PPS Toeslagprojecten

SCF-Driven AI for Polymer Formulation Design

Project partners: Eindhoven University of Technology, Covestro Deutschland AG, Covestro Nederland B.V., Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies
Call: PPS-i 2026
Grand date: 28 August 2026

The Dutch chemical processing industry urgently needs computationally efficient, physics-grounded
methods to generate the high-quality training data that AI and machine learning (ML) require for polymer formulation design, solvent selection and analytical chemistry. Current experimental datasets are too sparse and heterogeneous, and high-fidelity simulations such as molecular dynamics (MD) are too costly to produce data at the scale ML demands. This project removes that bottleneck by establishing self-consistent field (SCF) lattice computations as a high-throughput in silico data engine for AIreadiness, with direct industrial application to polymer systems at Covestro. SCF computations resolve equilibrium concentration profiles, phase stability, and interfacial properties within seconds to minutes, orders of magnitude faster than atomistic MD or Monte Carlo simulations, while retaining full physical interpretability. Our group at TU/e has validated SCF across industrially relevant systems, including block copolymer phase separation during film drying in coatings, polymer-mediated colloidal stability of micellar solutions, and interfacial tension predictions in multi-component solvent systems. The SCF code is open access. The project pursues three interconnected breakthroughs.

Breakthrough 1: determining effective
molecular interaction parameters. Flory-Huggins and Hildebrand/Hansen solubility parameters
are essential inputs for predicting polymer phase behaviour, yet their reliable determination remains a
bottleneck. SCF will be used to rapidly scan and refine these parameters for polymer-solvent and
polymer-polymer pairs in Covestro’s portfolio, validated against octanol-water partition coefficients (log Pow) and solubility data. The obtained parameters feed into and receive feedback from Martini coarsegrained MD (Dr. Fabian Grünewald, HITS Heidelberg), all-atom MD, dissipative particle dynamics (DPD), and COSMO-RS methods at Covestro, creating a validated multiscale framework from atomistic chemistry to mesoscale structure.

Breakthrough 2: inverse SCF for ML-driven formulation design. Conventionally, SCF predicts
thermodynamic properties from molecular inputs. This project inverts that workflow: ML surrogate
models trained on large SCF-generated datasets will predict the molecular design parameters
(composition, block architecture, interaction parameters) that yield a target interfacial tension, phase
morphology, or solubility window. Graph neural networks and Gaussian process models (in collaboration with Dr. Vlado Menkovski, TU/e) will navigate the high-dimensional parameter space efficiently, creating physically interpretable, data-efficient ML models that go beyond purely statistical correlations.

Breakthrough 3: domain formation and phase separation in complex polymer blends. SCF and
dynamic SCF will predict phase diagrams, interfacial tensions, and domain formation kinetics in
multicomponent systems directly relevant to polyacrylics, polyurethanes, TPUs, polyesters, and their blends. Polymer-substrate interactions and processing conditions such as solvent
evaporation will be systematically studied, building on our validated drying-induced phase separation framework for PEO-PDMS systems. Connections to DPD and all-atom MD enable multiscale
characterisation of emerging microstructures, including semicrystalline domains in TPUs. Experimental validation at Covestro focuses on polyacrylics and extends to polyesters and TPUs in water, acetone, and organic solvent mixtures. Covestro contributes deep expertise in MD, DPD, CFD, and COSMO;  HITS provides Martini MD; TU/e provides SCF and ML. The outcome is a validated, physics-informed computational toolkit that accelerates formulation design and delivers a curated, FAIR-compliant interaction-parameter database ready for AI applications across the Dutch chemical processing industry and beyond.

Electrochemical conversion of renewables into chemical building block

Project partners: University of Groningen, Circolide Technologies B.V.
Call: PPS-i 2026
Grand date: 28 August 2026

The main goal of this project is to investigate and develop an electrochemical route as a flexible and sustainable production process for high performing biobased butenolide-type molecules, with the aim of enabling their scale-up as a renewable, high-performace alternative to fossil-based acrylates, thereby contributing to the transformation of the Dutch chemical industry towards sustainable production.
Butenolide-type molecules (Figure 1) are highly promising bio-based compounds with the potential to replace widely used fossil-based acrylates, serving as a building block for a wide variety of essential products, including polymers, coatings, plastics and fine chemicals. What makes butenolides particularly compelling is that they are not merely a bio-based substitute, they are designed to outperform fossil acrylates. In certain coating applications, they have already demonstrated superior hardness, scratch resistance, and UV protection, making the transition to bio-based materials a commercially attractive choice for downstream partners.[1]
However, a recurring challenge in the field of bio-based chemicals is that high-performing alternatives often fail to reach the market, not because of lack of performance, but because their production processes ultimately prove insufficiently scalable, sustainable, efficient or cost-competitive. To overcome these challenges, it is important to investigate alternative and potentially more promising production routes for bio-based molecules. Electrochemistry represents such an opportunity. By developing a flexible, robust and sustainable electrochemical production process, this project, with butenolides as an excellent showcase, can serve as a diversification strategy for the production of future novel bio-based chemicals facing the same scalability, sustainability and cost challenges. Furthermore, by developing this production process, locally sourced European biomass can be valorized as a renewable feedstock, adding economic value to regional resources through a sustainable production chain.
To meet these requirements, we propose to investigate and develop electrochemistry as a groundbreaking, flexible, efficient and sustainable production of butenolides. Electrochemistry is particularly well-suited for this purpose: it utilizes renewable electricity to drive chemical transformations, avoiding the use of fossil fuels, and can flexibly adapt to fluctuating electricity supply and variable bio-based feedstock composition, directly addressing the key challenges outlined in this call. A central focus of this project will be on gaining fundamental knowledge of mass transfer and reaction mechanisms inelectrochemical conversions, which is essential to improve the productivity and scalability of the process. By developing this electrochemical route, we aim to establish the foundation for a scalable and reliable supply chain of butenolides in the Netherlands, ultimately enabling their adoption as a high-performance, sustainable alternative to fossil-based acrylates across a range of industrial applications. Furthermore, developing this fundamental knowledge within the Netherlands provides a strategic advantage: by establishing a leading electrochemical production process for bio-based chemicals, the Netherlands can secure a competitive position and prevent competitors outside the Netherlands or Europe from developing more efficient production routes first, thereby safeguarding the long-term competitiveness of the Dutch chemical industry.

Enabling Circular Packaging Films from Recycled Polypropylene

Project partners: TNO, Brightlands Chemelot Campus B.V.
Call: PPS-i 2026
Grand date: 28 August 2026

The overarching goal of this project is to enable circular food and pharmaceutical packaging by supporting the transition from complex multi-layer plastic structures towards recyclable mono-material solutions. This ambition directly aligns with the objectives of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which relies on two main strategies to improve packaging circularity: (i) designing packaging to be recyclable, with a strong focus on mono-material solutions, and (ii) increasing the incorporation of recycled content in packaging.

Today’s flexible food and pharmaceutical packaging still relies heavily on multi-layer laminate structures that combine several polymers to achieve barrier, mechanical, and thermal performance. While functional, these structures are inherently difficult to recycle and lead to material downcycling. Improving circularity therefore requires redesigning packaging according to design-for-recycling principles, prioritizing mono-material architectures that can be effectively collected, sorted, and mechanically recycled at scale.

Within this context, polypropylene (PP) is a key material platform for future circular packaging. PP is widely used in both food and pharmaceutical applications due to its food-contact compliance, chemical resistance, mechanical robustness, and relatively high temperature resistance, making it suitable for demanding applications such as retortable food packaging and sterilizable pharmaceutical packaging. As a result, mono-material PP solutions are increasingly considered viable alternatives to non-recyclable multi-layer systems.

Consequently, PP is expected to play a dominant role in future circular packaging systems, including closed-loop concepts requiring recycled content. This implies that recycled PP feedstocks must be sufficiently versatile to serve different packaging formats, both rigid and flexible. However, this requirement is currently not met by existing post-consumer recycled PP (PCR PP) streams.
Mechanical recycling is presently the most widely applied route for recycling post-consumer plastic packaging waste. While mechanically recycled PP is increasingly available, its use remains largely limited to rigid applications. The incorporation of PCR PP into flexible films is extremely limited due to insufficient and inconsistent material performance rather than a lack of feedstock availability.

A key limitation is that the properties of recycled PP strongly depend on the packaging types present in the input waste stream. Recycled PP derived mainly from rigid packaging typically does not meet the rheological and mechanical requirements for flexible film extrusion, while PP from flexible packaging streams is unsuitable for rigid applications. As a result, current recycled PP feedstocks lack versatility and cannot readily respond to changing market demands.

In addition, sorting inefficiencies lead to contamination, as PP and polyethylene (PE) are difficult to separate in existing infrastructures. Residual contaminants originating from inks, adhesives, or non-PP materials negatively affect processability and performance, causing melt instability, defects, and inconsistent film quality. Furthermore, repeated thermal and oxidative stress during mechanical recycling leads to molecular degradation, reducing melt strength and narrowing the processing window required for stable film extrusion.

As a result, a critical gap exists between circular design ambitions for mono-material PP packaging and the actual availability of fit-for-purpose recycled PP materials for flexible packaging. Bridging this gap is essential for enabling high recycled content while maintaining processability and performance. The project applies Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) principles, addressing safety, functionality, and recyclability, including risks related to additives, contaminants, and migration, early in material and formulation development.

The specific goal of this project is to upgrade recycled PP streams into materials that can be processed into high-quality cast films. This is achieved through a combination of contaminant mitigation, compatibilization strategies, and targeted rheological modification. Melt filtration is applied to reduce solid contaminants, compatibilizers are used to improve dispersion of residual impurities, and rheological tailoring via viscosity modifiers and/or blending with long-chain-branched virgin PP restores melt strength.

By integrating these approaches and validating them through stepwise upscaling from laboratory-scale to pilot-scale cast film extrusion, the project demonstrates a realistic pathway to transform existing recycled PP streams into versatile feedstocks for mono-material, recyclable PP films, directly supporting circular packaging strategies for food and pharmaceutical applications.

Improved Pretreatment for Advanced Chemical Treatment of Black Mass

Project partners: TNO, Urban Metals B.V.
Call: PPS-i 2026
Grand date: 28 August 2026

For the energy transition as well as for competitiveness in the mobility and defence industries, batteries play a crucial role. European demand for batteries is projected from 150 GWh in 2025 to more than 1 TWh in 2030, an annual growth rate of above 50%. Therefore, Europe’s industrial competitiveness and strategic autonomy depends on the secure supply of batteries. As a first step in the battery value chain, secure access to critical raw materials (CRMs) for batteries, like lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, and graphite is another bottleneck. Hence, with initiatives such as Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) the EU aims to recycle 25% of CRM’s by 2030. Despite these ambitions, outlook of battery recycling in the EU remains economically fragile. High operational costs (of mainly energy and labour), and regulatory complexity (e.g. permits and environmental requirements), are key hurdles compared to other global competitors. There is therefore a clear need to lower costs and mitigate environmental impact of battery recycling with innovative technologies.

In state-of-the-art Li-ion battery recycling, end of life (EoL) batteries are dismantled, and shredded to black mass. In hydrometallurgical treatment, black mass is further refined and metal salts are recovered to produce new cathode active materials (CAM). The OPEX (e.g. energy, chemicals, number of process steps) of hydrometallurgical process depends strongly on the level of impurities present in black mass. Furthermore, EoL battery input during black mass production can also be varied in terms of battery chemistries (NMC, LFP, NCA etc.), especially for small appliance batteries. Black mass containing CAM from mixed battery sources currently cannot be refined easily using existing recycling technologies.

This project addresses the heterogeneity of black mass feedstock and the inefficiencies this creates in downstream chemical recovery. Our goal is to develop, validate, and assess the integration both binder removal and high-G Centrifugal Gravity Separation (CGS) as efficient, scalable pre‑treatment steps for upgrading mixed lithium‑ion battery black mass prior to hydrometallurgical recycling, ensuring a more efficient and scalable battery recycling process. CGS based pre-treatment promises the separation of black mass into a CAM-enriched, graphite, and metallic/polymeric remnants fraction. To push limits of CGS, the CAM-enriched fraction will also be processed further to separate different battery CAM from each other (e.g. NMC vs LFP). This will not only allow hydrometallurgical circuits to operate more efficiently, with lower chemical usage, higher yields, and reduced process footprint, but will also allow processing of more challenging black mass mixtures (containing various battery chemistries) simultaneously. Ultimately, addition of CGS as a pre-processing step to black mass refining should enable a cost-effective process with a lower environmental footprint than current state-of-the-art processes.

Lignin-Based Epoxy Resins for Sustainable Coatings

Project partners: Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, Utrecht University, Baril Coatings, BioDetection Systems, GFBiochemicals
Call: PPS-i 2026
Grand date: 28 August 2026

Bisphenol A (BPA)-based epoxy resins, particularly those based on the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA), are widely used in industrial coatings. They account for over 80% of the epoxy market, as they offer a combination of strong adhesion, chemical resistance, mechanical integrity, and durability [1,2]. Next to dominating the epoxy market, BPA is used in many more applications, with total production amounting to more than 10 million tonnes in 2022. Examples of other applications include the production of resins and polymer materials, such as polycarbonate and polyesters used for food storage cans and containers, drinking bottles, cosmetic and personal care products, cooking ware, toys, and sporting goods, etc. Owing to its detrimental impact on human health (as an Endocrine Disrupting Chemical, among others), BPA is identified as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) under REACH regulations. [3,4]. The EU has adopted a ban on BPA use in food contact materials, with the phase out phase ending mid 2026, and other uses are under increased scrutiny. Other countries are following suit (albeit at different paces). This creates a clear and urgent need for the research to explore alternatives for BPA-based resins; such replacements should be developed within the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework to avoid regrettable replacements. This way, not only technical demands, i.e. functional use properties, but also safety and sustainability considerations are integrally considered already early on. Next to food contact materials, industrial coating systems, currently subject to disclosure, will also come under increased scrutiny and alternatives are sought after here as well, in addition to many other market segments where BPA is currently playing a major role.
Lignin-derived BPA analogues present a very promising avenue for BPA/DGEBA replacement, offering the potential to combine renewable resource use with toxicity avoidance, as most notably demonstrated by the work of Sels and coworkers [5]. LEXYCOAT will synthesize a new class of bio-based epoxy systems for coating applications based on lignin-derived phenolic compounds combined with levulinic acid derivatives. These compounds can be used to prepare monomers analogous to but different from BPA, and their epoxy precursors, and glycidyl ether derivatives, as alternatives to BPA-based building blocks in coating formulations [5–7].
This consortium integrates the industrial value chain required to replace BPA. GF Biochemicals supplies biobased levulinic acid as an industrially relevant renewable feedstock for the monomer design. Utrecht University (UU) and Wageningen Food and Biobased Research (WR) will design and synthesize the monomers, convert them into suitable epoxy precursors, and evaluate the preliminary curing efficiency in a small scale reaction (Proof-of-Concept – PoC) and investigate the thermal and mechanical properties of the resulting resin networks. Baril Coatings will formulate the materials into coating systems and evaluate their performance under relevant industrial conditions. BioDetection Systems B.V. will assess the toxicological profiles of the new monomers, and the epoxy precursors using effect-based assay testing.
Building on emerging structure-activity relationships for lignin-derived BPA analogues [5], we will expand chemical space by using alkylated lignin monomers directly accessible from biomass with levulinic acid and derivatives. This project will thus address the gaps that hinder the replacement of BPA in coatings [8–10]. These include limited insight into the relationship between monomer structure and epoxy performance, insufficient understanding of formulation and curing behavior in coating systems, and insufficient (early) safety assessment across the entire material chain.
The intended outcome is not only a development series of new bio-based aromatic building blocks derived from lignin but also a validated selection of candidate epoxy systems that combine industrial relevance, with a non-toxic chemical profiles for various applications.

PFAS-free alternatives for high-performance thermoplastics

Project partners: Dutch Polymer Institute, Eindhoven University of Technology, Envalior, SKF, Teijin Aramid, SABIC Specialties
Call: PPS-i 2026
Grand date: 28 August 2026

Fluorinated polymers and PFAS materials are widely used in high-performance applications due to their
exceptional thermal stability, chemical resistance, and low surface energy. However, increasing
regulatory restrictions are driving the urgent need for PFAS-free alternatives.
The HARFF project aims to develop novel thermoplastic multi-functional materials as safe alternatives
for PFAS. By combining molecular design with surface thermodynamics, the project will establish how
structure–property relationships can be used to design high-performance fluorine-free materials with
high thermal stability, high chemical resistance, and oil repellence.
Specifically, the project aims to develop materials that:

• Maintain high thermal stability at > 200–250􀯗°C, depending on the application,
• Exhibit robust thermomechanical properties and good melt-processability, including mechanical
  integrity and dimensional stability under elevated temperatures and load,
• Exhibit chemical resistance to oils and lubricants, fuels, and other aggressive media,
• Demonstrate oil- and lubricant-repellent behaviour, characterized by low surface energy toward
  hydrocarbons, replicating the interfacial performance of fluorinated polymers.

Dynamic Electrochemical CO₂ Conversion under Fluctuating Feed Conditions 

Project partners: University of Amsterdam, Brineworks B.V.
Call: PPS-i 2026
Grand date: 28 August 2026

The main goal of this project is to develop a mechanistic and operational framework for electrochemical
CO₂ conversion under realistic, non-steady-state conditions, enabling flexible operation under
fluctuating feedstock composition and energy input, as required for future sustainable and electrified
chemical processes.
Electrochemical CO₂ conversion is a promising route for carbon utilization within a circular and electrified
chemical industry. However, current systems are almost exclusively studied under steady-state,
idealized conditions, which do not reflect the variability inherent to renewable energy integration and
real CO₂ sources. In practice, CO₂ supply is often intermittent and may contain impurities such as O₂,
leading to fluctuations that can strongly affect reaction pathways, selectivity, catalyst stability, and overall
process efficiency. These effects remain poorly understood and currently limit the robustness and
industrial implementation of CO₂ electrolysis technologies.
This project addresses this challenge through a tightly integrated collaboration between the University
of Amsterdam (UvA) and Brineworks, combining fundamental understanding with validation under
realistic operating conditions. At UvA, advanced electrochemical methodologies and operando
spectroscopic techniques will be developed and applied to systematically investigate dynamic CO₂
electroreduction under controlled conditions. Time-resolved electrochemical analysis, combined with
Raman and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, will enable identification of transient intermediates and elucidation
of reaction mechanisms under fluctuating operation.
Brineworks will provide access to application-relevant CO₂ supply systems, including a lab-scale setup
capable of delivering true intermittency under realistic constraints, as well as pilot-scale operation
enabling stable, high-flow CO₂ supply. This allows direct validation of the identified operating conditions
under both intermittent and steady-state regimes. Importantly, experiments in the Brineworks system
will be conducted on-site, ensuring that validation is performed under realistic system configurations and
operational constraints.
Through iterative feedback between controlled laboratory studies and real-system testing, the project
will bridge the gap between mechanistic understanding and practical implementation. The project will
deliver: (i) mechanistic insight into dynamic electrochemical CO₂ conversion, (ii) quantitative
relationships between operating conditions, feed variability, and performance, and (iii) validated
operating windows for robust system performance under fluctuating inputs.
Ultimately, the project will establish design principles for flexible electrochemical processes that can
operate reliably under variable CO₂ supply and renewable energy input. By enabling robust operation
under realistic conditions, the project directly contributes to the development of resilient, electrified
chemical production systems and supports the transition toward a sustainable and circular carbon
economy.

Lignin based flame retardants

Project partners: Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, Miscancell, Filo Chemical, SAM Panels, NPSP
Call: PPS-i 2026
Grand date: 28 August 2026

Flame retardants find wide-spread use in a multitude of building and construction products and their functional action is increasingly important for the stringent demands on flammability protection and fire safety. However, traditional flame retardants are halogenated (e.g. brominated or chlorinated) and this resulted in concerns related to toxicity, and more important persistency, and bioaccumulation. Despite the ever-increasing reliance on flame retardant functionality, these concerns lead to a simultaneous drive to reduce their use and find safe and environmentally friendly alternatives. Safer alternatives mainly focus on phosphorus, nitrogen, and mineral-based systems.
The biopolymer lignin is another logical candidate for exploitation in the flame retardancy space because of its intrinsic flame-retardant properties through char formation upon heating and is especially relevant for panel and composite products for its natural binder properties and compatibility with the matrices used, and allowing the development of 100% biobased and circular products. However, previous research showed that the natural FR properties of lignin are not sufficient. Therefore, chemical modification of lignin by introducing nitrogen and/or phosphorous groups is proposed here to synergistically improve the FR properties of lignin in line with the FR requirements for the targeted biobased materials.
The LigninFR project aims to develop safe and alternative lignin-based flame retardants. Lignin flame-retardant functionality will be pursued through selecting feedstock-extraction process combinations leading to lignins most fit-for-purpose, in concert with targeted structural fractionation on molar mass and reactive functional group distribution and targeted structural modification mainly focusing on introducing nitrogen and/or phosphorous moieties. Selected lignin samples will be tested for functionality both for FR properties as for application applicability, the production of lignin with suitable functionality will be upscaled, and application will be tested in two industrially relevant composite and panel scenarios, all supported by techno-economic assessment of the new value-chain developed.
The entirely Dutch LigninFR consortium covers the feedstock-converter-end user value chain and is committed to contribute to the goals set out in the call theme Safe alternatives for substances of very high concern.

Archaea-biomimetic LNPs increase dairy farming sustainability and productivity

Project partners: Leiden University, Hot Sauce Holding B.V., Triple Bio BV
Call: PPS-i 2026
Grand date: 28 August 2026

This project aims to apply cutting edge lipid nanoparticle (LNP) chemistry to improve the sustainability, productivity and profitability of dairy farming.

By determining the biophysical and electrochemical mechanism(s) by which methanogenic ether-lipid membranes modulate hydrogen ion distribution at the methanogen cell surface, we aim to generate critical insights into how the microbes behind >5% of global greenhouse gas emissions access their primary source of energy.

Hydrogen is released when plant material is broken down within the rumen, and can either be used by methanogens (which create methane) or fermentative bacteria which produce molecules that can be metabolised by cattle, e.g. volatile fatty acids (VFAs). The project aims to use LNPs to improve the underlying scientific understanding of this process, and to manipulate it by:
1. Determining whether methanogen cell membranes are hydrogen impermeable, and if so determining how hydrogen is sequestered;
2. Demonstrate methanogen targeting capabilities of LNPs;
3. Determine the viability of using LNPs to redirect hydrogen away from methanogens and towards fermentative bacteria.

The project builds on LNP formulation and in vitro rumen simulation work already conducted by Triple Bio. This work challenges the current understanding of rumen microbiology, but the team lacks the materials science technical capacity to determine the true mode of action.

