u201d effect is a major barrier to scaling biobased fragrance production and, as a matter of fact, also for different \u201ctoxic\u201d products with other applications.<\/p>\n

FRESH tackles this bottleneck by developing general, nature-inspired strategies that help microbes stay fit while producing these molecules. We focus on Rhodobacter (Cereibacter sphaeroides<\/em>), a well-studied bacterium that is easy to work with in the lab and already used for terpene production. It is a practical host for building tools and knowledge that can later transfer to other production systems.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Lignin derived building blocks for high performance polyamides<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project partners: <\/strong>University of Maastricht, Teijin Aramid, Shell, Braskem and DPI
\nGrand date: <\/strong>11 November 2025<\/p>\n

Polyamides are indispensable materials in sectors like automotive, electronics, and high-performance textiles, thanks to their exceptional thermal and mechanical properties. However, these polymers are currently made from fossil-derived building blocks, contributing to carbon emissions and resource depletion. To address this, researchers are seeking renewable alternatives, particularly from lignin, a complex, abundant plant-based source of various chemicals. This project explores the synthesis of novel lignin-based monomers for polyamides, evaluating also the processability and performance of the bio-based polyamides compared to conventional fossil-based materials.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

End-of-Life for Battery Chemicals in Design<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project title: <\/strong>End-of-Life for Battery Chemicals in Design
\nProject partners: <\/strong>Delft University of Technology, Polaris sustainability, Tesla Motors Netherlands B.V.,
\nGrand date: <\/strong>30 September 2025<\/p>\n

The transition to electric mobility depends on large amounts of advanced batteries. While their environmental performance during use is relatively well understood, what happens at the end of their life remains uncertain. Car batteries can be reused, repurposed for stationary storage, or recycled \u2013 but often only partially, and
\nsometimes in ways that reduce material quality. For designers of cars and battery chemicals, this makes it difficult to choose the most sustainable option. The EL-Chem project helps solve this problem. It develops new methods and software to show the real environmental consequences of different end-of-life routes for battery materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. By combining detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with practical tools for product designers, EL-Chem makes it possible to compare scenarios such as reuse in a second life, recycling, or down-cycling. Instead of a single number, designers will see ranges and probabilities, reflecting the uncertainty of future use and disposal. The project builds directly on two earlier projects. The CRISP consortium is currently building design-oriented LCA software, and the ESED project showed that simplified but validated tools are crucial for decision-making in the early design stages. EL-Chem brings these lessons to the complex world of battery chemicals. The results will support industry in creating batteries that are not only high-performing but also designed with their future reuse and recycling already in mind.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

<\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

BIONE – Bio-catalytic and Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent Enabled Elastane Degradation for <\/strong>Circular Textile<\/strong><\/p>\n

Project title: <\/strong>BIONE – Bio-catalytic and Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent Enabled Elastane Degradation for Circular Textile
\nProject partners: <\/strong>Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Interloop Europe BV, Tanatex Chemicals BV, Saxcell BV
\nGrand date: <\/strong>30 September 2025<\/p>\n

Every year, millions of tonnes of textiles end up as waste, with only a tiny fraction recycled into new clothes. A major obstacle to textile recycling is elastane the stretchy fibre used in garment production. Even small amounts of elastane prevent effective recycling of cotton-rich waste textiles, resulting in incineration or landfill. The BIONE project brings together researchers and industry partners to find sustainable solutions for this challenge. The project focuses on developing innovative \u201cgreen chemistry\u201d methods to selectively break down elastane while keeping cotton fibres intact and reusable. Two promising strategies will be explored:<\/p>\n