NaSus: High-performance Sodium-ion batteries with Sustainable electrolytes

Project partners: Delft University of Technology, BOR-LYTE BV
Call: PPS-i 2026
Grand date: 28 August 2026

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are emerging as a promising alternative to lithium-ion technologies, offering competitive energy and power densities while relying on earth-abundant elements. As the demand for sustainable and scalable energy storage grows, SIBs are expected to capture a significant share of the stationary and, increasingly, automotive battery markets by 2035.
However, current high-TRL SIB systems rely on halide-based electrolyte salts (e.g., NaPF₆, NaClO₄) in flammable carbonate or glyme-based solvents (flash points, FP= 25–60 °C).1 These systems pose critical safety, environmental, and recyclability challenges. Under failure conditions, they can decompose into toxic and corrosive species (including hydrofluoric acid and phosphorus fluorides) which not only pose environmental risks but also damage recycling infrastructure.2,3 Therefore, developing fluorine-free, non-flammable, and environmentally benign electrolytes is a key prerequisite for enabling the next generation SIBs.
Borate-based electrolyte salts have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional SIB electrolytes. In particular, chelated borate salts (e.g. Sodium Bis(oxalato)borate, NaBOB) combined with phosphate solvents, such as triethyl phosphate (TEP, FP 105 °C) and trimethyl phosphate (TMP, FP145 °C), offer significantly improved safety profiles compared to carbonates and glymes, thereby enabling safer battery operation and recycling.4 In terms of electrochemical performance, these systems exhibit ionic conductivities of up to 5 mS cm⁻¹ at room temperature, approaching those of conventional electrolytes (7–10 mS cm⁻¹).5,6 Further improvements have been demonstrated through the use of tailored organic additives and optimized salt concentrations, which enhance ion transport and solvation behavior.7 Additionally, the use of borate-based chemistries relies on environmentally benign electrolyte production routes, reducing both material criticality and process-related emissions.
Development of the family of sodium borate based electrolyte in phosphate based solvents has been mostly demonstrate with hard carbon anode and partially desodiated Prussian white cathode.4 In these systems the irreversible capacity loss in the very first cycle has been a major issue, which is detrimental for enabling reversible cycling and long-term performance. To address this, efforts has been demonstrated by introducing solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) forming additives in the electrolyte as well as formation protocols.8 Due to limited gravimetric capacity (~170 mAh/g) as well as hindrance on the Na-ion conduction kinetics over the electron conduction kinetics, the areal capacity has been demonstrate to 1-1.5 mAh/cm2. A promising way of improving the areal energy density of this system would be introducing high-capacity electrode materials. In this regard, anode-less configuration offers the most advantage by completely omitting the mass of the anode.9 Herein, during the charging cycle, the Na-ion from the cathode moves to the opposite current collector and get deposited as metallic Na, which later during the discharge cycle strips away and moves back to the cathode framework. This approach not only improves the energy density of the battery, but also significantly reduces the manufacturing costs. However, such strategy often comes with issues like dendrite growth, poor cyclability, irreversible metal deposition, excessive SEI formation etc., which can be addressed by introducing suitable passivation layer.
Opting an anode-less configuration of the sodium ion battery would require a sodium-rich cathode, that can act as a Na-reservoir. Fully sodiated Prussian white (Na2Fe[Fe(CN)6]) is one of the promising material in this regard due to its redox compatibility with the borate- phosphate combined electrolyte systems. However, due to its intrinsically low electronic conductivity, development of high performance Prussian white cathodes has been challenging. This can be addressed by altering its grain size as well as optimizing the cathode composite composition with suitable electron conducting additive (e.g. 1D carbon nanofiber/ carbon nanotubes) as well as binder.
Our NaSus project aims to develop high-performance, anode-free sodium-ion batteries based on sustainable electrolyte chemistry. Central and essential to this effort is the replacement of conventional fluorinated salts and carbonate/glyme-based solvent systems with borate-based sodium salts in combination with non-flammable phosphate solvents. Within this framework, our project will investigate the electrochemical behavior of sodium bis(malonato)borate (NaBMB) in phosphate-based solvent systems (TEP/TMP), with the objective of enabling safe, efficient, and environmentally benign battery operation. In order to improve the energy density of the SIB, we aim to achieve an anode-free configuration. To achieve highly reversible Na-metal plating and stripping at the anode, the surface of the current collector will be altered through deposition of a bilayer of sodiophilic material followed by a high bandgap sodium ion conductor, which are expected to suppress dendrite growth and improve coulombic efficiency, respectively. For cathode, we aim to employ Prussian white analogous as Na-rich reservoir. By systematically optimizing the cathode components toward improved electronic conductivity, we aim to achieve high areal capacity of 3 mAh cm-2, through which the high performance behavior of the NaSus battery will be demonstrated.

Autonomous Simulations via Artificial Intelligence for Chemical Processing

Project partners: University of Groningen, Software for Chemistry & Materials BV
Call: PPS-i 2026
Grand date: 28 August 2026

The goal of this project is to develop a fully autonomous, agentic artificial intelligence (AI) framework that allows researchers to interact with computational chemistry and scientific computing software through natural language prompts. The system will translate user prompts into simulation instructions, execute them, analyze the corresponding results, perform error checks, and provide iterative, agentic feedback to the user. By automating these steps, the framework will lower the technical barrier to performing complex molecular simulations, increasing their adoption in both academia and the chemical industry.

Currently, running molecular simulations requires a high level of specialist expertise. Researchers must master the technical details of specific software packages, construct valid input files from scratch, manage job execution, interpret complex output files, and diagnose errors. This can take days or weeks even for domain experts. This steep learning curve severely limits the adoption of computational chemistry in industry, particularly among SMEs that lack dedicated modelling teams. At the same time, even expert users spend a disproportionate amount of time on routine, repetitive tasks that do not require scientific judgement. Our proposed framework addresses both problems simultaneously. It reduces the expertise barrier for new users while freeing experienced researchers to focus on higher-level scientific questions.

The framework will be open-source and modular, built as a mixture-of-experts system in which specialized AI nodes handle distinct aspects of the simulation workflow such as input generation, error correction, and result interpretation. It can be extended to new software packages through dedicated skill documents. This architecture ensures that the framework is not tied to a single simulation program but can be readily adapted to diverse computational tasks, including molecular dynamics (MD), solid-state calculations, and materials simulations. Users will interact with the system through an intuitive chatbot interface accessible via both a command-line interface and a graphical user interface (GUI), making complex computational pipelines accessible without sacrificing flexibility for advanced users.

The development of the AI framework will proceed in three stages. First, real-world data sets, including input scripts, user manuals, and technical documentation, will be collected, curated, and organized into a database. This will feed a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) system, allowing the AI to retrieve relevant domain-specific knowledge and mimic expert decision-making. Second, model performance will be optimized through prompt engineering, system-level tuning, and iterative feedback, leveraging dedicated frameworks to refine agent behavior without requiring full model fine-tuning, thereby maintaining flexibility and generality while keeping the knowledge up-to-date. Finally, the optimized model will be integrated into an agentic framework capable of end-to-end automation. This will encompass interpreting user prompts, retrieving knowledge, generating and validating input files, executing computational tools, parsing outputs, performing error checks, and presenting results.

The open-source core framework will serve as the foundation for integration into the Amsterdam Modelling Suite (AMS), developed by SCM, one of the consortium partners. AMS is one of the leading computational chemistry platforms in both academia and industry, and is widely used within the Dutch chemical processing sector. By embedding the agentic framework natively into AMS, the project creates a direct and immediate pathway for industrial adoption, supported by SCM’s established software infrastructure and user base.

To validate the framework and demonstrate its industrial relevance, it will be applied to two concrete use cases. The first is the optimization of process parameters for lithium-ion batteries, a problem of direct relevance to the Dutch energy transition. Here, the agent will autonomously execute workflows using the MD modules of AMS to predict lithium-ion transport. The second use case is the prediction of protonation states of oligopeptide and small protein, a key step in computational drug discovery and an important capability for the life sciences industry. In both cases, performance will be evaluated against high-quality reference data and validated through surveys among domain experts, ensuring that results meet the standards required for real industrial application.

The ultimate goal is to provide both the scientific community and the Dutch chemical industry with a robust, openly available AI framework that simplifies complex computational chemistry workflows, accelerates research and development productivity, and serves as a foundational platform for the next generation of autonomous AI systems in scientific computing.

Plastic Recycling with Integrated Management of Effluent Gas

Project partners: University of Groningen, BioBTX BV
Call: PPS-i 2026
Grand date: 28 August 2026

Plastics are indispensable to modern society, with applications ranging from household items such as food packaging and clothing to advanced medical and aviation equipment. However, plastics also pose significant environmental challenges. First, most plastics are produced from fossil resources, which are non-renewable and unsustainable. Currently, 90 % of global plastic production is fossil-based. Europe accounts for roughly 12% of global plastic production, of which 79% relies on fossil feedstocks, and production declined by 12% between 2018 and 2024. Second, most plastics mostly end up in landfills or incinerators because they are not biodegradable and their decomposition/ combustion led to greenhouse carbon dioxide emissions. Europe generates nearly 32 million tonnes of plastic waste annually. Therefore, developing effective waste plastic recycling technologies is essential to increase the production of circular plastics, strengthen the competitiveness of the Dutch industry and address the growing plastic waste challenge.

The PRIME-GAS project aims to develop an integrated effluent gas management strategy for BioBTX’s Integrated Cascading Catalytic Pyrolysis (ICCP) technology. The process and catalytic solutions developed are expected to increase BTX yield by 10 wt.% in comparison to the base case, resulting in cleaner operation and more sustainable production.

Ongoing research on the aromatization of light olefins and paraffins (C2-C4) conducted by the University of Groningen (UG) and BioBTX has demonstrated that this fraction can be recycled and upgraded to BTX. However, aromatization is a dehydrogenation process that releases hydrogen, which promotes the formation of methane and paraffins, thereby limiting overall carbon efficiency and BTX yield. Further research into the valorization non condensable gases (such as C2-C4) while avoiding the formation of methane is needed.

This fundamental constraint highlights the need for a new strategy to effectively utilize the excess hydrogen generated during aromatization, enabling higher BTX yields and improved process performance. One promising approach is to couple aromatization with hydrogen-consuming reactions, such as the reverse water–gas shift (RWGS), to convert CO2 into CO while simultaneously enhancing BTX yield and carbon utilization by suppressing methane formation.

Hence, the PRIME-GAS project will pursue two complementary research lines: (i) suppress methane formation, which cannot be upgraded to BTX, and (ii) implement additional catalytic function(s) to convert other gaseous products into BTX.

Electrified Membrane reactor for methanol to H2 (MEMETH2)

Project partners: Eindhoven University of Technology, ZEFIRA BV,
Call: PPS-i 2026
Grand date: 28 August 2026

The main goal of MEMETH2 is to develop and demonstrate a novel induction-heated membrane reactor concept for the efficient production of high-purity hydrogen from methanol reforming. By integrating hydrogen-selective carbon molecular sieve (CMS) membranes with an electrified reactor system based on induction heating, MEMETH2 aims to establish a compact, energy-efficient, and scalable technology platform for on-demand hydrogen generation from methanol as a liquid hydrogen carrier.

Methanol is increasingly recognized as one of the most promising hydrogen carriers for the future energy system. It is liquid at ambient conditions, easy to store and transport, and has a high volumetric hydrogen density. Moreover, methanol can be produced from renewable sources (green methanol) and is already part of established global supply chains. However, efficient recovery of hydrogen from methanol remains a technological challenge. Conventional methanol reforming systems require multiple process steps, a reformer followed by water-gas shift reactors and downstream purification, resulting in complex, energy-intensive, and capital-heavy installations. Membrane reactors offer a fundamentally different approach by combining reaction and separation in a single unit, enabling higher conversion at lower temperatures, intrinsic hydrogen purification, and a significantly reduced system footprint.

MEMETH2 addresses the key limitations of current membrane reactor designs by introducing induction heating as a means to decouple the operating temperatures of the catalyst and the membrane. In conventional membrane reactors, both the catalyst and the membrane are exposed to the same temperature, which inevitably leads to a compromise: either the catalyst operates below its optimum temperature, limiting reaction kinetics and conversion, or the membrane operates above its optimal range, reducing selectivity and accelerating degradation. MEMETH2 overcomes this limitation by placing susceptor rods inside the catalyst bed within the membrane channels. Under an alternating magnetic field, these susceptor rods generate heat locally at the catalyst surface, while the membrane, positioned on the outer wall of the channel, remains at a lower temperature. This spatial separation of heat generation and membrane operation enables both the catalyst and the membrane to function at their respective optimal conditions, maximizing reaction conversion and hydrogen separation efficiency simultaneously.

The project is structured around three interconnected goals. The first goal is the development and optimization of hydrogen-selective CMS membranes for methanol reforming conditions. ZEFIRA will fabricate and characterize CMS membranes on single-channel and multichannel supports, and systematically evaluate their permeation performance, including hydrogen permeance and selectivity over relevant gases (CO₂, CO, CH₃OH, H₂O), across a range of temperatures and pressures representative of methanol reforming. The second goal is the design and development of an induction heating system tailored for integration with the membrane reactor. TU/e will select and test suitable susceptor materials, optimize the induction coil and power supply configurations, and characterize temperature profiles to ensure efficient and controllable heat delivery to the catalyst zone while minimizing thermal load on the membrane. The third goal is the proof-of-principle demonstration of the integrated induction-heated membrane reactor for methanol reforming. TU/e will integrate the CMS membranes into the induction-heated reactor, first in a single-tube configuration and subsequently in a multitube arrangement, and demonstrate hydrogen production from methanol under realistic operating conditions. The experimental work is supported by modeling activities carried out by TU/e.

Through this integrated approach, MEMETH2 will deliver a proof-of-concept for a next-generation hydrogen production technology that combines the advantages of membrane-assisted reaction intensification with electrified heating. The project outcomes are expected to provide the scientific and technological foundation for future scale-up toward industrially relevant hydrogen production capacities from methanol and other liquid hydrogen carriers.

From plants for plants: Sustainable wood-based plant protection

Project partners: University of Twente, Artecs Polymer Research & Technology, LigniLabs GmbH
Call: PPS-i 2026
Grand date: 28 August 2026

Agricultural production faces increasing pressure from fungal plant diseases that significantly reduce
crop yields and require repeated application of chemical fungicides. Conventional crop protection formulations rely heavily on synthetic active ingredients and petroleum-derived polymers used as formulation additives or delivery systems. These materials contribute to environmental contamination and may lead to the accumulation of persistent microplastics in agricultural soils.

At the same time, regulatory pressure and societal expectations are driving a transition toward safer and more sustainable crop protection technologies. Biological plant protection products (BPPs), such as antimicrobial peptides, natural oils, and RNA-based agents, are emerging as promising alternatives to conventional pesticides. However, many of these bio-based agents suffer from limited stability under field conditions due to UV degradation, wash-off from plant surfaces, and rapid degradation in the environment.

The goal of this project is to develop a biodegradable nanocarrier platform based on lignin, an
abundant aromatic biopolymer obtained as a side stream of the pulp and paper industry. Lignin will be upcycled into functional nanocarriers capable of encapsulating biological plant protection agents and delivering them to crops in a targeted and environmentally responsible manner.

Lignin possesses several intrinsic properties that make it particularly suitable for this application. Its
aromatic structure provides strong UV-absorbing capabilities, which can protect sensitive biological molecules from photodegradation. In addition, lignin can be degraded by oxidative enzymes such as laccases that are secreted by fungal pathogens during plant infection. While lignin-based particles are
sufficiently stable under environmental conditions, this enzymatic degradability can be exploited to trigger cargo release in the presence of fungal pathogens.

By leveraging these properties, the project aims to create enzyme-responsive lignin nanocarriers
that release encapsulated biological agents selectively at infection sites. This approach enables targeted delivery, improved stability of biological agents, and potentially reduced application rates of crop protection products.

The project aims to develop a Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) crop protection platform in
which a renewable biomass resource is converted into biodegradable delivery systems for biological
crop protection agents — essentially “from plants, for plants.” This concept combines circular material
use with improved agricultural efficiency through enhanced protection of sensitive biomolecules and
improved rainfastness on plant leaves.

Through collaboration between the University of Twente and two SMEs: LigniLabs GmbH (Mainz,
Germany) and Artecs Polymer Research & Technology (Hengelo, Netherlands), the project will
develop and validate lignin nanocarriers and demonstrate their potential for sustainable crop protection applications. The technology will be advanced from laboratory proof-of-concept toward pilot-scale formulation, contributing to the transition toward circular chemistry and sustainable agriculture.

Bio Based Adhesive System for Timber Constructions

Project partners: TNO, Recell Group BV
Call: PPS-i 2026
Grand date: 28 August 2026

The goal of the project is to develop and validate a safe and sustainable by design (SSbD), high bio-content adhesive platform that can replace conventional formaldehyde-based resins in wood panels for timber construction. The project will use synthesized, preferably bio-based ionic liquids (IL) to solubilize recycled lignocellulosic biopolymers such as cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin to enable the development of high-performance adhesive systems from circular feedstocks. Building on recent literature, ionic liquid-enabled cellulose bonding can form dense, interlocked and water-resistant wood interfaces. These interfaces can reach shear strengths higher than solid wood and outperform phenol-formaldehyde benchmarks. The project will translate this bonding mechanism into bio-based ionic-liquid adhesive formulations compatible with current manufacturing routes and curing conditions. A central aim is to establish how ionic liquid chemistry, polymer purity, molecular weight and degree of polymerization determine biopolymer dissolution, substrate penetration and interphase development. We will leverage this knowledge to design formulations that deliver competitive dry and wet bond strength, delamination resistance and durability performance. In parallel, the project will assess the technical feasibility of using recovered cellulose, hemicellulose from wastewater concentrates and bio sourced lignin as adhesive precursors, while explicitly integrating SSbD criteria to screen ionic liquid families for environmental impact and circular process compatibility at an early stage. Economic feasibility will be addressed by evaluating the minimum required feedstock, IL loading, compatibility with existing processing routes and the potential for IL recovery/ recycling. This way, the project aims to provide a scalable and scientifically grounded route toward safer, circular and high-performance bio-based adhesives for next-generation engineered wood products (EWP).

Self-Driving Laboratory for Autonomous LNP Development

Project partners: Eindhoven University of Technology, Nanoworx
Call: PPS-i 2026
Grand date: 28 August 2026

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the leading delivery platform for mRNA-based therapeutics, including
vaccines, cancer immunotherapies, and gene therapies for rare diseases. The current size of the
European LNP contract development and manufacturing organization market is estimated to be €50
million and growing at 14.8% annually. mRNA-based therapeutics deliver mRNA to our cells, which then use it to create protein, peptide or antibody drugs. The clinical performance of LNPs depends critically on three physicochemical quality attributes: particle size, polydispersity index, and mRNA encapsulation efficiency. Designing LNPs that have suitable properties in all three aspects simultaneously is complicated; no platform exists that can do this autonomously. Additionally, these properties depend non-linearly on many variables, including the ionizable lipid identity, molar ratio, helper lipid composition, PEG-lipid fraction, cholesterol content, flow rate ratio, and total flow rate. Conventional Design of Experiments (DoE) campaigns thus require exhaustive screening: typically 20 to 100 formulations, several months of laboratory effort, and costs reaching €50,000 to €200,000 per campaign. This pace is incompatible with the speed demanded by modern pharmaceutical development pipelines and places LNP development out of reach for most Dutch SMEs.

The goal of this project is to develop, validate, and industrially deploy the first closed-loop selfdriving
laboratory (SDL) for multi-output LNP formulation optimization. In a conventional
campaign, a researcher designs a batch of formulations, prepares and tests them, interprets the results, and then decides what to try next. This cycle typically takes days to weeks per iteration. In our SDL, this entire loop is performed autonomously. The platform synthesizes LNPs, measures their properties, and uses a machine-learning model to select the next experiment, completing each 96 sample cycle in approximately 8 hours. Because the platform is not designed around a single LNP product but the optimization of formulation recipes, it can be re-deployed for new therapeutic targets and new mRNA, SiRNA or DNA payloads. This makes it a reusable tool for the broader pharmaceutical sector.

The SDL combines three elements. First, an automated microfluidic synthesis platform that produces
LNPs in a controlled and reproducible manner. Second, a three-loop characterization workflow that
measures particle size, uniformity, and mRNA encapsulation at increasing levels of cost and certainty.
Third, a constrained composite Bayesian optimization model that predicts all three properties, selects
the most informative next experiment, and filters out unsuitable candidates early using cheaper and
faster measurements. This cost-aware approach, known as multi-fidelity optimization, ensures that
expensive assays are reserved for the most promising formulations only.

The project advances the SDL from TRL 4 to 7, across three work packages (WP). The consortium
partners bring complementary and directly relevant experience. Nanoworx is a contract research
organization specializing in the design and optimization of LNPs and other nanomedicines through highthroughput library production and screening. Dr. Erkamp and prof. Dr. de Greef have validated
microfluidic synthesis, Bayesian optimization, and closed-loop experimentation in analogous
physicochemical domains. In WP1 and WP2, we will focus on implementing and validating the SDL
through fundamental research in the field. In WP3, the platform will be demonstrated in an operational industrial environment at Nanoworx, where it will be applied to real client projects as industrial research.

The project addresses four knowledge gaps absent from all existing LNP platforms: simultaneous
optimization; cost-aware experimentation; principled feasibility gating to remove unsuitable candidates earlier; and open-standard transferability to industry. The project uses only water- and ethanol-based solvents, contains no substances of very high concern, and reduces material consumption significantly due to the high-efficiency sampling, in direct alignment with Safe and Sustainable by Design principles.

After project completion, the SDL will remain operational and be adopted at Nanoworx’s shared
infrastructure, ultimately promoting fundamental research and offering an efficient LNP optimization
service for Dutch and European pharmaceutical clients.

Intelligent Monitoring of Chain Elongation Fermentations

Project partners: Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, Chaincraft B.V., Perceptra technologies B.V.
Call: PPS-i 2026
Grand date: 28 August 2026

The goal of the proposed project is to establish a fully integrated, data-driven monitoring and control framework for ChainCraft’s biomanufacturing process, enabling real-time insight into key process parameters and paving the way toward intelligent, automated process control. As biomanufacturing processes become increasingly complex and variable, robust monitoring tools and predictive control strategies are essential to maintain product quality, reduce resource use, and increase operational reliability. To achieve this, the project brings together expertise in fermentation, robotics-enabled analytical R&D, chemometrics, machine learning, and model predictive control.
First, the project aims to identify and implement advanced Process Analytical Technology (PAT) tools capable of monitoring the most relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across the ChainCraft process. This involves a systematic evaluation of spectroscopic sensors, Raman systems, and robotics-enabled medium-throughput analytics to determine their sensitivity, specificity, and robustness under realistic operating conditions. The project seeks to establish which technologies are best suited for real-time and at-line monitoring, and to generate high-quality datasets during controlled lab-scale fermentations.

Second, the project aims to convert these datasets into reliable chemometric models. These models will form the core of the PAT monitoring framework, enabling real-time prediction of KPIs from spectroscopic and process data. To ensure industrial robustness, the project will combine high-frequency online measurements with data from controlled robotics experiments, and apply machine-learning-based model enhancement techniques. Integration of these datasets will ensure the resulting models maintain accuracy even under process variability and sensor noise.

Finally, the project aims to validate these monitoring tools at pilot scale and to develop an MPC-based reinforcement learning controller capable of steering the ChainCraft process in real time. This includes adaptation of Raman technologies for pilot-scale integration, testing of monitoring models in pilot-scale fermentations, and development of a control strategy that demonstrates stability, responsiveness, and the potential for future full-scale automation. Together, these goals will deliver a foundation for advanced digitalisation and autonomous operation within ChainCraft’s biomanufacturing platform.

Enzyme-driven Starch molecular Engineering

Project partners: Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, VLCI, Einerhand Science & Innovation, Ruitenberg Ingredients B.V., Agrana Stärke GmbH
Call: PPS-i 2026
Grand date: 28 August 2026

The global food ingredient industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by population growth and rising demand for sustainable, healthy, and affordable foods. These trends put significant pressure on agricultural resources, highlighting the need for more efficient and sustainable production systems. In this context, valorising side streams and underutilized biomass by subsequent isolation and use of valuable sources of fibre, starch, and proteins, has become a key strategy to improve resource efficiency.

Sustainability goals are driving the development of resource-efficient technologies, including mild and targeted processing approaches that reduce CO₂ emissions, energy consumption, and dependence on chemicals. At the same time, growing consumer awareness is increasing the demand for the replacement of chemicals in food processing, as these are often perceived as undesirable or unsafe. This has accelerated the adoption of clean-label strategies, favouring ingredients modified through physical processes and perceived as natural. However, chemically modified starches still outperform clean-label alternatives in functionality. Moreover, physical modification presents a sustainability paradox: while reducing chemical inputs, these processes are often energy-intensive and costly, thereby limiting their overall sustainability.

Public health concerns are also driving the development of healthier food ingredients. Rising rates of obesity and metabolic disorders have increased demand for foods that lower glycaemic response, reduce fat and sodium, and increase dietary fibre content. Despite the availability of natural fibre sources, intake remains below recommended levels, highlighting the need for enrichment strategies. One such strategy is starch converted into dietary fibre, notably resistant starch RS4. This comprising thermochemically modified starches designed to resist enzymatic digestion by humans, provides functional fibre but is not produced through sustainable processes.

With current technologies, the food industry cannot overcome the sustainability paradox. Emerging processes, such as enzymatic modification, offer a promising alternative. This avoids chemical or energy-intensive physical methods. These processes enable targeted functionality with a much lower environmental impact.

Enzymatic starch modification using transferases began in the late 1970s with amylomaltases, and since then, diverse transferases have been identified across glycoside hydrolase (GH) families. Although still a niche, the enzymatically modified starch food market is steadily expanding, often within the broader clean-label starch segment, alongside physically modified starches. Most research has focused on digestibility, particularly slower glucose release and prebiotic effects. Despite these advances, achieving resistance comparable to chemically modified resistant starches remains a challenge with the current state of enzymatic starch modification.

Development has largely focused on single-enzyme treatments. The simultaneous application of multiple enzymes has been less explored, as it was traditionally assumed that catalytic competition would reduce overall effectiveness. However, recent studies from Wageningen Food & BiobasedResearch (WFBR) demonstrate the opposite: synergistic effects arise from the simultaneously application of amylomaltase and Rhodothermus obamensis branching enzyme, inducing a chain-polymerization-like effect that increases both branching density and molecular weight. The resulting starches also exhibit more strongly retarded digestibility compared to those produced using individual enzymes. Hence, this dual- or multi-enzyme approach offers a promising route for further exploration through the coordinated use of enzymes with complementary substrate specificities and overlapping activities.

In this research, enzyme cocktails will be investigated under a range of process conditions, both within and across GH families, to achieve synergistic effects that enable precise modulation of starch structure and digestibility. The structural integrity of enzymatically restructured starches will be monitored throughout the stages of human digestion (starting from mastication) and simultaneously techno-functional and textural properties will be evaluated. In addition, the processes will be applied to starch-rich side streams, enhancing both applicability and sustainability and evaluated within the European assessment framework “Safe and Sustainable by Design”.

Overall, ENSURE aims to bridge the functionality gap between current clean label and chemically modified starches. This is of high relevance because without research into next-generation clean-label starch technologies, the food industry risks being locked into either chemical dependency or unsustainable processing that are outcomes incompatible with the EU’s Green Deal ambitions and the clean-label transition consumers are demanding.

AI driven chemical analytics platform

Project partners: TNO, University of Amsterdam, BASF, Spectrometry Vision BV
Call: PPS-i 2026
Grand date: 28 August 2026

The overarching goal of this project is to contribute to safer, more sustainable, and future-proof plastics by significantly improving transparency on chemicals used in plastic materials and products. The project addresses a critical and widely recognised challenge in the plastics value chain: the limited understanding of the full chemical composition of plastic materials, particularly with respect to unknown, unintended, and emerging substances.

Despite advances in materials innovation and circularity, plastics companies still lack accessible and comprehensive insight into which substances are present in their products and materials. This lack of transparency creates uncertainty in product safety, hampers compliance with current and forthcoming chemical regulations, and slows innovation toward safer and more sustainable plastic solutions. For example, recycling of food-contact materials is currently hindered by insufficient certainty regarding the identity, concentrations, and hazards of chemicals present in recyclates, while upcoming legislation will mandate recycled content levels for plastic packaging of 30% by 20230, which cannot realistically be met using current methods. The resulting knowledge gap affects not only individual companies, but also the broader plastics ecosystem, regulators, value-chain partners, and society at large.

This project aims to bridge this gap by enabling plastics companies to move beyond partial and fragmented chemical information toward a more complete, reliable, and interpretable understanding of material composition. Central to this approach are high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS)-based non-target screening (NTS) analyses, which provide comprehensive chemical measurements and enable the detection, identification, and—where possible—quantification of a wide range of known and unknown compounds across a large chemical space. To fully unlock this potential, chemical measurements must be consistently interpretable, verifiable, and scalable beyond expert-driven analysis. The project therefore strengthens the connection between advanced HRMS-based chemical measurements and data-driven interpretation, enabling reliable and actionable chemical intelligence for the Dutch plastics and polymer processing sector.

By addressing data quality, interpretability, and validation in an integrated manner, the project ensures that analytical results can be meaningfully compared across materials, processes, and use cases, and can be confidently applied in industrial decision-making. This approach supports the responsible adoption of data-driven and AI-supported methods in safety- and quality-critical contexts, without compromising scientific rigour or regulatory credibility.

In doing so, the project contributes to a future in which chemical complexity is no longer a barrier to safe product design, circular material use, and responsible innovation, but instead becomes a source of insight that strengthens innovation capacity and competitiveness across the plastics value chain.
To translate this overarching ambition into concrete and achievable outcomes, the project pursues the following strategic goals:

• Translate HRMS-based NTS data into actionable chemical and toxicological intelligence, to support safe use of (recycled) plastics, regulatory compliance, and sustainability-driven decision-making.
• Enable chemical transparency in plastics by identifying unknown and emerging substances of concern, reducing uncertainty and supporting proactive risk management and safer material and product choices.
• Strengthen innovation capacity and competitiveness of Dutch plastics companies by providing access to advanced chemical and toxicological intelligence that supports product optimisation, circular design, and market differentiation.
• Contribute to national and European ambitions for Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design materials, circular plastics, and responsible chemical management, in line with sustainability and industrial innovation agendas.
• Advance the longer-term digital and analytical readiness of the plastics value chain by developing transferable methods, reference datasets, and AI-enabled approaches that support responsible, data-driven chemical assessment.

By pursuing these goals, the project contributes to a systemic shift in how chemical information is generated, interpreted, and used in the plastics sector. Rather than treating chemical analysis as a fragmented or purely technical exercise, the project supports a transition toward integrated chemical risk intelligence as a foundation for safer products, regulatory readiness, and sustainable growth.

Mono-material food packaging films with enhanced barrier performance

Project partners: Dutch Polymer Institute, University of Groningen, SABIC Petrochemicals, DOW Benelux
Call: PPS-i 2026
Grand date: 28 August 2026

The transition from multilayer to mono-material packaging requires polyethylene (PE) films with
improved mechanical, optical, and barrier performance. However, PE exhibits poor oxygen barrier
properties, limiting its use in food packaging.
The goal of the PROSPER project is to enhance the barrier performance of PE by controlling film
processing and structure. Combining cast film extrusion, controlled stretching, and targeted additives
such as advanced anisotropic nucleating agents —the project will establish how microstructure governs gas transport and can be used to optimise the barrier performance. Early and iterative barrier
measurements will guide material and process design.

The PROSPER also aims to establish quantitative processing–structure–barrier performance
relationships in polyethylene films for mono-material food packaging, by determining how blend
composition, additive morphology, and progressive stretching conditions govern hierarchical structure
formation and ultimately influence oxygen and water vapor transport properties. The project will
therefore deliver guidelines for developing recyclable PE packaging without relying on multilayer
structures.

Bioavailability on a chip

Project partners: Delft University of Technology, Janssen Vaccines & Prevention B.V.
Call: Biobased raw materials for circular materials
Grand date: 17 July 2026

This project develops a predictive lymphatic-on-a-chip platform to study and improve the subcutaneous bioavailability of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). The advanced 3D microfluidic system mimics human lymphatic transport and, for the first time, integrates a vascularized barrier to enhance physiological relevance. It enables mechanistic analysis of therapeutic absorption, distribution, and blood–lymphatic interactions, including applications for small molecules, viral vectors and CAR-T therapies. The model will be validated using diverse mAbs and optimized for evaluation of formulation, dosage, and microenvironmental factors. Ultimately, the platform aims to accelerate therapeutic development while reducing reliance on animal testing and improving translational predictability.

Shining light on catalysts via new developments in microscopy and spectroscopy

Project partners: Leiden University, Leiden Probe Microscopy B.V.,
Grand date: 17 July 2026

In this project, researchers from Leiden University will work together with the company Leiden Probe Microscopy to shine light on catalysts, literally and figuratively speaking. Via new developments in microscopy and spectroscopy, we will see catalysts at the atomic scale while they are at work, so during the chemical reaction. We will build a new microscope that can operate at high temperatures where industrial chemical reactions take place. However, with the microscope we will see the atoms, but not know which atoms they are. To obtain that information, we will shine light on the catalysts. We will perform both these measurements simultaneously in one reactor. This is equipment that does not exist yet. When we can observe the catalysts at the atomic scale while the reaction is taking place, we can develop new and better catalysts, that we need for combatting climate change and pollution.

Nutphenolics

Project partners: Avans Hogeschool, Privim, Charcotec, Nuts2
Call: Biobased raw materials for circular materials
Grand date: 29 May 2026

Every year, the global cashew industry generates millions of tonnes of cashew nut shells. These shells are often burned or discarded, leading to pollution and waste of valuable resources. Yet cashew shells contain a natural resin—cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL)—that can be used as a renewable alternative to fossil-based chemicals.
The Nutphenolics project aims to unlock this potential by converting cashew nut shell waste into high-value, biobased building blocks for circular materials. First, CNSL is efficiently extracted from the shells. The remaining shell material is then converted using thermal processes into biochar and energy. This energy is reused within the process itself, reducing the need for external energy and minimising waste.
A key focus of the project is the purification of CNSL into three valuable components: cardanol, cardol, and anacardic acid. These substances can replace fossil-based phenols in products such as resins, coatings, adhesives, and other advanced materials.
By combining extraction, energy recovery, and purification in one integrated process, Nutphenolics enables almost complete use of cashew shell biomass. The project creates new value chains for the cashew sector, lowers environmental impact in producing regions, and delivers sustainable chemical building blocks that fit within a circular economy. Nutphenolics shows how agricultural waste can be transformed into high-value biobased building blocks for circular materials with clear societal and industrial benefits.

BIO-based High-scattering Agri-coatings for Greenhouses and ZEro-microplastics

Project partners: Twente University, FOTONIQ Products B.V.
Call: Biobased raw materials for circular materials
Grand date: 29 May 2026

High-tech greenhouse coatings are essential for the Dutch agricultural sector; scattering sunlight efficiently can increase crop yields by up to 10%. While seasonal and short-term coatings already have biodegradable alternatives, durable and multi-year coatings still rely on fossil-based coatings and fillers. These “plastics” eventually accumulate in the environment during seasonal cleaning (formation of microplastics), posing a threat to soil health.
The BIO-HAZE project aims to create a sustainable alternative. We are developing a “Wood-to-Light” coating using chemically modified cellulose and lignin. By combining University of Twente’s (SPC) expertise in bio-polymer chemistry with FOTONIQ’s expertise in greenhouse coatings, we aim to engineer a coating that matches the performance of fossil benchmarks but is fully soil-biodegradable. This “Safe-by-Design” solution eliminates microplastic waste while keeping the Netherlands at the forefront of circular horticultural innovation.

Hydrocracking of technical and enzymatic-hydrolysis lignin to a range of polymer building blocks

Project partners: DPI, Eindhoven University of Technology
Call: Biobased raw materials for circular materials
Grand date: 29 May 2026

We will engineer bifunctional hydrocracking catalysts that enable C–C and C–O bond cleavage in technical and enzymatic-hydrolysis lignins to polymer-range building blocks. By tuning the process parameters we will control depolymerization severity and hydrogenation extent to yield oxygen-functionalized polymer-range building blocks. The outcome is a set of solvent–catalyst–process-optimized protocols that upgrade diverse lignins into oxygen-functionalized building blocks for polymer manufacture.

Selective Sequestering agents from Biobased Dialdehyde starch

Project partners: Stichting Wageningen Research, RB TS BV
Call: Biobased raw materials for circular materials
Grand date: 29 May 2026

In project Selective Sequestering agents from Biobased Dialdehyde starch (SSBD), Dutch SME RB TS B.V. (Tony Starch), producer of dialdehyde starch (DAS), and research institute Wageningen Food & Biobased Research (WFBR) will collaborate to develop economically viable routes to di-aldehyde starch based safe and sustainable sequestering agents for home care applications, such as laundry detergent formulations. Sequestering agents1 are required in these products to prevent scaling or grey deposits due to hard water ions (e.g. calcium and magnesium) as well as stain removal by removing iron and copper metal ions. The environmental concerns driven move towards lower temperature washing requires more effective sequestering agents, while concerns about low biodegradability of current, often fossil based products requires the development of renewable and biodegradable alternatives.
In project SSBD, a wide range of potential DAS derivatives will be modelled using state-of-the art computational techniques, to predict their metal complexation efficacies. The most promising candidates will then be prepared, characterised and tested. Preliminary test results will be fed back into the computational modelling in an iterative manner to generate improved variants. For selected advanced candidates, biodegradability testing will be performed, also in an iterative manner.
When successful, the project will make a significant contribution to the transition from a fossil-based chemical sector to one that is based on renewable carbon sources and produces non-persistent biodegradable products.

Exploration of a key biocatalyst for HMF conversion

Project partners: University of Groningen, Tasseikan BV
Call: Biobased raw materials for circular materials
Grand date: 29 May 2026

Developing biotech processes to produce valuable chemical building blocks from biomass-derived compounds, such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), is important because it enables a shift from fossil-based to renewable and circular carbon sources. HMF can be obtained from sugars present in plant biomass such as agricultural or forestry waste. Through biotechnology it can be converted selectively into intermediates for polymers, fuels, and specialty chemicals under mild conditions, with lower energy use and fewer hazardous by-products than traditional petrochemical routes. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions, decreases dependence on oil, and adds value to biomass streams that might otherwise be underutilized.

Tuning Nylon Performance with Biobased Chirality

Project partners: Maastricht University, Mevaldi BV,
Call: Biobased raw materials for circular materials
Grand date: 29 May 2026

Nylon is one of the most widely used plastics in daily life. It is found in textiles, carpets, packaging films, and strong engineering plastics for cars and electronics. Nylon’s performance depends strongly on how its long chains organize into ordered regions (“crystals”). That internal structure determines whether nylon becomes stiff or tough, how easily it can be processed, and how it behaves during use. This project develops a new route to biobased nylon ingredients that allow us to fine-tune nylon properties while staying compatible with existing nylon manufacturing. We start from 3MDVL, a biobased platform molecule supplied by Mevaldi. From this renewable starting point, we make slightly modified nylon building blocks that contain one extra small side group (a methyl group). Although the change is tiny, it introduces “handedness” (chirality), which can steer how nylon chains pack and crystallize. We will prepare both mixed-handedness materials and single-handedness materials, produce nylon-6 and nylon-6,6 using established polymerization approaches, and test how processing and crystallization affect key properties such as melting behavior, strength and toughness, and thermal stability. Because we retain the core nylon chemistry, the resulting materials are intended to remain compatible with current processing and established end-of-life approaches used for polyamides. The project fits the biobased materials theme by converting biobased feedstocks into higher-value chemical building blocks for circular materials applications, supporting the transition from fossil resources to sustainable raw materials.

BioFoam: Advancing PFAS-Free Bio-Derived Firefighting Foams

Project partners: Eindhoven University of Technology, InnoVfoam BV, Wageningen University and Research, Time-travelling Milkman BV
Call: Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU)
Grand date: 29 May 2026

Firefighting foams are essential for controlling large industrial fires involving fuels such as oil, gasoline, or chemicals. Today, many of these foams rely on fluorine-based chemicals, also known as PFAS. While very effective, PFAS are persistent in the environment and increasingly linked to health and environmental concerns. As a result, there is a growing need for safer alternatives that do not compromise fire safety.
The Biofoam project aims to develop a new generation of firefighting foams that can replace current PFAS-based foams. These new foams are based on renewable, bio-derived materials and are designed to work in existing fire-suppression systems without major changes. This makes their future adoption faster and more practical for industry and emergency services. To achieve this, the project brings together expertise from chemistry, materials science, and fire safety testing. Researchers are developing new surface-active components inspired by natural molecules, combined with thickening agents derived from agricultural waste streams. These ingredients are carefully selected and blended so that the foam spreads well, remains stable, and effectively suppresses fires, just like today’s commercial products.
The project does not focus on a single ingredient, but on the full foam formulation. By studying how different bio-based components work together, we will design foams that are effective, safe, and more sustainable. The most promising formulations are tested in controlled fire experiments and compared directly with existing commercial firefighting foams.
By replacing fluorinated chemicals with bio-based alternatives, Biofoam contributes to reduced environmental impact and safer working conditions, while maintaining high safety standards. The project supports the transition toward sustainable chemistry and strengthens European innovation in critical safety technologies.

DiPaFF – Digestible Packaging for Food waste to animal Feed

Project partners: Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, Solinatra Europe B.V.
Call: Biobased raw materials for circular materials
Grand date: 29 May 2026

Today, food waste bins often use non-biodegradable plastic liners. These liners cannot go into animal feed and must be removed before processing, which is labor-intensive, costly, and creates plastic waste.
DiPaFF offers a smarter solution: biodegradable and digestible bags made from bio-based materials that can safely hold food waste and be processed together with the contents into animal feed. No more removing plastic liners—saving time, reducing costs, and eliminating unnecessary plastic pollution.
While Solinatra will focus on the selection, production and testing of the right raw materials and optimize the plastic compounds, Wageningen Food & Biobased Research will focus on the selection of processing additives and processing settings of the film blowing process, with the aim to develop a strong, moisture-resistant blown film that meets feed safety standards and fully biodegrades after use. By replacing fossil-based plastics with renewable materials, the project supports a circular economy, reduces CO₂ emissions, and turns food waste into a valuable resource for animal nutrition. Therefore, Solinatra, the industrial partner, will test prototypes in laboratory environment and evaluate environmental and economic viability.
The knowledge generated in DiPaFF will allow the development of practical, eco-friendly packaging solutions that simplifies food waste handling and helps closing the loop between waste and feed.

Ocean CO2 to Renewable Methane

Project partners: Delft University of Technology, SeaO2 B.V.
Call: Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU)
Grand date: 29 May 2026

To meet climate targets, we must not only reduce emissions but also start reusing carbon dioxide (CO2) as a resource. One promising route is to combine CO₂ with green hydrogen to make synthetic methane, a renewable gas that can be stored, transported, and used in existing gas networks and boilers. The oceans hold an enormous amount of dissolved CO2. SeaO2 has developed a technology on Direct Ocean Capture (DOC) that can extract CO2 directly from seawater. When this ocean-derived CO2 is combined with hydrogen from renewable electricity, it becomes a sustainable feedstock for synthetic methane production. This creates a circular carbon cycle in which CO2 is captured from the ocean, converted into fuel, and eventually taken up again by the ocean–atmosphere system.
However, the CO2 stream coming out of DOC is not perfectly pure. It still contains water vapour, small amounts of oxygen, and nitrogen. These “impurities” can affect the catalytic methanation process, reduce efficiency, increase costs, or even create safety risks. Today, almost all CO2 methanation plants assume very clean, dry CO₂. It is not entirely known how the real DOC gas behaves in such reactors.
In this project, TUDelft and SeaO2 will work together to answer a central question: how “clean” does DOC-CO2 need to be for safe and efficient methane production? SeaO2 will supply realistic DOC gas mixtures from their capture units, and TUDelft will test these in well-controlled fixed-bed reactors, systematically changing the levels of water, oxygen, and nitrogen to see how they affect performance and stability. Based on these experiments, the partners will develop a practical decision tool that indicates when DOC-CO2 can be fed directly to a methanation reactor and when simple gas conditioning steps (such as drying or oxygen removal) are required. This will help to design more efficient, lower-cost CCU systems that combine ocean-derived CO2 with green hydrogen to produce renewable methane. In doing so, the project directly supports Dutch climate and circular-carbon ambitions and opens up new opportunities for offshore and coastal energy solutions. SeaO2 plans to scale up their technology to kiloton scale in 2027 and make further scaling steps megaton scale
from 2030 onwards. The outcome of this project is key to enable these ambitions.

Ocean CO2 to Renewable Methane

Project partners: Delft University of Technology, SeaO2 B.V.
Call: Biobased raw materials for circular materials
Grand date: 29 May 2026

To meet climate targets, we must not only reduce emissions but also start reusing carbon dioxide (CO2) as a resource. One promising route is to combine CO₂ with green hydrogen to make synthetic methane, a renewable gas that can be stored, transported, and used in existing gas networks and boilers. The oceans hold an enormous amount of dissolved CO2. SeaO2 has developed a technology on Direct Ocean Capture (DOC) that can extract CO2 directly from seawater. When this ocean-derived CO2 is combined with hydrogen from renewable electricity, it becomes a sustainable feedstock for synthetic methane production. This creates a circular carbon cycle in which CO2 is captured from the ocean, converted into fuel, and eventually taken up again by the ocean–atmosphere system.
However, the CO2 stream coming out of DOC is not perfectly pure. It still contains water vapour, small amounts of oxygen, and nitrogen. These “impurities” can affect the catalytic methanation process, reduce efficiency, increase costs, or even create safety risks. Today, almost all CO2 methanation plants assume very clean, dry CO₂. It is not entirely known how the real DOC gas behaves in such reactors.
In this project, TUDelft and SeaO2 will work together to answer a central question: how “clean” does DOC-CO2 need to be for safe and efficient methane production? SeaO2 will supply realistic DOC gas mixtures from their capture units, and TUDelft will test these in well-controlled fixed-bed reactors, systematically changing the levels of water, oxygen, and nitrogen to see how they affect performance and stability. Based on these experiments, the partners will develop a practical decision tool that indicates when DOC-CO2 can be fed directly to a methanation reactor and when simple gas conditioning steps (such as drying or oxygen removal) are required. This will help to design more efficient, lower-cost CCU systems that combine ocean-derived CO2 with green hydrogen to produce renewable methane. In doing so, the project directly supports Dutch climate and circular-carbon ambitions and opens up new opportunities for offshore and coastal energy solutions. SeaO2 plans to scale up their technology to kiloton scale in 2027 and make further scaling steps megaton scale
from 2030 onwards. The outcome of this project is key to enable these ambitions.

From CO₂ to Battery Chemicals

Project partners: Eindhoven University of Technology, ZEFIRA BV
Call: Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU)
Grand date: 29 May 2026

The CO2DMC project develops a new, cleaner way to produce dimethyl carbonate (DMC), an essential chemical used in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage. As demand for batteries grows rapidly, so does the need for sustainable ways to make their key components. Today’s DMC production methods are energy-intensive and rely on fossil-based raw materials. CO2DMC aims to change that.
The core idea of the project is to turn captured carbon dioxide (CO₂) and green hydrogen into DMC in a single, continuous process. This approach not only reuses CO₂ that would otherwise contribute to climate change but also supports the transition to a circular, low-carbon chemical industry.
A major challenge in producing DMC directly from CO₂ is that the reaction produces water, which limits the amount of DMC that can be formed. CO2DMC tackles this problem using an innovative membrane reactor. This reactor contains a specialized membrane that selectively removes water as it forms, enabling the reaction to proceed more efficiently. Unlike existing solutions, this method avoids the use of additional chemicals and enables stable, continuous operation.
The project combines advanced computer modelling with targeted laboratory experiments. TU/e focuses on designing and simulating the reactor and the overall process, while ZEFIRA develops and tests the advanced membranes required for selective water removal and provides TU/e with data for model validation and further analysis. By combining these strengths, the project evaluates not only whether the technology works but also whether it is economically viable at an industrial scale.
CO2DMC contributes to major societal goals, including climate change mitigation, CO₂ reuse, and sustainable mobility. By enabling cleaner production of battery chemicals, the project supports the broader transition to electric transport and renewable energy systems. The results will provide the industry with clear design guidelines and performance targets for future scale-up, helping to accelerate the adoption of CO₂-based technologies in the chemical sector.

Electrified Modular Direct Air Capture with Heat Cascading (e-mod-DAC)

Project partners: Eindhoven University of Technology, CO2Zero B.V.
Call: Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU)
Grand date: 29 May 2026

This project develops a simpler, low-cost, fully electrified Direct Air Capture (DAC) system to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere—essential for achieving climate neutrality alongside emission reductions.

Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and CO₂Zero B.V. will design and test a modular reactor that captures CO₂ using solid materials and regenerates them with electricity and internal heat recovery, avoiding complex steam-based systems.

The goal is a scalable, energy-efficient DAC technology suitable for renewable-powered regions, supporting Dutch and European climate targets and large-scale negative emissions.

Advancing iron and phosphorous circularity in wastewater treatment

Project partners: Wageningen University & Research, Haskoning
Call: Water Quality and Water Quality Monitoring
Grand date: 29 May 2026

The ViviSplit project aims to improve phosphorus and iron recovery in wastewater treatment by splitting vivianite, an iron-phosphate mineral formed during chemical phosphate removal. While current processes (such as the pilot-scale ViviMag® process) efficiently remove phosphate, the recovered vivianite is unsuitable as fertilizer due to its high iron content and low phosphorus bioavailability.

The proposed method uses elemental biosulfur, recovered from biogas or natural gas treatment, to biologically convert vivianite into iron sulfide. This process releases phosphate as free ions, which can then be re-precipitated as hydroxyapatite, a more bioavailable and suitable fertilizer. Meanwhile, the produced iron sulfide can be oxidized and reused as iron sulfate for phosphate removal in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).

Robust yeast for bioethanol production

Project partners: NHL Stenden University of Applied Science, BIMCO Holland, Cympha Orchideeën B.V.
Call: Water Quality and Water Quality Monitoring
Grand date: 29 May 2026

The Dutch Nationaal Plan van Aanpak Drinkwaterbesparing (NPvA) published recently increases pressure on industrial water consumption and is expected to accelerate closed-loop water systems. In parallel, the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) will impose very low pesticide limits in effluents by 2027. Together, these drivers challenge the sustainable operation of the Dutch horticulture sector and will stimulate new water treatment technologies.
Closed-loop systems reduce global water use but create new issues, most notably the generation of concentrated waste streams which require additional treatment. In greenhouse horticulture, these streams contain nutrients and pesticide residues, the latter being problematic due to persistence and low biodegradability.
Several technologies exist for pesticide removal, with oxidation and adsorption being the most used. Oxidation relies on reactive hydroxyl radicals to degrade pollutants but is chemically intensive, generates harmful by-products (DBPs), and performs poorly with high organic loads. Adsorption is effective for dilute streams but less suitable for concentrated effluents, as frequent regeneration increases waste and operating costs.
These limitations drive demand for innovative, cost-effective alternatives. Plasma-based water treatment is promising, enabling effective pesticide removal and disinfection in concentrated effluents with minimal chemicals. In this context, the Dutch SME BIMCO Holland developed the Plasma Aquafender, a plasma-based solution tailored for greenhouse water purification.
The PlasmAgua project offers an innovative solution: plasma ionization technology, which uses electrically charged particles to break down harmful pollutants in concentrated aqueous streams. This technology treats water by breaking down pollutants at the molecular level, purifying it without adding chemicals or requiring complex infrastructure. The approach ensures water is safer for reuse in greenhouses, reduces environmental impact, and supports sustainable agricultural practices.
By improving water treatment, PlasmAgua contributes to cleaner water, lower chemical emissions, and compliance with stricter EU regulations. In doing so, the project supports the transition toward circular agriculture, where resources are used efficiently and environmental risks are minimized.

Improvement of analytical methods for microplastics in wastewater

Project partners: KWR Water Research, TNO, Circle Waste Water Services B.V.
Call: Water Quality and Water Quality Monitoring
Grand date: 29 May 2026

This project aims to assess the applicability of the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy/Differential Scanning Calorimetry (FTIR/DSC) methods for monitoring microplastics emissions from a wastewater treatment plant and compare it to Thermal Extraction and Desorption coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (TED-GC/MS). In this process both methods will also be further developed. The FTIR/DSC method is used by Circle to monitor microplastic emissions from the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) at Chemelot. Microplastics are small plastic particles that can accumulate in the environment and pose potential risks to ecosystems and human health. Reliable monitoring of their emission is therefore essential. Circle works with a subcontractor that has developed an analytical method capable of detecting microplastics in wastewater. TNO and KWR have developed a TED-GC-MS method for detecting microplastics content in solid matrices, including comparative research with other labs. However, the performance of these different methods has not yet been systematically compared, especially in wastewater samples, while both methods are proposed in ISO 24187. In this project, the analytical methods and the TED-GC-MS method will be compared. Based on the results, the method will be further optimized to improve its accuracy, reliability, and applicability for routine monitoring. Over the course of twelve months several samples will be taken at the WWTP in Stein and these samples will be used to compare the methods. To create a broader variation of samples, several additional samples will be provided to strengthen the validation.

Textile waste AI-assisted Contaminants Tracking for Integrated Chemicals (TACTIC)

Project partners: TNO, Brightlands Chemelot Campus B.V.
Grand date: 29 May 2026

TACTIC investigates an innovative thermochemical process coupled to downstream catalytic conversion, converting real, mixed post-consumer textile waste into new chemical building blocks for the chemical industry. Using mild temperatures to depolymerize the mixed textile waste streams, this thermochemical process treats challenging waste streams that are normally incinerated or landfilled. TACTIC will focus on improving the recovery of the chemical building blocks, through downstream catalytic conversion, that can be used to produce new virgin quality polymers. A key part of the work is understanding where the different contaminants present in the waste may end in the different outputs of the process. TACTIC will look at how these contaminants can be mapped using AI techniques, to develop an innovative framework to quickly and effectively determine the contaminant distribution across different streams. By combining the thermochemical conversion with advanced AI tools, TACTIC aims to tackle challenges associated with complex and highly variable waste streams. This includes improving the consistency and quality of recycled outputs and identifying how contaminants influence process performance and product properties. The approach strengthens the understanding needed to treat current mixed textile waste streams and prepares the process for future waste compositions. The applied process enhances sustainability, reduces dependence on fossil feedstocks, and supports the transition towards circular polymers. TNO and Brightlands Chemelot Campus (BCC), partners in Brightsite, will work together to optimize the process and demonstrate how advanced thermochemical recycling can contribute to a sustainable Chemical Industry.

ReValue – Recovery of vanadium from spent catalyst and reuse in new catalysts and
advanced thermochromic films

Project partners: TNO, The Compound Company, ARLANXEO Netherlands B.V., Brightlands Chemelot Campus
Grand date: 29 May 2026

REVALUE is een gezamenlijk onderzoeksproject van TNO, Arlanxeo, The Compound Company
(TCC) en Brightlands Chemelot Campus (BCC). Binnen ReVaLuE werken de partners samen aan het
terugwinnen van vanadium uit gebruikte katalysatoren voor de productie van EPDM rubber. Vanadium is een kritiek materiaal en de verwijdering ervan brengt aanzienlijke milieu- en economische uitdagingen met zich mee, waardoor terugwinning en hergebruik noodzakelijk zijn. Het project richt zich op de ontwikkeling, optimalisatie en opschaling van een chemisch proces voor de terugwinning van hoogwaardig vanadiu pentoxide uit gebruikte katalysator met een hoge opbrengst en zuiverheid, via een industrieel haalbare route. Verder wordt het teruggewonnen vanadium pentoxide hergebruikt als precursor voor de productie van nieuwe katalysatoren, en voor de chemische productie van geavanceerde vanadium dioxidegebaseerde thermochrome folies voor slimme ramen.
Arlanxeo maakt de gebruikte katalysator geschikt voor terugwinning van vanadium pentoxide, en
onderzoekt de techno-economische haalbaarheid van het terugwinningsproces dat door TNO wordt
ontwikkeld. Bovendien onderzoekt Arlanxeo de haalbaarheid van hergebruik van het teruggewonnen
vanadium pentoxide in nieuwe Ziegler-Natta-katalysatoren voor EPDM-rubber. TNO produceert vanadium dioxide pigment voor thermochrome folies gebruik makend van teruggewonnen vanadium pentoxide als precursor. TCC zal hun polyolefine folies chemisch geschikt maken voor integratie van vanadium dioxide pigment, en samen met TNO thermochrome folies produceren voor gebruik als laminaat in slimme ramen. BCC draagt bij aan de regionale inbedding en valorisatie van circulaire chemie-innovaties.

Redox-Neutral Enzymatic Cascades for Chiral Heterocyclic Amine Synthesis

Project partners: University of Amsterdam, Servier Research Institute of Medicinal
Chemistry, GECCO Biotech B.V.
Grand date: 29 May 2026

Chiral amines are essential in medicines and fine chemicals, but current production methods are often inefficient and unsustainable. In this project, the Biocatalysis group at the HIMS institute (UvA), pharmaceutical company Servier and biotech company GECCO will develop enzyme-based cascade reactions to produce complex chiral amines found in key drug molecules in one pot and without harsh chemicals. By applying and engineering enzymes, the team aims to produce these compounds in a more cost-effective and environmental-friendly way. The collaboration with GECCO and Servier supports enzyme discovery and scaling up the process for pharmaceutical applications, enabling greener and smarter drug manufacturing.

PRO-R-Products

Project partners: TNO, Prolock, NRK, Hoogheemraadschap de Stichtse Rijnlanden, Save Plastics bv, Staatsbosbeheer, Lankhorst Engineered Products
Grand date: 29 May 2026

PRO-R-Products aims to develop the knowledge and tools required to include microplastic formation when considering the total environmental impact of a product. By measuring microplastics released by recycled plastic products (such as benches) in public areas, the effect of plastic type, use and weathering on microplastic formation can be understood. Including these factors in simulations allows a more thorough comparison of different materials, supporting safe and sustainable material and product choices.

Robust yeast for bioethanol production

Project partners: Delft University of Technology, Genencor International B.V., Danisco US Inc
Grand date: 24 April 2026

Each year, over 100 billion litres of ethanol (the E in E10 car fuel) are produced from plant sugars with baker’s yeast. TU Delft developed yeast strains that, by incorporating CO2, produce more ethanol per amount of sugar. These yeasts are applied in the ethanol industry, where they improve process economics and sustainability. This project aims to fundamentally understand robustness of CO2-utilizing yeast strains and, thereby, inspire industrial research on further improvement of their performance in industrial processes. In the project, TU Delft scientists collaborate with IFF, a company that provides high-performance yeast strains to the international ethanol industry.

Testing recycled rubber for new markets

Project partners: University of Groningen, Newborn Rubber BV, Tyromer Europe BV
Grand date: 13 March 2026

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.

Controlling the surface of complex biobased polymers

Project partners: University of Amsterdam, Forbo Flooring B.V.
Grand date: 13 March 2026

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.

Optimizing macromolecular composition and yield of methylotrophic yeasts

Project partners: Delft University of Technology, DSM-Firmenich
Grand date: 13 March 2026

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 ‘voedsel’ 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 efficiënt 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 industriële condities.

Chemocatalytic conversion of glycolaldehyde from biomass pyrolysis

Project partners: University of Groningen, BTG Biomass Technology Group BV, Betonmortel Sector De Hoop B.V.
Grand date: 28 January 2026

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.

Chemocatalytic conversion of glycolaldehyde from biomass pyrolysis

Project partners: University of Groningen, BTG Biomass Technology Group BV, Betonmortel Sector De Hoop B.V.
Grand date: 28 January 2026

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.

Building with diapers: an upcycling case study

Project partners: Radboud University, ARN B.V., Betonmortel Sector De Hoop B.V.
Grand date: 28 January 2026

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.

Nutflix

Project partners: Avans University of Applied Sciences, Privim B.V., Water Future B.V.
Grand date: 28 January 2026

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.

 

Novel Electrolyte Additives for Cathode Interface

Project partners: Polymer Technology Group Eindhoven BV, Shell Global Solutions BV
Grand date: 28 January 2026

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.

Novel Electrolyte Additives for Anode Interface Improvement

Project partners: Polymer Technology Group Eindhoven BV, Shell Global Solutions BV
Grand date: 28 January 2026

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.

Equilibrium: – Part 1

Project partners: TU Delft, Tata Steel
Grand date: 28 January 2026

Tata Steel is transitioning to more sustainable steel production with lower CO₂ 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.

Equilibrium: – Part 2

Project partners: TU Delft, Tata Steel
Grand date: 28 January 2026

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 “tramp elements” 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.

Biobased Flame Retardants for Building Components

Project partners: Avans Hogeschool, Wageningen Food and Biobased Research, Paques Biomaterials, Charcotec, AMS Institute
Grand date: 11 November 2025

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.
The goal of this project is to explore two novel biobased flame retardants – APP from struvite and a biochar based flame retardant – and test these in two biobased materials – furin resin and the biobased polymer Caleyda.

Operando Diagnostics for Insights into PEM Catalyst Degradation (PEM-INSIGHTS)

Project partners: DIFFER, Toyota Motor Europe, DENSsolutions,
Grand date: 11 November 2025

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—almost atom by atom—how 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 CO₂-neutral energy system.

RePack

Project partners: NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Ecoras
Grand date: 11 November 2025

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-efficiënt als effectief is in het verwijderen van aanhangend vuil, labels, inkten en lijmen.

 

Engineering electrocatalyst design for combined green hydrogen and ammonia production

Project partners: RUG, AVOXT, Noorderzijlvest
Grand date: 11 November 2025

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.

Titanium Mesh Electrodes for CO2-to-Formate

Project partners: Avans University of Applied Sciences, GAFT B.V.
Grand date: 11 November 2025

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.
The 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.
Why 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.
Why 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.
MNEXT 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.
What 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.

Bulbfoam: Reducing Pesticides and Water in Flower-Bulb Disinfection

Project title: End-of-Life for Battery Chemicals in Design
Project partners: Eindhoven University of Technology, InnoVfoam BV
Grand date: 11 November 2025

The Netherlands is a global leader in flower bulb production, but current disinfection practices—typically hot water treatments with pesticides—raise 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—such as stability, bubble size, and liquid retention—impact 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.

Fungi4Pharma: Mycelium-based biofilter for the removal of pharmaceuticals and transformation products from hospital wastewater.

Project partners: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, MycoFarming B.V.
Grand date: 11 November 2025

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.

Biological PFAS removal

Project partners: Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Orvion
Grand date: 11 November 2025

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.

End-of-Life for Battery Chemicals in Design

Project title: End-of-Life for Battery Chemicals in Design
Project partners: Wageningen University & Research, Evides Waterbedrijf
Grand date: 11 November 2025

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–OMP 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’ practical expertise with Wageningen University’s scientific knowledge.

 

Metal-free electrodes for the CO2-to-CH4 electroconversion

Project partners: Utrecht University, Alta Innovation Support B.V.
Grand date: 11 November 2025

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 CO₂ reduction (CO₂RR) is a promising route, especially for producing high-energy-density products like methane. Copper electrodes are the current standard for CO₂-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 CO₂ 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–activity relationships, uncovering fundamental reaction mechanisms, and evaluating performance targets in a 5 cm² cell. The project will generate critical knowledge for designing next-generation metal-free CO₂ electrolyzers.

Mandelic and amino acids through CCU by biocatalysis

Project partners: Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, ChiralVision B.V., GECCO Biotech B.V., GAFT B.V., OxFA GmbH
Grand date: 11 November 2025

The ACCU-Bio project addresses the challenge of reducing industrial CO₂ 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 CO₂ emissions, carbon capture and utilization (CCU) offers a pathway to convert CO₂ into useful materials. ACCU-Bio focuses on producing valuable compounds—such as mandelic acid and rare amino acids—in which CO₂ forms a significant share of the final product. The project centers on biocatalysis, using engineered carboxylase enzymes to fix CO₂ efficiently under mild conditions. Enzyme immobilization will enhance stability and performance, while integration with electrochemical CO₂ 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’ leadership in CCU innovation.

CARVE – Carbon AiR capture Valorization for production of E-fuels & chemicals

Project partners: TNO, Skytree B.V.
Grand date: 11 November 2025

The CARVE project creates an integrated pathway that captures CO₂ 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 CO₂, direct air capture (DAC) becomes essential, especially given the limited availability of biogenic CO₂ and competition from other decarbonization routes. At the heart of CARVE is TNO’s COMAX technology, a sorption-enhanced reverse water-gas shift process that transforms CO₂ 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.

PlaMaPHA: Plastic processing of Marine biomass based PHA

Project partners: Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, Biotic Circular Technologies EU BV
Grand date: 11 November 2025

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.

CUP

Project partners: WFBR, Caffe Inc B.V.
Grand date: 11 November 2025

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 CO₂ 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.

Green Foams: Turning Plant Byproducts into Sustainable Ingredients

Project partners: Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Wageningen University & Research (WUR), AB Mauri
Grand date: 11 November 2025

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.

ECHOES: Extraction of Biobased Oleochemicals from Yeast Biomass

Project partners: Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, NoPalm Ingredients
Grand date: 11 November 2025

ECHOES aims to develop innovative technologies — and combinations of technologies — for the efficient production, isolation and extraction of biobased ingredients produced by fermentation, specifically for use in the chemical industry.
The 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 — including hybrid approaches — 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.
The knowledge generated will also be applicable to other fermentation-based biobased chemical production pathways, supporting broader adoption of biobased alternatives in the chemical industry.

 

Chain-X

Project partners: TNO, ChainCraft
Grand date: 11 November 2025

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.

Bio-oil to Graphitic Carbon for the Sustainable Technologies of Tomorrow

Project partners: TNO, BioBTX
Grand date: 11 November 2025

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 °C, 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 °C, and residence times are shortened dramatically, significantly lowering both energy use and environmental impact.

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.

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 – but often only partially, and
sometimes 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.

 

Wood2Wood

Project partners: WFBR, Houtzagerij Hengeveld, HIS hout industrie, Hoeksch Hout, Huyskamps, Touchwood, XEO, WoodDudes, VelopA, DMPT
Grand date: 11 November 2025

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.

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.
Wageningen 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.

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,

FRESH: Fragrance Resistance Engineering for Sustainable Home products

Project partners: Wageningen Plant Research, Isobionics B.V.
Grand date: 11 November 2025

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.

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 “self-poisoning” effect is a major barrier to scaling biobased fragrance production and, as a matter of fact, also for different “toxic” products with other applications.

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), 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.

Lignin derived building blocks for high performance polyamides

Project partners: University of Maastricht, Teijin Aramid, Shell, Braskem and DPI
Grand date: 11 November 2025

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.

End-of-Life for Battery Chemicals in Design

Project title: End-of-Life for Battery Chemicals in Design
Project partners: Delft University of Technology, Polaris sustainability, Tesla Motors Netherlands B.V.,
Grand date: 30 September 2025

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 – but often only partially, and
sometimes 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.

BIONE – Bio-catalytic and Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent Enabled Elastane Degradation for Circular Textile

Project title: BIONE – Bio-catalytic and Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent Enabled Elastane Degradation for Circular Textile
Project partners: Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Interloop Europe BV, Tanatex Chemicals BV, Saxcell BV
Grand date: 30 September 2025

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 “green chemistry” methods to selectively break down elastane while keeping cotton fibres intact and reusable. Two promising strategies will be explored:

• Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES): eco-friendly liquids made from natural ingredients like sugars or amino acids that can create an environment to disrupt elastane’s tough structure.
• Biocatalysis: Enzymes that can cut elastane’s chemical bonds without harming cotton.

BIONE project aims to provide the first proof-of-concept (TRL3) for safe methods to remove elastane from textile blends. This will unlock new possibilities for circular textile production, enabling high-quality recycling of everyday garments. With the joint expertise of Saxion, SaXcell BV, Interloop Europe, and Tanatex Chemicals, the project builds a new knowledge in cutting-edge research. The outcomes will help the Netherlands and Europe move closer to a future where textiles are truly circular; reducing waste, saving resources, and supporting a sustainable fashion industry.

BIONE – Bio-catalytic and Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent Enabled Elastane Degradation for Circular Textile

Project title: BIONE – Bio-catalytic and Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent Enabled Elastane Degradation for Circular Textile
Project partners: Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Interloop Europe BV, Tanatex Chemicals BV, Saxcell BV
Grand date: 30 September 2025

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 “green chemistry” methods to selectively break down elastane while keeping cotton fibres intact and reusable. Two promising strategies will be explored:

• Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES): eco-friendly liquids made from natural ingredients like sugars or amino acids that can create an environment to disrupt elastane’s tough structure.
• Biocatalysis: Enzymes that can cut elastane’s chemical bonds without harming cotton.

BIONE project aims to provide the first proof-of-concept (TRL3) for safe methods to remove elastane from textile blends. This will unlock new possibilities for circular textile production, enabling high-quality recycling of everyday garments. With the joint expertise of Saxion, SaXcell BV, Interloop Europe, and Tanatex Chemicals, the project builds a new knowledge in cutting-edge research. The outcomes will help the Netherlands and Europe move closer to a future where textiles are truly circular; reducing waste, saving resources, and supporting a sustainable fashion industry.

Nature Based Additives

Project title: Nature Based Additives
Project partners: Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, PaperFoam b.v., Rodenburg Biopolymers b.v., Innograaf b.v.
Grand date: 30 September 2025

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Biobased plastics, made of for example starch or PLA, are often complemented by additives from fossil origin. In this project, we will develop biobased additives that can modify toughness and improve impact resistance. The to be developed additives are derived from natural sources, such as starches from food or agricultural side-streams. They can be modified to better suit the application. These biobased additives will improve processing and product properties to be able to compete with fossil-based counterparts and reduce environmental impact. The additives will not lead to accumulation of microplastics in the environment. The specific focus of this project will be on cellulose/starch based foams as a first application (PaperFoam). The project will be executed by Wageningen Food & Biobased Research (WFBR), PaperFoam b.v., Rodenburg Biopolymers b.v., and Innograaf b.v..

 

 

Nature Based Additives

Project title: Nature Based Additives
Project partners: Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, PaperFoam b.v., Rodenburg Biopolymers b.v., Innograaf b.v.
Grand date: 30 September 2025

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Biobased plastics, made of for example starch or PLA, are often complemented by additives from fossil origin. In this project, we will develop biobased additives that can modify toughness and improve impact resistance. The to be developed additives are derived from natural sources, such as starches from food or agricultural side-streams. They can be modified to better suit the application. These biobased additives will improve processing and product properties to be able to compete with fossil-based counterparts and reduce environmental impact. The additives will not lead to accumulation of microplastics in the environment. The specific focus of this project will be on cellulose/starch based foams as a first application (PaperFoam). The project will be executed by Wageningen Food & Biobased Research (WFBR), PaperFoam b.v., Rodenburg Biopolymers b.v., and Innograaf b.v..

 

 

Biosonics: Revealing cells with ultrasound

Project title: Biosonics: Revealing cells with ultrasound
Project partners: TU Delft, Verasonics B.V.
Grand date: 30 September 2025

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Biosonics is a collaborative endeavour between TU Delft and the company Verasonics to develop “user friendly” ultrasound imaging of cells in living organs. Our technology, named nonlinear sound sheet microscopy, overcomes the depth limitations of optical microscopy by relying on ultrasound waves rather than light. It enables fast 3D imaging of cells labelled with genetically encoded acoustic probes. TU Delft and Verasonics will create a minimum viable product that can be operated by experts across the Life Sciences field who study cellular biology in health and disease.

 

High-content single-molecule platform for anticancer compound profiling

Project title: High-content single-molecule platform for anticancer compound profiling
Project partners: TU Delft, LUMICKS B.V.
Grand date: 30 September 2025

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TU Delft and LUMICKS are joining forces to develop a new technology that can observe how potential cancer drugs interact with their targets—one molecule at a time. This project aims to speed up the discovery of cancer treatments that are more effective. Using a high-throughput microscope-based platform, the team will screen 100k+ of drug candidates in parallel, helping researchers select the most promising ones faster and more accurately. The knowledge and tools developed here will lay the foundation for future commercialisation.

 

 

Systematic Comparison of Slurry and Gas-Phase Reactors: An Integrated Experimental and Modelling Approach

Project title: Systematic Comparison of Slurry and Gas-Phase Reactors: An Integrated Experimental and Modelling Approach
Project partners: DPI, CPE – University of Lyon, SABIC, DOW, SHELL
Grand date: 30 September 2025

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Predicting the behavior of a supported olefin polymerization catalyst in the gas-phase reactor from its performance in laboratory and pilot scale slurry units remains challenging. The project will investigate the polymerization of ethylene in the absence and presence of a diluent under industrially relevant conditions, and to develop a framework/protocol to extrapolate data from one system for use in the other. The objective is to develop phenomenological understanding to explain the reason(s) for the distinct differences in kinetics and properties between slurry and gas-phase reactors. Also, a new single particle model will be implemented that accounts for internal particle morphology, culminating in a model of a fluidised bed reactor (FBR) that can account for the impact of particle swelling on kinetics and reactor behaviour.

 

Chemically-induced separation of multilayer plastic packaging to enable recyclability

Project title: Chemically-induced separation of multilayer plastic packaging to enable recyclability
Project partners: TNO, Brightlands Chemelot Campus
Grand date: 30 September 2025

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Multilayer plastic films used in packaging combine several polymers for enhanced performance but are difficult to recycle due to strong adhesives, leading to incineration or landfilling. Traditional mechanical methods, like friction washing, are ineffective at separating laminated multilayers. The project is aimed at developing innovative debonding approaches by exploring two complementary approaches:

• Design for Recycling – Developing a thermoreversible adhesive with nanoscale heating elements. This smart layer selectively absorbs heat, allowing targeted debonding and clean layer separation.
• Design from Recycling – Using solvent-based debonding to separate polyethylene (PE) from aluminium in post-consumer multilayer packaging, such as beverage cartons.

Together, these strategies aim to unlock recycling routes for complex, high-volume packaging materials that currently lack viable end-of-life solutions, supporting both sustainable design and circular material recovery.

SeqWiser: An Even Smarter Method for Microbial Profiling

Project title: SeqWiser: An Even Smarter Method for Microbial Profiling
Project partners: Avans University of Applied Science, Mauri Technology B.V.
Grand date: 12 September 2025

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Many biological processes have a wide range of microbial life as its main driving factor. However, keeping track of these microbes is tricky. This project explores a new DNA sequencing technique called “adaptive sequencing”, which could offer faster, cheaper and more precise microbial analysis than current methods. In collaboration with Mauri Technology B.V., researchers will test this method on real industrial samples. If successful, it could make the tracking of microbial life more efficient and reliable, boosting innovation in a wide range of biological research fields such as environmental, industrial, and medicine.

 

 

SAFE-H2Heat

Project title: SAFE-H2Heat
Project partners: University of Twente, Urenco
Grand date: 12 September 2025

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The CALP project is focused on developing a clean and practical way to store energy for the long term. It uses ammonia, a chemical that can safely hold energy until it’s needed. This approach helps capture and store extra heat from small nuclear reactors, which are an emerging carbon-free energy source. By making ammonia production possible at smaller scales, the project supports the move away from fossil fuels and toward more sustainable energy systems. CALP’s goal is to create reliable, scalable energy storage that can work with future clean energy technologies to reduce emissions and support a greener future.

 

SAFE-H2Heat

Project title: SAFE-H2Heat
Project partners: Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Bosch Thermotechniek
Grand date: 12 September 2025

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Hydrogen is a promising clean fuel for heating homes, but it burns differently from natural gas, creating challenges like unstable flames and safety risks. This project, led by TU Eindhoven in collaboration with Bosch, develops innovative burner designs and advanced simulations to prevent dangerous flashbacks and noisy thermo-acoustic instabilities. By ensuring safe and efficient hydrogen combustion, this research supports cleaner domestic heating, reducing reliance on natural gas and cutting CO₂ emissions. The results will help our society and industries accelerate the transition to hydrogen-based clean energy, paving the way for a sustainable future.

BLADE, Blast furnace burden charging modelled by DEM

Project title: BLADE, Blast furnace burden charging modelled by DEM
Project partners: TU Delft, Tata Steel Europe
Grand date: 12 September 2025

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In this project Discrete Element Models developed at Delft University of Technology are applied to study particle mixing and segregation at the blast furnaces of Tata Steel IJmuiden. The poly-disperse burden mixture undergoes several handling steps before being charged onto the blast furnace burden level. If the mixture segregates, the composition will be sub-optimal which will negatively impact production rate, stability and efficiency. The decarbonisation at Tata Steel will introduce new materials to the blast furnace further widening the burden mixture and increasing the need to understand and control segregation. A better understanding and increased control of burden charging will lead to increased blast furnace stability and process efficiency. The latter minimizes carbon use and emissions, the former ensures optimal blast furnace performance during the critical decarbonisation period.

CASH: Calcium-based Advanced Storage for Industrial Heat Transition

Project title: CASH: Calcium-based Advanced Storage for Industrial Heat Transition
Project partners: University of Twente / Pluss Advanced Technologies B.V. / Alucha Works BV / Destinus Energy / Roger Renewable Energy B.V.
Grand date: 23 June 2025

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The CASH project explores the reversible thermochemical reactions of calcium oxide (CaO) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) to create advanced thermal energy storage (TES) systems. By studying the underlying chemistry, including hydration/dehydration reactions and the effects of dopants on reaction enthalpies and kinetics, the project develops optimized formulations of Circular Calcium Carbonate (CCC)-derived materials. These are engineered for improved heat absorption, release efficiency, and stability. The research merges materials chemistry with process design to create scalable TES systems. This innovative integration of sustainable material chemistry and thermodynamics supports energy transition goals and grid flexibility in industrial settings.

Biocarbon as electrode material for electrocatalytic hydrogen production

Project title: Biocarbon as electrode material for electrocatalytic hydrogen production
Project partners: Avans Hogeschool / Charcotec / BDURA Energy Brabant / Dr. Ten
Grand date: 23 June 2025

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Only 45% of the increase in energy demand between 2011 and 2021 was met by renewable energy sources. As of 2023, renewable energy accounted for approximately 30% of global electricity, 10% of heat, and just 3.5% of fuel. To meet the global target of 11 terawatts (TW) of renewable capacity by 2030, annual capacity additions must reach nearly 1 TW. This underscores the heavy reliance on non- renewable energy sources, which continue to supply 70% of electricity, 90% of heat, and 96.5% of fuel consumption.
Hydrogen gas (H₂), with its high energy content (141.9 MJ kg⁻¹) and zero-carbon footprint when produced via water electrolysis powered by renewable energy, is a promising solution to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. However, current electrolysis methods face significant challenges, including high energy demands and reliance on expensive catalysts like platinum. This project aims to address these issues by developing low-cost, environmentally friendly biocarbon-based electrocatalysts for hydrogen production. These materials offer chemical inertness, stability, and ease of modification, providing a scalable pathway to clean hydrogen production for sustainable energy solutions. Funding will enable critical research and development efforts to advance this technology.

ENZYREC: Enzymatic polyester recycling for the circular economy (A: Enzyme development and waste stream preparation)

Project title: ENZYREC: Enzymatic polyester recycling for the circular economy (A: Enzyme development and waste stream preparation)
Project partners: Wageningen Food & Biobased Research/ Anton Paar Netherlands B.V./ Avantium Support BV / Cirrec / Maan Biobased Products
Grand date: 23 June 2025

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Increasing the recycling rate of plastic waste is an imperative if we are to move towards a truly circular economy. Current mechanical recycling is highly suitable for recycling clean, mono-material waste streams. However, processing of impure streams, such as highly mixed and contaminated waste or multilayer materials, remains challenging. In the case of polyester-based plastics, back-to-monomer recycling, where polymers are broken down to their constituent monomers which are subsequently used to produce recycled plastic, is an attractive alternative. Chemical back-to-monomer recycling employs high temperatures and pressures in combination with (toxic) catalysts and (harmful) organic solvents. Enzymatic back-to-monomer recycling, in contrast, uses mild reaction conditions and non-harmful biocatalysts in an aqueous environment. Enzymatic recycling methods for pure PET are well studied, but the potential of this technology for recycling innovative, biobased polyesters and complex, mixed PET-containing waste streams, is less explored. Our consortium, composed of the research institute Wageningen Food & Biobased Research and the industrial partners Anton Paar, Avantium, Cirrec and Maan Group, aims to bridge this gap by developing enzyme-based recycling technologies for these materials and waste streams. This will enable greater circularity of (future) plastic waste streams, thereby contributing to the development of the circular plastics economy.

ENZYREC: Enzymatic polyester recycling for the circular economy. (B: enzymatic depolymerisation processes and product characterisation)

Project title: ENZYREC: Enzymatic polyester recycling for the circular economy. (B: enzymatic depolymerisation processes and product characterisation)
Project partners: Wageningen Food & Biobased Research/ Anton Paar Netherlands B.V./ Avantium Support BV / Cirrec / Maan Biobased Products
Grand date: 23 June 2025

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Increasing the recycling rate of plastic waste is an imperative if we are to move towards a truly circular economy. Current mechanical recycling is highly suitable for recycling clean, mono-material waste streams. However, processing of impure streams, such as highly mixed and contaminated waste or multilayer materials, remains challenging. In the case of polyester-based plastics, back-to-monomer recycling, where polymers are broken down to their constituent monomers which are subsequently used to produce recycled plastic, is an attractive alternative. Chemical back-to-monomer recycling employs high temperatures and pressures in combination with (toxic) catalysts and (harmful) organic solvents. Enzymatic back-to-monomer recycling, in contrast, uses mild reaction conditions and non-harmful biocatalysts in an aqueous environment. Enzymatic recycling methods for pure PET are well studied, but the potential of this technology for recycling innovative, biobased polyesters and complex, mixed PET-containing waste streams, is less explored. Our consortium, composed of the research institute Wageningen Food & Biobased Research and the industrial partners Anton Paar, Avantium, Cirrec and Maan Group, aims to bridge this gap by developing enzyme-based recycling technologies for these materials and waste streams. This will enable greater circularity of (future) plastic waste streams, thereby contributing to the development of the circular plastics economy.

 

Sustainable, PFAS-free hydrophobic, Extreme UV-stable and ultra-pure water resistant coatings for lithography (LITHOCOAT)

Project title: Sustainable, PFAS-free hydrophobic, Extreme UV-stable and ultra-pure water resistant coatings for lithography (LITHOCOAT)
Project partners:  TNO / ASML
Grand date: 23 June 2025

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LITHOCOAT is een gezamenlijk onderzoeksproject van TNO en ASML. In het LITHOCOAT project streven de projectpartners ernaar om duurzame, PFAS-vrije hydrofobe coatings te ontwikkelen voor gebruik in lithografie apparatuur. Bovenop de benodigde hydrofobe eigenschappen moeten deze coatings stabiel zijn in lithografie apparatuur onder operationele omstandigheden, d.w.z. ze moeten resistent zijn tegen extreem UV licht en ultra-zuiver water. In het eerste deel van het project zullen TNO en ASML gezamenlijk, baserend op de gebruikerseisen, de exacte specificaties opstellen waaraan de coating moet voldoen. Vervolgens zullen een aantal hydrofobe anorganische (keramische) materialen en hybride PFAS-vrije silica coatings chemisch gesynthetiseerd worden, en gevalideerd aan de hand van de opgestelde specificaties. Aan het eind van het eerste deel van het project zullen maximaal 2 coating systemen geselecteerd worden voor verdere doorontwikkeling (o.a. optimalisatie van chemische samenstelling en oppervlakte textuur) en performance optimalisatie in het tweede projectdeel. De projectpartners streven ernaar aan het eind van het project tenminste één PFAS-vrije anorganische of hybride hydrofobe coating te hebben ontwikkeld die aan de gestelde specificaties voldoet.

SANitize – SAN recovery from waste ABS

Project title: SANitize – SAN recovery from waste ABS
Project partners:  TNO / Renewi E-waste B.V. / Elix Polymers Sociedad Limitada
Grand date: 2025

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SANitize addresses the recycling of >2600 ktons/a of waste from Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) in Europe, focusing on ABS waste with pigments from Renewi E-waste. Building on the EU-Plast2BCleaned project, it aims to prepare for industrialization of the TNO Möbius dissolution technology for recycling of ABS, recovering Styrene-Acrylonitrile resin (SAN), while separating PolyButadiene Rubber (PBR) and other components. The project will enhance the purity and colour of recycled SAN (rSAN), ensuring technical feasibility and business viability of the proposed process in preparation for scale-up of the recycling process at Elix Polymers to meet market demand.

Sustainable Chemistry: Transforming Biomass into High-Value Chemicals

Project title: Integrated catalytic hydroconversion of pyrolytic sugars to furandiols
Project partners: University of Groningen / BTG Biomass Technology Group BV
Grand date: 23 June 2025

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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 pyrolytic sugars produced by BTG using flexible pyrolysis technology from inedible agricultural residues. It aims to first fundamentally investigate the conversion of well-defined sugars, and scale this to tackling the challenges accompanying the use of complex, unrefined pyrolytic sugar mixtures. The 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.

Enabling science-based decision making at a system level

Project title: Enabling science-based decision making at a system level
Project partners: Brightsite / TNO / Maastricht University
Grand date: 21 May 2025

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In this project called “Enabling science-based decision making at a system level” we further develop a carbon accounting system to make transparent the climate impact of various circular value propositions. A detailed study on circular value propositions will be carried out to enable unbiased decision making taking into account various value chains, actors, agents, economics and their (system) dynamics. This project will be carried out within Brightsite, a consortium constituted from TNO, University of Maastricht, the Brightlands Chemelot Campus and Sitech Services, which aims at accelerating the transition of the chemical industry.

Development of efficient technology to obtain high-quality liquefied wood

Project title: Improved hydrogenation catalysts for pyrolysis liquid stabilisation
Project partners: University of Groningen / Avantium
Grand date: 21 May 2025

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Pyrolysis liquids (PLs) obtained by pyrolysis of waste biomass are not directly suitable for use as a source for biobased chemicals. Treatment with hydrogen and a catalyst is required to improve product stability and allow downstream upgrading to value-added products. In this project, Avantium will join forces with researchers from the University of Groningen to identify improved catalysts for the stabilization of PLs. using a combined high throughput-chemometrics approach. Improved catalyst performance are expected to enhance the techno-economic viability aiding the introduction of PLs to the market closing the current gap between producers and potential buyers (i.e. refiners).

Guidelines for developing non-halogenated-based anti-dripping flame retardant solutions for polycarbonate (PC)

Project title: ADPC
Project partners: Polymer Technology Group Eindhoven BV / SABIC Global Technologies BV
Grand date: 21 May 2025

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SABIC is exploring non-halogenated anti-dripping technologies for applications that require flame retardant (FR) material properties. PTG/e researchers (PTG/e BV 100% owned company of Eindhoven University of Technology-TU/e) will focus with their more than 18 years experiences on material understanding of ‘chemical – physical – rheology – processing’ relations on unraveling the mechanisms of flame-retardant polycarbonate (PC) materials with anti-dripping properties. The key will be to develop suitable synthetic and analytical protocols for better screening additive opportunities for SABIC FR-PC materials.
In collaboration with SABIC, research will be initiated to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms underlying the FR anti-dripping technology, allowing SABIC to strengthen its capabilities in developing non-halogenated-based flame-retardant materials.

Turning Methane into Useful Chemicals with Smart Materials

Project title: Iron-Porphyrin MOFs for Selective Methane Oxidation
Project partners: University of Amsterdam / InCaTt BV
Grand date: 21 May 2025

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Methane, a major component of natural gas and is abundant but often wasted. This project aims to turn methane into methanol, a valuable chemical used in fuels and industry, using special materials called Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs). These MOFs contain iron in a carefully designed structure to make the process efficient and environmentally friendly. Unlike traditional methods, which require high energy, our approach works at room temperature. Scientists from the University of Amsterdam and the catalyst screening expert InCatT are working together to develop and test these materials, paving the way for greener and more sustainable chemical production.

Closing the Loop: Testing the Circular Future of Polyhydroxyalkanoates

Project title: Closing the Loop: Testing the Circular Future of Polyhydroxyalkanoates
Project partners: University medical centre (RUG) / BiomACS / Hanze Hogeschool
Grand date: 9 April 2025
Call: Circularity of Consumer Goods

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Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are bio-based biodegradable plastics produced by bacteria that offer a solution to the environmental issues caused by non-degradable fossil fuel-based plastics. Unlike traditional bioplastics, PHAs can be enzymatically broken down into their original building blocks and reformed into new plastic. Currently, PHA products are composted after use, not reused. Here we explore the full circular use of PHAs, from bacterial formation to plastic production, degradation, and reintroduction as bacterial feed focusing on replacing biomedical polystyrene-based plastics. This study aims to demonstrate how PHAs can be recycled and reused, creating a sustainable, circular waste-free future free from plastic pollution.

Plant-based biopolymers for replacing gelatin in the food industry

Project title: Plant-based biopolymers for replacing gelatin in the food industry
Project partners: University of Groningen / Fortuin Dockum BV
Grand date: 9 April 2025
Call: Circularity of Consumer Goods

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Gelatin, an animal-based biopolymer, is widely used in food due to its superior mechanical, thermal, and organoleptic properties. However, growing consumer concern about dietary, ethical, and environmental issues has driven the food industry to seek plant-based alternatives. Current research shows that single plant-based polymers cannot fully replicate gelatin’s exceptional qualities, highlighting the need for further innovation. To address this challenge, the University of Groningen and Fortuin, makers of “Wilhelmina” peppermints, are collaborating on a systematic study to develop viable plant-based substitutes for gelatin, aiming to meet the demands of modern consumers while maintaining product quality and functionality.

FRITS: Fostering Recycling Innovation for Textile Solution

Project title: Fostering Recycling Innovation for Textile Solution
Project partners:  TNO / Circle Economy
Grand date: 9 April 2025
Call: Circularity of Consumer Goods

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FRITS investigates a novel recycling process that produces syngas and BTX (Benzene, Toluene, Xylenes) from unsorted textile waste. Syngas and BTX are attractive building blocks for producing fuels and new consumables and consumer goods. Operating under mild temperatures, this process treats challenging textile waste streams that are currently incinerated, thereby enhancing sustainability and promoting a circular economy. TNO, actively developing recycling technologies, will partner the Circle Economy Foundation who empowers industries to put circular economy into action. Erdotex, experienced in collection and sorting of used textiles, will provide the feedstock.

100% Biobased thermoset for high-performance applications (BIO-100)

Project title: 100% Biobased thermoset for high-performance applications (BIO-100)
Project partners: Wageningen Food & Biobased Research / Relement
Grand date: 9 April 2025
Call: Circularity of Consumer Goods

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The “BIO-100” project aims to develop 100% biobased thermoset materials for high-performance applications using chemicals derived from renewable, non-edible biomass. To achieve this goal, Relement is partnering with WFBR. Whilst WFBR offers state of the art academic research (facilities and human capital) on biobased & new materials development, Relement specializes in producing bio-based aromatic chemicals from biomass residues and plans to commercialize bio-MPA, its first product, within the coming years. A key focus is creating market demand for bio-MPA in epoxy thermosets, which offer lightweight, high mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and durability, making them ideal for coatings, adhesives, construction, aviation, and marine applications. Due to the limited availability of suitable bio-based aromatic chemicals, current epoxy based thermosets are often only partially biobased. The BIO-100 project will explore the use of bio-MPA, a solid hardener, in combination with biobased liquid epoxy resins to create fully biobased thermoset materials. The project will also investigate additives to transform bio-MPA into a liquid form for easier processing. According to customer feedback, liquid processing will be the key enabler for bio-MPA in this application. Promising formulations will be developed and tested for physical, thermal, and mechanical properties, targeting performance that meets or exceeds industry standards.

Biobased injection moulded medical disposables optimised by 3D printing (IMMEDIATE)

Project title: Biobased injection moulded medical disposables optimised by 3D printing (IMMEDIATE)
Project partners: Wageningen Food & Biobased Research / OKOS diagnostics B.V. / Verbi gereedschappen BV / BV Rubberfabriek Wittenburg / Helian Polymers BV / Emperor Mouldings B.V.
Grand date: 9 April 2025
Call: Circularity of Consumer Goods

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The rapidly growing use of plastic lateral flow test (LFT) cassettes (e.g. covid pandemic) contributes to climate change through incineration and to plastic pollution in poorly managed waste systems. Combining innovative material science, advanced manufacturing techniques, and committing to sustainability, this project develops a new generation biobased, biodegradable medical disposables. Through strategic collaboration and adhering circularity principles, the project addresses current environmental challenges and aims to lay the groundwork for a sustainable future in medical disposables manufacturing.

Fermentation derived Fatty Acids eValuation fOR FlexIble maTErials (FFAVORITE)

Project title: Fermentation derived Fatty Acids eValuation fOR FlexIble maTErials (FFAVORITE)
Project partners: Wageningen Food & Biobased Research / ChainCraft Development B.V.
Grand date: 9 April 2025
Call: Circularity of Consumer Goods

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In project FFAVORITE, Dutch scaleup company Chaincraft, producer of circular and bio-renewable medium-chain fatty acids, and research institute Wageningen Food & Biobased Research (WFBR) will collaborate to develop economically viable routes to safe and sustainable processing aids for flexible materials. When successful, the project will make a significant contribution to the transition from a fossil-based chemical sector to one that is based on renewable carbon sources and safe-by-design principles.

FluorFree: Fighting Fires Sustainably

Project title: FluorFree: Plant-derived Alternatives to PFAS-Based Firefighting Foams
Project partners: Eindhoven University of Technology / InnoVfoam BV / Wageningen University and Research / Time-travelling Milkman BV
Grand date: 9 April 2025
Call: Critical Materials

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The FluorFree project is developing eco-friendly fire-fighting foams using plant-based ingredients from food waste. Traditional foams rely on harmful chemicals called PFAS, which can pollute the environment and harm health. By replacing these chemicals with proteins and sugars from plants, FluorFree aims to create safe, effective, and sustainable alternatives. The project will test and refine these new foams to ensure they work as well as traditional ones, offering a greener solution for fire safety while protecting valuable resources and reducing pollution.

Recycling of Lithium from Waste to Battery grade (ReLIB)

Project title: Recycling of Lithium from Waste to Battery grade (ReLIB)
Project partners: University of Groningen / IonIQs B.V.
Grand date: 9 April 2025
Call: Critical Materials

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Lithium recycling from waste streams is essential for fostering a sustainable and circular economy, particularly as the demand for lithium-ion batteries continues to grow in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems. Industrial waste streams containing lithium often include other ions, such as sodium, calcium, and magnesium, as impurities. Efficiently removing these impurities presents a significant challenge, especially when the lithium purity must exceed 95 wt%. This ReLIB project aims to enhance an innovative process for the cost-effective and efficient removal of impurities, enabling the production of battery-grade lithium carbonate (>99.5 wt%).

Hidden Treasures: CRMs in PCBs

Project title: Hidden Treasures: CRMs in PCBs
Project partners: TNO / Road2Work / Holland Recycling
Grand date: 9 April 2025
Call: Critical Materials

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A wide range of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) is used in Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), but recyclers only focus on the concentration of ‘payable’ elements dictated by foreign smelters: copper, silver, gold and palladium. The presence of (other) CRMs is neglected, preventing the recovery of these hidden treasures. Therefore Road2Work, Holland Recycling and TNO join forces in the project ‘Hidden Treasures: CRMs in PCBs’ to improve CRM recovery from PCBs. We focus on alternative sorting, mechanical and chemical recycling steps. By monitoring the different ‘exits’ of CRMs, we identify CRM hotspots and optimize the manual, mechanical and chemical processing stages.

CRISP: Critical Resources Integration for Sustainable Products

Project title: CRISP: Critical Resources Integration for Sustainable Products
Project partners: Delft University of Technology / Polaris Sustainability / Koninklijke Fabriek Inventum B.V. / Tesla Motors Netherlands B.V. / Mywheels B.V.
Grand date: 9 April 2025
Call: Critical Materials

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CRISP aims to integrate methods for assessing Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) and circularity into life cycle assessment (LCA). CRISP will also build on recent advances (such as the use of large language models) so that the tool can be used by non-experts relatively early in the design process. This integration of new methods into an easy-to-use tool will enable companies to evaluate circularity, CRM consumption, and supply chain risks simultaneously with assessing carbon emissions. Thus, CRISP helps designers and industry to create products and services that support the Dutch policy goals of increasing circularity reducing economic dependency on CRMs.

CO2 plasmolysis for energy efficient CO production

Project title: CO2 plasmolysis for energy efficient CO production
Project partners: Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research / BASF Nederland BV
Grand date: 9 April 2025

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The overall aim of this project is to efficiently generate pure CO directly from waste CO2, to feed into the C1 value chain as a basic chemical building block. CO2 is very difficult to activate because of its strong CO bonds. CO2 Plasmolysis, in which a plasma is directly generated in a CO2 flow and driven by renewable electricity, can energy efficiently activate CO2 into CO/O2. A key advantage of plasmolysis is that there are less demands on the purity of the CO2 gas. In this project DIFFER and BASF collaborate on this disruptive plasma based CO2 conversion.

Safe and efficient production of rheological additives in flow reactors

Project title: Intensified production of urea urethane in microreactors
Project partners: University of Groningen / CLiQ SwissTech (Netherlands) B.V.
Grand date: 9 April 2025

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This project aims at the intensified production of a rheological additive that has favourable uses in many coating applications. By performing the involved synthesis steps in small flow reactors, the process efficiency and safety will be improved substantially. The project will use experiments and models to develop such new and small-sized equipment for producing the target chemical product in a selective, safe and efficient way, and the theoretical framework behind.

Feasibility assessment of microbial oil production via metabolic modelling

Project title: Feasibility assessment of microbial oil production via metabolic modelling
Project partners: Delft University of Technology /Unilever Innovation Centre B.V.
Grand date: 9 April 2025

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The food industry faces pressure to reduce reliance on unsustainable oils like palm and soybean. Microbial fermentation offers a promising alternative, producing high-quality lipids with a smaller environmental footprint. However, making the process techno-economically feasible and sustainable remains challenging, particularly in efficiently utilizing carbon sources other than sugars. This project aims to explore the feasibility of a range of carbon sources by applying metabolic modelling of yeast metabolism and calculating physiological parameters. Our goal is to unlock the potential of oleaginous yeasts such as Yarrowia lipolytica and Rhodosporidium toruloides to produce lipids from waste carbon sources, bridging the gap towards sustainable oil production.

How a mechanistic understanding will drive the development of a more sustainable non-halogen solution for flame retardant polypropylene (PP)

Project title: Non Halo FR-PP
Project partners: Polymer Technology Group Eindhoven BV / SABIC Limburg B.V.
Grand date: 9 April 2025

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PTG/e researchers (PTG/e BV 100% owned company of Eindhoven University of Technology-TU/e) will focus with their more than 20 years experience on material understanding of ‘chemical – physical – rheology – processing’ relations on unraveling the mechanisms of flame retardant (FR) polypropylene (PP) materials based on intumescent technology, as well as synthesizing new non-leaching FR compounds. The key will be to develop suitable synthetic and analytical protocols for better screening additives for SABIC FR-PP materials to reduce the potential environmental impact.
In collaboration with SABIC, research will be initiated to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms underlying the intumescent technology, allowing SABIC to strengthen its capabilities to develop novel sustainable flame-retardant materials.

PreQoR-App Model for predicting quality and application of recycled plastic

Project title: Predictive Modelling of Quality of Recycled Plastics and Application – PreQoR-App
Project partners: TNO / Coolrec BV / Renewi Netherlands / The Compound Company
Grand date: 9 April 2025

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The EUs “Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD)” aims to reduce packaging waste by 15% by 2040 and achieve 65% recycled content in plastic packaging. A key challenge is the trade-off between the quality and quantity of recycled plastics, with “quality” often poorly defined across the value chain. This research explores the potential of AI to model and predict recycled plastic properties, accounting for feedstock variability and contamination. By analyzing relationships between feedstock, processing conditions, and material properties, the study aims to support data-driven approaches for quality optimization, in collaboration with stakeholders like TNO, Renewi, Coolrec, and The Compound Company.

Electrifying Chemistry of the Future

Project title: Design of potent photoredox two electron carriers
Project partners: University of Groningen / BASF company NL
Grand date: 5 March 2025

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Designing the green chemistry of the future is key to our manufacturing industry with major implications for the production of the broad spectrum of chemicals ranging from pharmaceuticals and personal care products to plastics and materials. Facing the challenge replacing tradition chemical processes, the direct use of light or electricity holds great promise via control redox processes for chemical bond formation. In this joined academic industrial project the focus is on the development of unique two electron redox processes which will provide unmatched opportunities for low-energy and waste free chemistry.

Microstructural Optimization of Porous Media in PEM Water Electrolyzers (MICRO-PEMWE)

Project title: Microstructural Optimization of Porous Media in PEM Water Electrolyzers (MICRO-PEMWE)
Project partners: Eindhoven University of Technology-TU/e and Bosch Transmission Technology BV
Grand date: 5 March 2025

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The project focuses on improving green hydrogen production through better design of crucial components in
water-splitting devices called Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers (PEMWEs). We will develop a multi-scale computational model to understand the complex transport phenomena within these layers and use it to guide the manufacturing of advanced PTL (porous transport layers) and MPL (microporous layers) structures.

The Solution is Clear: Water-Soluble Isocyanides

Project title: Exploring Water-Soluble Isocyanides for Enhanced Chemo-Enzymatic Ligations
Project partners: Maastricht University / EnzyTag BV
Grand date: 5 March 2025

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Chemo-enzymatic peptide synthesis (CEPS) is a sustainable method for making complex molecules like peptides and proteins, which are used in treatments for diabetes, cancer, and other diseases. Together with Enzytag, we are developing a new way to modify peptides using a chemical reaction called the Passerini reaction. To overcome the challenge of poor solubility in the isocyanide building blocks required for this reaction, we are designing water-soluble versions to enhance efficiency. Thereby, we aim to expand its use to even larger proteins, like insulin, potentially leading to better and more affordable treatments for patients.

MycoClay: A step towards biobased concrete

Project title: MycoClay: A step towards biobased concrete
Project partners: Avans Hogeschool / ABT BV
Grand date: 5 March 2025

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This feasibility study investigates the potential of binding clay with mycelium to develop a biobased alternative to cement in concrete production. ABT Consulting Engineers and MNEXT aim to combine mycelium’s binding properties with clay’s structural benefits to create a sustainable, durable, and circular material as an alternative to cement in concrete production for construction. The study examines various mycelium types, natural additives, and binding methods to assess technical feasibility of production, followed by an exploration of its mechanical strength (compressive, tensile and shear) and durability while considering scalability as well as environmental impact.

Melt Processable Optically Transparent Polyimides with Low Coefficient of Thermal Expansion

Project title: Melt Processable Optically Transparent Polyimides with Low Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
Project partners: Polymer Technology Group Eindhoven / South China University of Technology / SABIC Specialties / Kingfa / DPI
Grand date: 5 March 2025

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With the applications of optical electronic modules, higher requirements are put forward for thermoplastic polymers in terms of transparency and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). We here propose a multiple modification strategy to decouple the melt processibility from CTE and optical properties. Chemical structure modification and physical blending of silica nanoparticles are combined to lower CTE efficiently of polyetherimide PEI while maintaining optical transparency. The developed PEI can be used for mass production of optical communication lenses.

Novel organocatalytic approaches for the selective deconstruction of plastic waste

Project title: Novel organocatalytic approaches for the selective deconstruction of plastic waste
Project partners: Dutch Polymer Institute / University of Amsterdam / POLYMAT / Sabic Specialties / Teijin Aramid / Envalior
Grand date: 22 January 2025

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Our society depends heavily on consumer goods. However, this also leads to a significant waste problem after their end of life. Liquefaction is a relatively new technology for recycling waste, avoiding the environmental impact of the incineration/land-filling of these consumer products. In this fundamental project, University of Amsterdam (UvA) and SCW systems together will explore the feasibility of liquefaction for recycling carbon-containing consumer goods. The liquefaction treatment of the consumer goods, even if they contain mixed building blocks, will lead to the formation of molecules that can be used to make new consumer goods, ensuring a circular technology.

Effect of Hydrogen on the Durability of Polymeric Materials

Project title: Effect of Hydrogen on the Durability of Polymeric Materials
Project partners: Dutch Polymer Institute / University of Groningen / University of Bologna / Teijin Aramid / Envalior / Shell / Hutchinson
Grant date: 22 January 2025

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The H2-DuraPol project will study the impact of high-pressure hydrogen on polymeric materials and reinforcements used in hydrogen transportation and storage. Through extensive experiments, materials will be exposed to pure hydrogen and thoroughly analyzed, inspecting chemical, morphological, and structural changes, as well as effects on the polymer-reinforcement interface. The project will offer critical insights into H2-induced ageing of these materials which will enable the design of energy materials with enhanced durability.

Europium-doped mixed-chalcogenides for warm white LEDs

Project title: Europium-doped mixed-chalcogenides for warm white LEDs
Project partners: Utrecht University / Seaborough Research B.V.
Grant date: 22 January 2025

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White light LEDs are taking over the lighting market. In present LED lamps a blue LED is combined with phosphors that convert blue light into green/yellow/orange/red light. Especially improving the efficiency of the red light emitting material can help improve the efficiency. In this project new red phosphors are developed for violet/near-UV LEDs. The europium ion is the ideal candidate but is a poor absorber of blue light. For violet LEDs there are new possibilities and europium phosphors with strong absorption for violet light will enable a new generation of white light LEDs with a higher efficiency for warm white light.

 

Human plasma derived chemokine-directed auto-antibodies

Project title: Human plasma derived chemokine-directed auto-antibodies
Project partners: Utrecht University / MS Vision
Grant date: 22 January 2025

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It is in our blood, fishing for chemokine-directed autoantibodies. In this work protein baits will be used to “fish” for chemokine-directed autoantibodies in the blood of donors who experienced recent viral infections. After enrichment the quantity, polyclonality and identity of these autoantibodies will be characterized by bottom-up and top-down de novo mass spectrometry. The chemokine signalling proteins will be provided by Absea (Berlin), whereas for the mass spectrometric analysis we will collaborate with MSVision (Almere) to enhance capabilities in antibody sequencing. The antibodies we here characterize may in the long term have therapeutic value to treat autoimmune diseases.

 

PFAS-free Enduring Hydrophobic Coatings for Lithographic Equipment

Project title: PFAS-free Enduring Hydrophobic Coatings for Lithographic Equipment
Project partners: Eindhoven University of Technology / ASML
Grant date: 22 January 2025

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The number of transistors on microprocessors has been doubling every 2 years, which is enabled by novel photolithographic techniques. Wafer alignment during the process is most essential, which requires precise alignment of sensors and effective water management. Many hydrophobic coatings used inside ASML lithographic machines are currently PFAS-based materials which use will be restricted due to upcoming PFAS-legislation. They are omnipresent in the equipment due to their unique combination of properties: outstanding hydrophobicity and resistance to the conditions inside the lithographic machine. The EHCO project aims at developing PFAS-free hydrophobic coatings with a long service time under the conditions within lithographic equipment.

Design Optimised Process Windows For Batch Distillation

Project title: Design Optimised Process Windows For Batch Distillation
Project partners: Technische Universiteit Eindhoven / Susphos
Grant date: 22 January 2025

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The company SusPhos is going to build a full-scale plant to produce sustainable phosphate products in Moerdijk, the Netherlands. This marks a significant leap into a more sustainable agriculture and resource management in Europe.

Recycling of waste consumer goods by Liquefaction
University of Amsterdam / SCW Systems

Our society depends heavily on consumer goods. However, this also leads to a significant waste problem after their end of life. Liquefaction is a relatively new technology for recycling waste, avoiding the environmental impact of the incineration/land-filling of these consumer products. In this fundamental project, University of Amsterdam (UvA) and SCW systems together will explore the feasibility of liquefaction for recycling carbon-containing consumer goods. The liquefaction treatment of the consumer goods, even if they contain mixed building blocks, will lead to the formation of molecules that can be used to make new consumer goods, ensuring a circular technology.

Towards Materials Circularity of Single-use Flexible Pharmaceutical Bags
TNO / Polymer Science Park / Janssen Biologics / Bristol Myers Squibb / Renolit Healthcare / Avantor Fluid Handling / Thermo Fisher Scientific / Wittenburg / Halix

Plastics, being lightweight and biocompatible, are ideal for single-use items in healthcare and pharmaceutical facilities. Many single-use plastics in pharmaceutical manufacturing are not hazardously bio-contaminated, but are incinerated due to multilayer/multi-material constructions and the lack of a value-chain. CIRSUB targets single-use multilayer flexible bags used for various reactions in facilities like Janssen, BMS, and Halix, producing up to 120k kg/year of waste. We also aim to aggregate post-production waste of bags and films from Renolit Thermofisher, and Avantor. By collaborating with Steris, BioBTX, and Wittenburg for decontamination, recycling, and recompounding, TNO will coordinate the project, assess recycled material quality, and find new market solutions with PSP.

DeCoTex
Avans / Saxion Hogeschool / Ft Innovations / Shell / Sabic / DOW / Borealis / Braskem

Coloured textile polyester can currently be recycled to a limited extent. The current recycling of polyester fabrics/knits/films is mainly down-cycling to insulation mats, etc. In down-cycling, the recycled raw material no longer has the purity of the original raw material.

If circularity is applied at all, it is almost always mechanical, where the final color is determined by the mixture of colors and therefore usually becomes anthracite/black, see the photo (Material from Frankenhuis and yarn from Spinning Jenny) and the usability/application is therefore very limited.

At DeCoTex, we go back to the undyed pure (virgin) polyester from colored fibers by decolorizing printed/dyed polyester textiles with supercritical technology. Avans MNEXT has already demonstrated this on a laboratory scale together with Ft Innovations. Avans MNEXT will analyse the material properties and mechanically test them. Saxion University of Applied Sciences is researching the fundamental physical textile properties of the recycled decolourised rPET. Because DeCoTex is a sustainable process for the decolorization of polyester textiles, it contributes to the development of textile circularity into fully-fledged renewed textiles.

Exploring rubber recycling by biocatalysis
University of Groningen / GECCO Biotech

Rubber is a versatile material utilized in numerous applications, from tires to industrial seals and consumer goods. However, after their use, these rubber products often become waste, heavily contributing to environmental pollution. Therefore, it is crucial to develop effective recycling methods for spent rubber to mitigate its environmental impact and promote sustainability. In this project, the use of enzymes will be studied for recycling rubber material.

UpcycleYeast
Eindhoven University of Technology / Wageningen University and Research / Revyve

This project tackles the challenge of feeding a growing global population by turning waste from beer production into valuable protein sources. We are focusing on spent brewer’s yeast, transforming it into Single-Cell Proteins (SCPs), which are rich in nutrients and can replace animal proteins in foods. By using innovative techniques to analyse and improve the quality of these proteins, we aim to create sustainable, high-quality food products while reusing waste from the brewing industry. This not only enhances food sustainability but also supports a circular economy by upcycling industrial byproducts.

Recycling of vitrimer-based composites using green supercritical CO2 processing
Dutch Polymer Institute / University of Groningen / Shell / Teijin Aramid / SKF / Envalior / SABIC Specialties

The development of straightforward and green methods to recycle vitrimer-based materials is necessary to accelerate their development at the industrial level in the framework of the circular plastic economy. The Re-Vitri project aims to develop a thermomechanical recycling process for vitrimers and vitrimer-based composites by using extrusion assisted by supercritical CO2 (scCO2). The plasticization efficiency of scCO2 on different vitrimers for high temperature applications will be assessed using analytical tools such as X-rays, FTIR and rheology. Strategies for direct recycling as well as for separation and recovery of composite fibers under scCO2 will be explored.

AutoPlastic
Dutch Polymer Institute / Auto Recycling Nederland / Sabic / Maastricht University

With new automotive recycling legislation, recycling targets will be introduced for all materials used in the car where before only heavier materials like metals were recycled. The AutoPlastic project provides Dutch automotive industries with a competitive edge within the circular plastics ecosystem by bringing together automotive waste producers, plastic manufacturers and knowledge institutions. The project employs analytical and digital technologies that will link physiochemical properties of waste streams, pre-treatment procedures and the quality needs for reuse or recycling of automotive plastics. By developing a method to evaluate physical-chemical performance indicators for automotive waste plastics, the project outcome promotes higher recycling rates in automotive value chain.

RegenPrint: Enabling circular consumer goods through biobased 3D-printing
Wageningen University & Research / AMS Institute / Junai /

With 3D-printing, we can make products for a circular economy, but the materials need to be sustainable. Therefore, WUR, AMS institute, and Junai develop biobased materials for 3D-printing from organic waste streams. They will improve the durability and quality of these materials. To create real sustainable solutions they combine different fields and connect feedstock selection, material development and product design. They will therefore also improve the 3D printers. This will lead to high quality and durable 3D-printed products from biobased materials that support resilient solutions for a circular economy.

Thermal Recycling for Improved Circular Systems
TNO / Synova Renewable Technology

TRICS investigates an innovative refining process that converts a variety of bulk plastic waste streams into building blocks for consumables and consumer goods, like disposable cups, electronics, and disposable medical goods2. Using mild temperatures to breakdown mixed plastics, this process treats challenging waste streams which  are normally incinerated or landfilled. This refining method, enhances sustainability, reduces fossil fuel dependence, and supports a circular economy. TNO and Synova work together to optimize the process for the treatment of large plastic waste streams to create new resources for user and consumption goods production.

Recycling of lithium iron phosphate batteries
TU Delft / Super B Lithium Power

Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) will play an important role in the energy transition, but there are also concerns about the fate of these batteries at the end of their lifetime. Worldwide, only 5% of all spent batteries are currently recycled due to technical and economic reasons, which means that huge amounts of LIBs, including the critical raw materials, are wasted. In this project, the researchers at the TU Delft will combine the forces with Super B, a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery producer, to develop a tool for battery health diagnosis and a closed-loop process for recycling LFP batteries.

Sustainable Battery Electrolytes
University of Amsterdam / SynTech Energia / B-LYTE

In this project, we will focus on the eco-friendly production of borate battery electrolytes as a sustainable alternative to hexafluorophosphate (PF6−), a crucial electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries. PF6− production fully depends on the critical raw materials phosphate rock and elemental phosphorus (P4), and involves unsustainable, energy-intensive, and inefficient processes. Leveraging abundant materials and renewable energy, our innovative B-LYTE method promises a waste-free, efficient manufacturing process. This not only reduces the carbon footprint but also addresses economic and environmental challenges, marking a significant step toward greener grid storage solutions and the broader adoption of renewable energy.

Discarded LFP batteries; the new source for CRM’s
TNO / SusPhos

In a collaborative effort, SusPhos (a chemical company) and TNO (a knowledge institute) are partnering to develop a sustainable and economically viable recycling process. Their goal is to recover critical and strategic materials (Li and P) from the increasing volume of End-of-Life lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. Given the projected growth of this battery stream and the rising demand for these materials, recycling LFP batteries will becomes crucial to meet material demands. This project contributes to Europe’s ambition to recycle more CRMs, foster a circular economy, and stimulate economic activities in the Netherlands.

Biobased Innovative Glycols from Glycerol
Wageningen Research / Green Glycols

In project BIGG, upcoming producer of biobased mono-propylene glycol (MPG) ChemCom and research institute Wageningen Food & Biobased Research (WFBR) will collaborate to develop economically viable routes to higher glycols, like dipropylene glycol (DPG) and tripropylene glycol (TPG), from safe and renewable feedstock. These widely used products are currently produced from the petrochemical intermediate propylene oxide, which is classified as carcinogenic and mutagenic by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). When successful, the project will make a significant contribution to the transition from a fossil-based chemical sector to one that is based on renewable carbon sources and safe-by-design principles.

Reducing pesticide use and pollution by spray charging nozzles
University of Amsterdam / GreenA

We propose developing novel nozzle materials that electrostatically charge pesticide spray droplets, enhancing targeting and reducing environmental contamination. Recent research shows that self-charging sprays through electrokinetic effects can significantly alter spray plume dynamics and minimize droplet coalescence. By optimizing this phenomenon, we aim to create more efficient, eco-friendly pesticide application methods.

A key challenge in pesticide spraying is achieving a monodisperse drop size distribution; large drops bounce off leaves, while small drops drift away, polluting water sources. Coalescence is the main cause of broad drop size distribution. Our interdisciplinary approach combines expertise in fluid dynamics, polymer chemistry, and agricultural technology to charge droplets, using electrostatic repulsion to inhibit coalescence. We will innovate materials for nozzle construction and surface coatings, optimizing surface charge density. Advanced characterization techniques will evaluate charging performance and spray characteristics.

Prototype nozzles will undergo field trials with our industrial partner, GreenA. Key metrics will include spray coverage, drift reduction, and pesticide efficacy compared to conventional methods. Success could transform agricultural spraying technology by enabling precise control of droplet size and trajectory, reducing pesticide use and environmental impact. This research addresses the urgent need for sustainability in agriculture while ensuring effective crop protection. Additionally, insights gained on charge generation in polymeric materials may lead to innovations in energy harvesting and advanced manufacturing.

 

Coldspray AM for a new generation of composites
Windesheim University of Applied Sciences / Fiberneering / NLR /

Composites from thermoset resins are known to be stronger, thinner and lighter. To further enhance these already great properties, it will be investigated if the additive manufacturing technique coldspray AM can provide new functionalities to resin based products. As a coating deposition method, coldspray AM allows the operator to go beyond a simple coating layer and to continue building until a 3d printed part is formed. In this study Fiberneering, the Netherlands Aerospace Centre and Windesheim UoASc will investigate the possibilities of this new technique for functional coatings and printed-on connector parts.

Kinetics of electrochemical hydrogen evolution at high pressure
Leiden University / HyET Electrolysis / HyET Hydrogen

In this project, Leiden University, HyET Electrolysis and HyET Hydrogen collaborate with the aim of evaluating and understanding the basic electrochemistry aspects of making (green) hydrogen via water electrolysis using a model pressurized reactor. This involves the basic electrochemical kinetics, the stability of the electrodes, and the hydrogen and oxygen bubble dynamics under pressure. These insights will be valuable for upscaling high-pressure water electrolysis.

Project Prometheus
Delft University of Technology / Danone Research

Heat treatment is applied in the food industry to ensure a level of food safety for the final product by inactivating micro-organisms and/or harm-full enzymes which naturally occur in the ingredients. The level of food safety is strongly related to the target group of the product (e.g. dairy products) and is directly linked to the applied temperature and the duration at which this temperature is maintained. Because of heat-treatment, the shelf-stability of the product is impacted due to side reactions that take place. The shelf-stability involves protein clusters that sediment, phase separation & texture (rheology) loss. This project aims to develop numerical methods to predict the processability (rheology, viscosity) and stability (particle size, visual inspection of microdomains) of food formulations using molecular and process modelling. This will play an important role in the sustainable food transition tailored to societal needs.

Towards zero-emission processes in microbial biotechnology
Delft University of Technology / dsm-firmenich

Current processes in industrial biotechnology, with products ranging from pharmaceuticals to car fuels, predominantly use (partially) refined sugars as feedstocks. While sugars are renewable, agriculture and subsequent sugar refinery from plant sources is associated with land use and emissions of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. In this project, scientists from TU Delft and dsm-firmenich collaborate to investigate and develop new feedstocks, processes, products and industrial micro-organisms with the goal to enable elimination of greenhouse gas emissions in industrial biotechnology, and decrease land use. In particular, the project explores how small molecules generated from CO2 and ‘green’ electricity or from agricultural residues can ultimately replace refined sugars in the manufacturing of sustainable chemicals.

Development of advanced solid-state NMR spectroscopy to study sustainable performance polymers
Dutch Polymer Institute / Nijmegen University

Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy allows the investigation of structure and dynamics of polymers relating to their functional behaviour. It is an attractive method to examine polymers and interfacial structures. However, NMR suffers from an inherently low sensitivity in terms of mass sensitivity. The development of ultrafast magic-angle spinning (MAS) probes brings the ssNMR spectroscopic resolution to an extraordinary high level, enabling great differentiation of chemical structures. This advanced method will be applied in the project to polymer composites, to give detailed insights about the polymer-fiber interphase, which plays crucial role also in the efficient recovery/recycling of these materials.

Venom to Victory: Harnessing Organ-on-a-Chip for drug discovery
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam / Mimetas

Snake venoms contain a rich source of bioactive molecules that exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities. The potency and selectivity of these compounds offers great for drug discovery, with recent studies suggesting the use of snake venom as a source for novel anticancer therapies. In this proposal, the Vrije Universiteit Venom Research Group will collaborate with the organ-on-a-chip company MIMETAS to develop and apply organ-on-a-chip models for profiling snake venom toxins as potential anticancer drug leads.

Development of advanced solid-state NMR spectroscopy to study sustainable performance polymers
Dutch Polymer Institute / Nijmegen University

Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy allows the investigation of structure and dynamics of polymers relating to their functional behaviour. It is an attractive method to examine polymers and interfacial structures. However, NMR suffers from an inherently low sensitivity in terms of mass sensitivity. The development of ultrafast magic-angle spinning (MAS) probes brings the ssNMR spectroscopic resolution to an extraordinary high level, enabling great differentiation of chemical structures. This advanced method will be applied in the project to polymer composites, to give detailed insights about the polymer-fiber interphase, which plays crucial role also in the efficient recovery/recycling of these materials.

Innovative EMBOlization materials by Structure-Property relationships and Optimized Chemistry
Eindhoven University of Technology / Triplemed

Aortic aneurysms affect up to 10% of individuals worldwide, with potentially life-threatening consequences if left untreated. A new minimally-invasive procedure proposed by Triplemed injects an embolization material to fill the aortic cavity. The success of this procedure relies on the correct flow properties of the material, whose composition is currently heavily based on trial-and-error. By combining numerical and experimental approaches, we aim to investigate the material properties required in these challenging flow conditions, and unravel the fundamental structure-property relationships linking material chemistry to macroscopic properties to be able to design new advanced materials with the right functionality for healthcare purposes.

Quantitative Structure-Property Relationships for C1-Symmetric Catalysts for Olefin Copolymerization
Dutch Polymer Institute / University of Naples Federico II / University of Perugia / Polymer Technology Group Eindhoven / Nijmegen University / SABIC / DOW / SHELL / Borealis / Braskem

Improving catalyst performance is very complex and the limited number of datapoints available precludes true machine learning approaches. Only for molecular catalysts, developed for isotactic polypropylene, the underlying chemistry is well known and a limited number of computational descriptors yield highly accurate models. However, modelling the molecular catalyst of industrial importance for the production of LLDPE, plastomers and elastomers is more challenging, as they often lack symmetry elements. The goal of this project is to develop simple models using “chemically intuitive” computational descriptors that allow conclusions about design principles that will improve catalyst performance.

Harnessing synthetic data and artificial intelligence to make anti-cancer drugs better
Universiteit Leiden / Dompé Farmaceutica

Many anti-cancer therapeutics target one or more proteins called kinases. Unfortunately, they often do so unselectively, thereby causing side-effects. In this proposed research project between Leiden University and the Italian Dompé Farmaceutica, we will use 3D models of these proteins and all preclinical kinase inhibitors to predict the way they interact. Using artificial intelligence methods, we will then try to predict the strength of these interactions. This will allow us to predict which potential drugs are safest and help guide the development of new drugs to be as selective as possible. Using AI methods should make this process much faster and cheaper than the current laborious experimental testing. The data generated and models trained in this project will be made available to the larger scientific community.

GreenCoat: Changing Coatings for a Greener Future
Avans Hogeschool / Stahl International / Puroc /

Coatings are applied to surfaces for various purposes, primarily to protect, decorate, or modify their properties. They are crucial in the automotive, aerospace, construction, and marine industries for their ability to enhance durability, appearance, and performance. Still, they are also highly resistant to degradation and substantially threaten our environment.

The GreenCoat project addresses the challenge of enhancing the biodegradability of two typical coatings. It will prepare and synthesise coatings with enhanced biodegradability, explore pre-treatment effects, and share findings. Expected outcomes will help to design environmentally friendly coatings that readily degrade in nature.

Towards medicines for treatment of liver disease mediated by ABC-transporter ABCB4
Utrecht University / Rectify Pharmaceuticals

Mutations in the protein family of ABC-transporters cause a range of inherited diseases. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the best known one, but also Stargardt disease (STGD1), adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD1), and different forms of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC). These diseases are caused by mutations in one specific ABC-transporter gene and the resulting protein defect.

A true cure would require correction of the gene, but for most CF patients a near-cure has become available with the development of small-molecule Positive Functional Modulators (PFMs) that correct and enhance the defective CFTR protein. The industrial partner in this project is developing PFMs for diseases caused by mutations in other ABC-transporter genes, including ABCB4. Defects in the ABCB4-protein lead to progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (PFIC3), which leads to liver disease and often liver failure. ABCB4 plays a critical role in bile acid and cholesterol transport out of the liver, and its function also has implications for non-monogenic indications in hepatobiliary disease, such as PSC (Primary sclerosing cholangitis).

Whereas medicines can be approved for the patient without understanding how the medicine works, it helps development of therapy for all ABC transporters when the disease-causing defect in ABCB4 and the mode of action of modulator compounds on the protein are understood.
The aim of this project is to establish a toolset for ABCB4, the second ABC-transporter industrial partner is developing PFMs for, and to start characterizing the ABCB4 wild-type and defective protein and the mode of action of the first candidate medicines.

mRNA-LNP delivery for treatment of bleeding disorders
Leiden University / Liposoma B.V. / Vesiculab Ltd

Blood coagulation factor-VII deficiency is an autosomal recessive bleeding disorder and the only available treatment is protein replacement therapy, consisting in a lifelong infusion of recombinant FVII-activated, or plasma-derived concentrate in case recombinant protein is not available. These repeated injections can be both disruptive and costly to the patient’s quality of life. To solve this major problem we propose lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-mediated mRNA delivery to treat these bleeding disorders. In this project we will join forces with Liposoma B.V. and Vesiculab Ltd to exploit rationally optimized cell-specific mRNA-LNP delivery towards the liver where we aim to obtain cell-specific stable release of therapeutic FVII and FVIII as protein replacement therapy.

Elastic Bioplastic: PHA Conversion to Thermoplastic Elastomer
MNEXT / Colorfabb B.V. / Podoprinter B.V.

Centre of Expertise MNEXT (Avans UAS) is working together with Colorfabb B.V. and Podoprinter B.V. on a project focussing on PHA (Poly-Hydroxy-Alkanoates), an environmentally friendly alternative for plastic. The aim of the project is to explore whether PHA can be modified in such a way that a mouldable rubbery substance is created that can be used to print insoles for therapeutic podiatry. Podoprinter has the knowledge and technology to 3D-print insoles. Colorfabb has the expertise on PHA-based products such as printing filament. MNEXT has the expertise and facilities to carry out applied research.

Microplastics, chemical leaching and porous asphalt (ZOAB)
TNO, Heijmans, RWS

Due to strict emissions standards and the rise of heavier electric vehicles, tyre road wear particle (TRWP) emissions have now surpassed exhaust emissions. These pose a potential threat in terms of microplastic pollution and chemical leaching. This project will investigate the potential environmental impact of TRWP and whether (management of) porous asphalt (ZOAB) can have a mitigating effect. The project analyses the properties of TRWP, including additives and their effects on
degradation. We then determine potential environmental impact based on leaching behaviour and known toxicity with and without ZOAB and investigate biological solutions for clean-up of roadside soils.

ReCiN
NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences / Citoforma Advanced 3D printing solutions / Druckwege

The ReCiN project focuses on making 3D printing materials for Stereolithography (SLA) more sustainable. NHL Stenden conducts research into natural raw materials based on Northern Dutch biomass sugars such as chitin and starch to develop renewable 3D printer inks. These inks must be suitable for industrial applications and lead to expensive expenditure with a lower environmental impact than current materials. SME partners Druckwege and Citoforma help validate the extinct printer inks to gain insight into manufacturability and wastage. The goal is to replace fossils with raw materials in the 3D printing industry.

Wood to Wheels: Bridging Biomass and 1,3 butadiene in flow-chemistry
Maastricht University / ETB Global B.V. /

In collaboration with ETB Global the conversion of γ-valerolactone from biomass into 1,3 butadiene will be researched. The project will gain insight into the reaction mechanism, the identity of reaction intermediates and optimal reaction conditions. As an alternative to ethanol as starting material, photo induced synthesis of 1,3 butadiene in a flow-reactor format from GVL has not been reported before. The platform will be hyphenated with ion mobility spectrometry, and new Bronkhorst multi-sensors, allowing the simultaneous in situ measurement of physical and chemical parameters. The intended outcome is a “candidate process” forming the basis for an industrial sustainable production process.

AI-driven discovery of nano-electrocatalysts for H2 production
Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research / VSParticle B.V.

The AI4H2 project aims to pioneer the future of clean hydrogen (H2) fuel through a unique collaboration. This initiative uses novel AI tools to discover catalysts capable of efficiently splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen, decreasing the need for rare and expensive materials. DIFFER’s strong experience in AI-driven research on materials, together with VSParticle’s pioneering nanomaterial technology, is directed towards enhancing the production of H2 through renewable energy sources. By identifying optimal catalyst combinations, AI4H2 is laying the groundwork for an accessible, sustainable energy future, making clean H2 fuel a more viable option for energy systems.

Exploring the Potential of Operando Time-Gated Raman Spectroscopy for Real-Life Catalyst Health Monitoring
Utrecht University / BASF

The goal of this research project is to explore operando time-gated Raman spectroscopy in a pilot-scale reactor bed, which is loaded with catalyst extrudates or pellets. In a first step, this analytical approach will be explored for detecting along the reactor bed coke deposits during the dehydrogenation of light alkanes over non-noble metal solid catalyst materials. In a second step, an automatic regeneration routine will be developed based on the acquired operando Raman data. Finally, we will explore the analytical tool also for the methanol/ethanol-to-olefins (METO) process using zeolite-based catalyst materials.

Killing Three Birds with One Stone: Operando Measuring of Temperature and Coke Type and Amount during Catalysis
Utrecht University / BASF

Catalysts unfortunately deteriorate over time in a physicochemical process, called coke formation. This coke appears in different forms and amounts. Coke deposits ideally have to be removed during a well-tailored regeneration process. It would be exciting when we could follow not only the type and amount of the coke species formed, but also assess the local temperature of the catalyst bed, while the coke deposits are formed and removed. This is exactly what this research project aims to realize; i.e., determining these three properties of the catalyst during regeneration and regeneration making use of a single analytical platform.

Understand solid catalyst lifetime when using circular feeds
Utrecht University / Avantium

It is crucial to switch from fossil sources to circular sources (waste, biomass, recycling of CO2 and plastic) to meet our need for fuels, chemical building materials and materials. These circular sources contain a lot of water and oxygen-containing components, which threatens the lifespan of catalysts in subsequent conversions. Studying this is challenging, because these processes must be investigated at high temperatures and pressures. Researchers from Utrecht University, in collaboration with Avantium, will investigate the influence of adding water to reaction mixtures on the lifespan of supported catalysts, and how this lifespan can be optimized.

Engineering electrode design for enhanced green hydrogen production
University of Groningen / ElecHydro BV

Improved electrode designs are essential to enable the production of green hydrogen through water electrolysis. In this project, ElecHydro – a small-medium enterprise based in Buinen (Drenthe) – will join forces with researchers from the University of Groningen to explore a new engineering concept used for designing an electrode that is expected to display highly efficient bubble management leading to enhanced performance in the oxygen evolution reaction and in the hydrogen evolution reaction involved in alkaline water electrolysis.

Accelerating the random-phase approximation for heterogenous catalysis
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam / Software for Chemistry & Materials BV

Current computational methods for studying how metals catalyse chemical reactions are either time-consuming and inaccurate or accurate but slow. Theoretical modelling is however a vital part of the ongoing efforts to develop even better catalysts which are desperately needed to accelerate the energy transition by reducing our energy demands, for example by enabling the transformation of biomass or carbon dioxide into chemicals.Through a partnership with the Amsterdam-based company SCM, we will develop a more efficient computer algorithm which aims to bridge the gap between speed and accuracy.

Computer aided selection of anti-fouling agents for polymer reactors
DPI / TUe

Wall-sheeting is a fouling mechanism that limits the operation of polymerization equipment in terms of throughput and heat transfer and eventually increases downtime. We propose to study fouling mechanisms in fluidized bed polymerization equipment due to temperature (particle softening) and triboelectrification through simulations and experiments. We will quantify how the hydrodynamics and heat transfer are affected and investigate the mechanism and effectiveness of various anti-fouling agents. By better understanding these mechanisms, we will be able to select more directed fouling mitigation strategies for a wide range of operation windows.

Bio-based Building Foundation
Avans University of Applied Sciences / De Hoop Terneuzen / Waterschap Rijn & IJssel / Rodenburg Biopolymers / Heijmans / Dura Vermeer / la-di-da design and architecture / Stichting The Green Village

Sustainable bio-based construction materials for underground applications, such as deep building foundations, are still uncommon. Traditionally, only one bio-based option has been available, which are timber pilings. However, timber pilings have limitations in terms of longevity since the upper part is prone to deterioration in underground environments. Currently, non-sustainable upright pile extensions (in Dutch: ‘oplangers’) made of concrete, steel or even recycled plastics are used to address this issue. Therefore, the consortium behind the Bio-based Building Foundation (BBF) project explores the potential of bio-based materials as an alternative for the production of upright extensions in timber pile foundations.

Exploring the Potential of Operando Time-Gated Raman Spectroscopy for Real-Life Catalyst Health Monitoring
Utrecht University / BASF

The goal of this research project is to explore operando time-gated Raman spectroscopy in a pilot-scale reactor bed, which is loaded with catalyst extrudates or pellets. In a first step, this analytical approach will be explored for detecting along the reactor bed coke deposits during the dehydrogenation of light alkanes over non-noble metal solid catalyst materials. In a second step, an automatic regeneration routine will be developed based on the acquired operando Raman data. Finally, we will explore the analytical tool also for the methanol/ethanol-to-olefins (METO) process using zeolite-based catalyst materials.

Installing the magic methyl group in drug molecules
UvA / AstraZeneca

Methyl groups are known to play a key role in pharmaceutical molecules. The simple addition of a methyl group to a lead molecule can result in a significant increase in potency. Consequently, the development of methods to introduce methyl groups into complex molecules is highly sought after. Late C-H functionalisation is a powerful approach that allows chemists to bypass tedious syntheses and accelerate drug analogue synthesis. In this project, we will develop sustainable methods for C-H methylation of complex molecules, which will later be applied to a wide range of lead compounds.

Continuously optimize extrusion of thermoplastic profiles with ultrasonic vibrations
Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven University of Technology, Profextru, CF Kunststofprofielen, Trimaflex, Technirub, Aeson BV, NRK

Thermoplastic profiles are widely used in industry and construction. These profiles are usually produced from virgin (not recycled) thermoplastics. But for the benefit of sustainability and a circular industry, it would be better if profiles were made from recycled material. Extrusion companies currently have difficulty making dimensionally stable profiles when working with recycled material. The Plastics Technology Lectorate, in collaboration with Aeson, has demonstrated that the extrusion process can be quickly adjusted with an ultrasonic actuator in the extrusion die. This technique has the potential to facilitate extrusion of recycled thermoplastic profiles. The professorship wants to further develop this technology, from TRL level 2 to TRL level 4.

New enzymes as tools to explore adaptive immunity via immunoglobulomics
Utrecht University / Genovis AB Sweden
Immunoglobulins are some of the major molecular players in the adaptive human immune system. In addition, they are increasingly developed and applied as therapeutic proteins to battle cancer, autoimmunity, and infectious diseases. Current knowledge on human immunoglobulins is for a large part still extrapolated from laboratory animal studies. In our lab we develop tools to monitor and sequence individual antibody clones from human biofluids. Our tools and approaches are quite innovative, but still somewhat limited to the IgG1 and IgA1 sub-classes, i.e. two of the at least nine human antibody types actually present in circulation. In this project we aim to discover and apply new enzymes and methods to expand our toolbox to achieve a wider coverage of the human immunoglobulome, ideally covering all isotypes and sub-classes.

Ion exchange coating for liquid biopsy to capture and release hypermethylated DNA under mild conditions|
Twente University / Qurin Diagnostics B.V.
How to find tiny amounts of cancer DNA in someone’s urine. Our body can turn off genes on our DNA by methylation. Cancer cells turn off genes that restrict cell division, resulting in hypermethylation of these genes. Fragments of both healthy and cancer DNA can be found in blood and urine. Measuring hypermethylated DNA in urine can be used to tell whether someone has cancer or not. The advantage of measuring in urine is that people can test at home without the need for needles. The main challenge is that the amount of DNA in urine is very small and the amount of cancer DNA even smaller. In this project, a carrier with a special coating will be developed to capture DNA from urine and to release it without harsh chemicals for measuring with a sensor. Elution methods will be evaluated in order to assess capture amounts and release yields. The method will be adapted to match the workflow of Qurin Diagnostics and to allow detection with their envisaged aMZI optical sensing platform.

Exploring insect enzymes: an underexploited source of biocatalysts
Groningen University / GECCO Biotech BV
New enzymes can also offer more sustainable alternatives to existing chemical processes. By using enzymes as biocatalysts, one can develop more efficient, environmentally friendly processes that produce fewer waste products and use fewer resources. This can help reduce pollution and conserve energy, both of which are crucial to protecting our planet. Additionally, new enzymes can help create new products that may have previously not been possible, further advancing our scientific and technological understanding. Insects exploit the power of enzymes in various biological processes. For example, the bombardier beetle uses enzymes to produce highly reactive compounds as part of its defence mechanism. When in danger, the beetle will mix and spray a solution that reaches temperatures of 100 °C, thereby deterring predators. Another more known insect-based product is honey. The honey bee produces and secretes a mixture of enzymes to convert the collected plant nectar into honey. Recently, the identity of all honey bee enzyme in honey have been identified. Yet, they have not been studied in detail. In this project, individual honey-processing enzymes from the honey bee will be produced and their catalytic potential will be explored for their use in chemical processes.

Better chemistry, better implants, better lives
PTG/e BV / Xeltis BV
Xeltis is developing world-first restorative heart valves and blood vessels that allow restoration of patient’s body-own tissue, potentially improving quality of life for millions of patients each year. PTG/researchers (PTG/e BV 100% owned company of TU/e) will focus with their more than 18 years experiences on material understanding of ‘chemical – physical – rheology – processing’ of novel (bio)polymeric structures/materials. The key will be to develop suitable routes for better shelf life time of the Xeltis biomaterial. In collaboration with XELTIS, research will be initiated to increase the fundamental mechanisms underlying Xeltis’ technology, thus enhancing Xeltis’ chances of improving life for many patients.

Detection of Systemic atherosclerosis by detection Ca2+-loaded monocytes: the DeSy study
University Utrecht/UMC Utrecht / FlowViewDiagnostics
Calcium loaded immune cells: traffic lights in atherosclerosis (AS). Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are big killers in the Western world. Apart from the genetic background our lifestyle including diet and smoking behaviour is an important risk factor for the development of AS, which is a main driver in CVD. AS is caused by plaque formation which leads to progressive deposition of calcium salts in the vessel wall. Therefore, AS should be diagnosed in time in order to allow early intervention. The problem of the diagnosis is the complexity of the procedures: echography and biopsies. These are expensive, labour intensive and provide information of only one or very limited number of tissue sites. An additional main disadvantage of these complex procedures is the fact that these cannot not be used for proper longitudinal analysis. This allows for diagnosis of current state of the disease but tells little about the rate of progression. Our project applies the concept that AS particularly at early stages is mediated by an inflammatory response in the vasculature where immune cells play an important role. These cells can enter the AS area, stay there and, importantly, can leave the diseased area carrying inside calcium salt crystals. This leads to the concept that the number of calcium positive cells and the extent of their calcification can be used as diagnostic when they are measured in blood by fully automated flowcytometry after staining for presence of these salts. Our project develops a flowcytometric method for longitudinal monitoring of systemic AS.

Microstructural engineering of porous electrodes for electrochemical production of ethylene
Eindhoven University / Shell Global Solutions International b.v.
To fully decarbonize our energy economy, there is a need to develop suistainable and pollution-free routes to manufacture key chemicals of industrial importance. Furthermore, pressing envinronmental concerns motivate the removal of carbon dioxide (i.e. negative emissions) from concentrated sources. Together, these pressing challenges motivate the development of technologies that can valorize carbon dioxide to produce chemicals with high economic value. Electrochemical conversions are particularly well suited because they can be performed with high selectivity and at low temperatures. In this research project, we will study the role of the porous electrodes on carbon dioxide electrolyzers to produce ethylene, a commodity in the chemical industry with high value. We will deploy a new methodology, non-solvent induced phase separation, to make highly controlled three-dimensional morphologies, and introduce electrocatalytic particles in the polymer casting formulation. If successful, we expect to improve reactor stability and performance to accelerate the scale-up of the technology.

SUCCES: SUpramolecular microCapsules for bioreactor Expansion of mesenchymal Stem Cells
Leiden University / Secoya Technologies
In this project, Leiden University and Secoya Technologies will collaborate to efficiently expand and differentiate Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Our dynamic and fully synthetic supramolecular biomaterials that show mechanical features on par with the biopolymer networks that compose the extracellular matrix will be used in combination with a microfluidic droplet generating platform for high throughput microcarrier production. Moreover, the supramolecular nature of these materials provides several practical advantages, such as shear-thinning behaviour, the possibility to mix and match monomers to tailor the materials towards a particular cell type, and their facile dissolution as they are composed of non-covalent interactions. Knowledge gained from squaramide-based materials in this format will lead to advances in cell culture under dynamic conditions and microfabrication strategies of supramolecular materials, with the potential to impact the fields of disease modeling, drug screening and regenerative medicine. Contribution to the state-of-the-art in these fields will lead to eventual societal impact in healthcare in understanding disease, its diagnosis and treatment.

STING-Coat: A coat to bring drugs into immune cells to make them attack tumors
Twente University / LipoCoat BV / Iamfluidics BV
Cancer immunotherapy strategies have shown striking activity against a variety of tumor types. Immuno-oncology regimens involve leveraging immune cells, primarily cytotoxic T cells, to recognize and destroy tumor cells. Current strategies have shown antitumor effects in the clinic. However, the majority
of patients fail to achieve long-term disease control, making the development of complementary approaches to improve treatment efficacy a priority in oncology research. Recently, interventions that act on the tumor microenvironment (TME) have gained increasing attention. STING genes emerged critical for dendritic cell maturation in the TME. In this project lipid biomaterials-based delivery strategies will be developed to deliver STING agonists and compared to induce proinflammatory gene expression and provide antitumor activity.

Cure a hereditary disease with a pill? How?
Utrecht University / FAIR Therapeutics
Since 2012, medicines have become available for the first time that treat an incurable, hereditary disease, Cystic Fibrosis (CF). create treatable disease. Instead of treating the symptoms, the defective CFTR protein is addressed. Even if it is evidence now provided that such a faulty protein could be a suitable target of treatment is the first generations of drugs not yet suitable for all CF patients. In addition, CF patients will have to use them for a lifetime. The industrial partner is therefore developing new substances that show synergy with each other and that represent new chemistry. Within the already existing collaboration of the participants, the working mechanism of these substances is being investigated the defective protein. The aim of the proposed project is to improve and deepen the methods and reagents needed to investigate the mechanism of action. Deep molecular insight into the mechanism of action of each substance will lead to a better understanding of the CFTR protein (which represents a large family of so-called ABC transporters, of which many are related to disease). This deeper understanding will also clarify which patients will benefit from these
medicines and whether there are side effects on the CFTR protein in addition to the main effect. This one is for hereditary diseases molecular approach and protein-targeted therapy actually preventive medicine: the pill makes the difference between a life with a serious, chronic illness, a lot of hospital time and early death and suddenly an almost normal, productive life, with a future, children and work.

Electro-Scattering Microscope for In-operando Battery Investigation (MIOBI)
Utrecht University / Solbion B.V.

July 2023 – June 2024

Rapid development on battery technologies relies on investigation of materials for storage and conversion of electrical potential to electrochemically stored energy. Potentiodynamic optical scattering microscopy has recently presented a great potential for rapid and low-cost investigation of solid-electrolytes and interfaces, which are two major elements of every battery. In this project, we will adopt the high sophistication of optical microscopy tools developed for bio-imaging to this novel application of in-operando battery testing. The additional analysis power and ease of use for chemical investigations is necessary for wider adoption of this novel method by other battery researchers. By combining a non-contact system, the light-sheet microscope, with a fast acquisition strategy, we will be able to study changes on surface and electrode properties with spatial and temporal resolutions not currently available. The light-sheet approach applied to electro-chemistry opens the door to new multi-model analysis, including spectroscopy, and electro-optical modulation of signals.

SPIRIT – Surface Protein Immunocoupling using Ramp Imaging Technology
Universiteit Twente / InterFluidics B.V.

June 2023 – December 2024

Technologies for personalized and cost-effective diagnostic of infectious diseases can greatly enhance our quality of life. Here, a crucial aspect is the rapid and accurate quantification of biomolecular interactions (for example between proteins, viruses), for which Surface Plasmon Resonance imaging (SPRi) is a promising diagnostic tool. SPRi is a label-free, photonic-based technique carried out on biofunctionalized surfaces, used for investigation of biomolecular interactions. It generates thousands of datapoints because every camera pixel corresponds to an individual SPR sensor, while each datapoint generates a sensorgram that could be potentially used for highthroughput diagnostics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers at UT and Interfluidics applied SPRi for realtime and label-free antibody screening of patients, measuring thousands of serum samples. It was found that a patient who will develop severe COVID-19 possesses high antibody concentrations in combination with overall worse quality of the antibodies (weak binding strength). However, such accurate measurements required a high level of expertise and time to extract and analyze the generated data, which hampers widespread use of this technology. To advance SPRi towards high-throughput and point-of-care applications, while decreasing analysis costs and facilitating its adoption in the clinics, novel functional materials and efficient analysis methods for SPRi are urgently needed. In SPIRIT, a new SPRi biosensing method will be developed towards dual measurement of concentration and binding strength of biomolecular interactions. We will i) develop protocols for smart coatings of SPRi substrates, ii) develop protocols for efficient data analysis, and iii) validate the method for diagnostics using a COVID-19 cohort. If successful, SPRi measurements will become “plugand- play”, paving the way for more accessible solutions for personalized diagnostics.

Capturing dynamics in protein digestion with chemical reaction networks (CRNs)-on-chip
Twente University / n.able GmbH / Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

May 2023 – April 2024

This proposal aims to develop chemical reaction networks (CRNs)-on-chip to predict how robustness in digestive systems emerge. In vitro digestion studies are essential for determining the biological compatibility of compounds varying from drugs (in health) to nutrients (in food). But how molecular-level events determine robust behavior in critical functions that require a network of chemical reactions to work together in vivo is essentially not understood. The proposed work applies a systems-chemistry approach, centered around a microfluidically-driven network of enzymatic reactions (from the serine protease family), and examines how the introduction of fluctuations and heterogeneity could influence or enable robustness in digestion. It will be carried out at the University of Twente (UT) in collaboration with n.able GmbH and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). The combined expertise of the three partners—design of chemical reaction networks (UT), development of molecular inks (n.able), scanning probe lithography for functionalization of microfluidics (KIT)—will provide the foundation for establishing novel Lab-on-Chip technologies. If successful, this project will develop novel CRN-on-chip devices for understanding fundamental concepts in the chemistry of critical biological functions, important for finding solutions for healthcare in the field of diagnostics of infectious diseases.

Funchal
TU Eindhoven / Nobian Industrial Chemicals bv

March 2023 – March 2025

In the Funchal project, TU/e ​​and Nobian will jointly conduct research into the electrolysis of lithium chloride. This process makes it possible to extract lithium from lithium chloride, producing only chlorine and hydrogen as products in addition to the desired lithium hydroxide, making this process more environmentally friendly than existing production processes. In addition, lithium chloride is available in Europe and this process makes it possible to become less dependent on distant countries for the critical raw material lithium. It also makes it easier to recycle used lithium. However, to successfully perform lithium chloride electrolysis, some technical challenges still need to be overcome. To achieve this, TU/e ​​is conducting research into the fundamentals of lithium chloride electrolysis in the Funchal project, which are then used by Nobian in the design of large-scale lithium chloride electrolysis.

Interphase interaction of EoL composites and acrylic resins
Windesheim / Circular Recycling Company

January 2023 – September 2024

Composites are difficult to recycle because they are made from thermoset resins that do not melt. This has obstructed the circularity of modern wind mills because all rotor blades are made of thermoset composite. The Professorship for Polymer Engineering of Windesheim has developed a method of re-use for these materials using EoL thermoset product into flakes that can be used as reinforcing material for new composite products. The flakes are embedded in the new product by a virgin resin. Because the interaction between the flakes and this resin depends on the origin of the EoL material, there is variation in performance of the new product. The present project aims to use acrylic resins to circumvent this because acrylic resins are known for good interphase interaction with other materials. The project starts with fundamental studies focusing on the interaction of flakes from EoL composites of various origin with acrylic resin. Besides micro-mechanical tests also FEA model simulations are made. A next step in the project is to determine product performance on a macroscopic level that can be used for design analysis. Material characterization will be done by mechanical tests on samples made from EoL composite flakes embedded in acrylic resin. Static strength, creep deformation and fatigue performance are determined both on dry (as moulded) samples and after moisture absorption (conditioned). These results can be used within the industry for further development of products made with re-used EoL composites.

Fundamental understanding of Mechanochemical Plastic Waste Conversion
Universiteit Utrecht / Carboliq GmbH

September 2023 – August 2024

Mechanical recycling of plastics through washing, shredding and reshaping is currently the dominant end-of-life treatment technology for these materials, besides incineration and landfilling. However, imperfect sorting and degradation occurring during mechanical recycling lead to a lower product quality. Chemical recycling is a promising alternative to produce monomers for making high value plastics again, as it overcomes the gaps in the current ways of waste treatment and prevents quality degradation. However, especially polypropylene and polyethylene, making up about 50% of global polymer production, require heating above 400 °C for recycling, resulting in a high variety of different molecules, not only monomers. Therefore, there is a need for better recycling technologies that can produce monomers or other useful chemicals directly and more efficiently. Mechanochemistry, using force to drive chemical reactions instead of or in combination with heat, can be used as a tool for controlling the product scope for example by lowering the process temperature, especially in combination with catalysts. The unique process developed by Carboliq GmbH already demonstrates that no additional heat is required to drive plastic waste conversion by friction, and recent results from Dr. Ina Vollmer (Utrecht University) have demonstrated conversions below 60 °C, which would provide much more control over the product. In this project we want to build a strong fundamental basis to understand mechanochemical plastic conversion over a wide range of conditions and in combination with catalysts, which will provide handles to tune the product scope, develop the process and spark new research in this field.

SeaO2 – CO2 extraction from sea water
DIFFER / Toyota Motor Europe

October 2023 – September 2025

The urgent need to reduce and minimize anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere has led to extensive research focused on development of technologies that can be used for carbon capture and storage (CCS). CCS from concentrated sources has received a great deal of attention; for example, from power plants that burn fossil fuel and cement plants. On the other hand, capture of dispersed CO2 from the atmosphere or seawater is another viable option that likely will play an increasingly important role in achieving net-zero emissions. Compared to direct capture of CO2 from the atmosphere, direct removal of CO2 from seawater is a promising method of capturing dispersed CO2 because (i) the concentration of CO2 in the oceans is 140 times higher than the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere and (ii) the ocean provides much of the capacity for natural carbon sequestration. We have, together with Toyota Motor Europe, recently demonstrated a negative emission process, based on anion and proton exchange membranes, where CO2 capture and separation is solely solar driven via photoelectrochemical reactions. The proof of concept has been already validated in the lab for CO2 extraction from seawater with model-type materials which resulted to low productivity. In the frame of the proposed project, we will evaluate the challenges and the mechanisms that govern the processes in order to improve performance in terms of CO2 capacity, selectivity and productivity (via material development and tuning the operating conditions).

‘HOPy – Headstart on Pyrolysis scale-up’
University of Twente / Versnellingshuis CE / ISPT

February 2023 – May 2024

HOPy will be the bridge between the previous Circular Plastics Initiative (CPI) project ‘Circular Polyolefins’ and ‘InReP’ and the National Growthfund programme Circulaire Plastics NL. This bridging project enables a kickstart in the further scale up for pyrolysis technology. Two focal points of this project are (1) the manufacturing of pyrolysis oil that can be used for characterization and further testing in downstream application (cracking) within the NGF CP programme. The second focal point is to gain insight in the economic costs of producing pyrolysis oil that is fit for cracking. This will be done by developing an economic decision model, which can calculate the costs based on different choices that can be made to prepare pyrolysis oil towards naphtha standards. This project will result in sufficient pyrolysis oil that is fit for further testing in downstream applications (cracking) in the NGF CP programme on industrialization of recycling technologies, and in economic insight which will provide new directions for future research and testing within the programme.

Multiflex
Maastricht University / Nationaal Testcentrum Circulaire Plastics (NTCP) / Steinert GmbH / PespiCo / Stichting CEFLEX

February 2024 – January 2024

The focus of this project is on flexible plastics from household waste, which is dominated by polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) based packaging. High-quality recycling is challenging due to the presence of non-polyolefins (NPO) like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyamide (PA). NPOs are often incorporated in a multilayer construction, with additional layer like barrier or tie materials. All of these significantly affect the quality of the recycled PP (rPP) and PE (rPE). There is broad consensus that multilayers should be removed for quality improvement, but no real insight in optimized sensor technologies to do this, the exact level to which they should be removed (tolerance levels), nor a techno-economic assessment that balances the quality gains versus the additional cost. Therefore, Multiflex will assess sensor-based sorting to remove NPO-containing multilayers and link this to recycling quality. In this project, we will cooperate with PepsiCo that strives for use of recycled PP film in packaging, and with Steinert that focuses on new developments on material-based plastic sorting. Furthermore, we will cooperate with the CEFLEX consortium that strives for high quality recycling of plastic film.

AquaSurf: Plastic waste stream characterisation methods for moisture & surface contamination’
Nationaal Testcentrum Circulaire Plastics (NTCP) / PreZero Nederland Holding B.V. / Metrohm Applikon

February 2023 – January 2024

Along the recycling chain from waste collection to ‘clean’ flakes (as input for reactor or extruder) limited quality data is present. Different disturbing materials (contaminants) can be present in different streams: moisture (easily 15 – 30 %), surface contamination (5 – 25 %), non-intended objects, labels, sleeves, adhesives, inks, etc. and miss-sorted objects. Especially moisture and surface contaminate pose a threat to process efficiency. Fast and easy methods to determine these quantities are lacking for the different streams in the plastic recycling process. The goal of the project is to develop these quality methods for the plastic waste sorting process.

100% recyclable PET trays
DPI / Dufor

January 2023 – July 2024

PET trays are ideal for packing and transporting perishable foodstuffs because of their low weight and gas and moisture-tightness. This makes them very popular for this application. Unfortunately, PET trays are difficult to recycle as they consist, next to PET, out of non-PET seals and lidding films.
In this project, a consortium of parties ranging from the supply chain of PET trays, has decided to join forces with knowledge institutions to jointly arrive at a fully circular PET tray solution, aiming at a 100% PET-tray for perishable foodstuffs. This project will be important to support the growing demand of PET-trays towards a sustainable and circular situation.

Zeolite catalysts highlighted with Raman spectroscopy
Utrecht University / BASF
Catalysts for methanol-to-hydrocarbons (MTH) process are important for making propylene, a.o. one of the important building blocks in the chemical industry. Due to the increasing economic importance of propene, the MTH process is being researched a lot. The necessary catalyst is a zeolite system, the mechanism of action of which is still unclear. This lack of insight is partly caused by carbon deposits, which block both the pores and the active site. For the further development of this process and to make better/more efficient catalysts, it is necessary to expand our understanding of the dynamics of the catalyst. The aim of this research project is to apply a new form of Raman spectroscopy to take a closer look at the MTH process with zeolite materials. The Raman spectroscopy makes it possible to properly distinguish the Raman signal from the fluorescence signal by measuring very quickly. In this project, operando time-gated Raman spectroscopy is used to analyze the carbon deposits during the MTH process over zeolite ZSM-5 materials as a function of reaction temperature and time, as well as catalyst composition. In addition, we will try to obtain the temperature on the catalyst directly from the ratio of the Stokes and anti-Stokes signals and to link it to exothermic processes such as catalyst regeneration in which carbon deposits are burned off.

Influence of promotion and reaction conditions on the selectivity of Cu based catalysts in CO₂ conversion
Utrecht University / TotalEnergies (BE)

February 2023 – January 2024

It is crucial to develop ways to convert carbon dioxide in a sustainable way (by linking it to green hydrogen) into fuels and building materials for the chemical industry and thereby become less dependent on fossil energy sources and limit carbon dioxide emissions. Copper is a versatile catalyst for the conversion of carbon dioxide, but the addition of an extra ingredient (“promoter”) determines which molecules are made. Researchers from Utrecht University, in collaboration with TOTAL, will investigate which additions to copper catalysts lead to which products from carbon dioxide and green hydrogen.

Catalytic behaviour of post transition metals in the electroreduction of CO2 to formate
Utrecht University / Avantium Chemicals B.V.

August 2023 – August 2024

The extensive consumption of fossil fuels has caused an increase in CO2 concentration in the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Carbon capture and storage strategies are a transitory solution towards carbon capture and utilisation. An appealing method to achieve this goal is the electro reduction of CO2 into e.g., carbon monoxide, formate and C2+ hydrocarbon products. Formate is of great industrial relevance for its economical market and as feedstock in various chemical processes. Furthermore, its reaction mechanism is less challenging than that for C2+ products. Industrial implementation of electrocatalytic formate production requires maintenance of high formate yields for long operating periods. The In-Bi catalyst for formate production patented by Avantium, shows great performance of selectivity and stability at high conversion before deactivation occurs. Insights into the In-Bi alloy structure and composition are necessary to reveal activation/deactivation. 2 research questions: ‘What is the active phase of the catalyst?’ and ‘What is the activation and deactivation mechanism of the In-Bi-based catalyst?’. These questions lead to a broader study evaluating the catalytic behaviour of post-transition metals and their alloys, as well as alloying-dealloying-migration-sintering phenomena of the electrocatalyst material under operating conditions at high current density. This research also covers further studies on the catalyst binder in the GDE configuration. A multitechnique approach will be implemented, including vibrational and X-ray spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and surface science methods.

PolyOlefins Recycling to Aromatics (PORA)
Groningen University/BioBTX

September 2022 – September 2024

Household waste is usually separated into different categories, including plastics, paper, glass, organic and the rest, due to the varied material properties which require tailored recycling technologies. Plastics recycling is arguably the most challenging, because plastics are made up of a wide range of polymers. For instance, single-use plastics, commonly used for food packaging, light weight plastic bags, drink containers etc, are made up of polyolefins. The current state-of-art technology for chemical recycling of polyolefins is pyrolysis, in which the raw material is fed into a reactor operating at elevated temperatures (450 – 650 °C). In this project, University of Groningen and bioBTX are partnering to develop a potentially more energy-saving and cost-effective process known as hydrogenolysis. In a hydrogenolysis process, C-C bonds were broken and C-H bonds were formed on the same catalytic sites. Importantly, hydrogenolysis takes place at milder temperatures (200 – 300 °C) which makes it potentially more attractive than pyrolysis. Hydrogenolysis of polyolefins produce liquid hydrocarbons, which could then be upgraded to aromatics, in particular benzene, toluene and xylenes (BTX). BTX are building blocks for high performance materials, e.g. aramid fibers used in aerospace and military applications. Ultimately, the new hydrogenolysis process to convert polyolefins to aromatics will be evaluated against bio-BTX propriety Integrated Cascading Catalytic Pyrolysis (ICCP) technology.

Ultrasonically Aided Extrusion
Windesheim/Profextru/CF Kunststofprofielen/Timaflex/NRK Federatie/Aeson BV

January 2022 – December 2025

Plastic profiles are widely used in industry and construction, for example plastic frames. These profiles are usually produced with virgin (not recycled) plastics. But for the sake of sustainability and a circular industry, it would be better if profiles were made from recycled plastic. Plastic extrusion (i.e. production) companies, including the partners Profextru, CF Kunststof Profielen, Timaflex and the members of the NRK, currently have difficulty making dimensionally stable profiles when working with recycled plastics. Virgin plastics often have very constant material properties, but with recycled plastics the material properties are variable. As a result, the production costs of recycled plastic profiles are significantly higher. The Plastics Technology Research Group has demonstrated in collaboration with Aeson that the extrusion process can be adjusted quickly (1 bar/s [1]) with an ultrasonic actuator in the extrusion die. This technique has the potential to facilitate recycled plastic extrusion and mold development. The research group wants to further develop this technique, from TRL level 4 to TRL level 6.

Handsfree Biotechnologie: Biopharmaceutical process development for continuous manufacturing
TUD / Janssen Biologics BV

October 2022 – September 2026

The transition to higher yielding automated and continuous biotechnological processes is one of the solutions to serve the increasing demand for affordable biopharmaceutical products, such as vaccines and cancer drugs. An automated production method therefore no longer makes use of manual actions, such as intermediate manual measurements to determine whether everything is going according to plan, and will therefore run “hands-free”. This collaborative project between the academy and industry focuses on realizing such biotechnological processes. This is done using computer simulations to simulate processes and advanced measurement equipment in combination with mathematical models to monitor and validate the effects being simulated in the laboratory. This method provides insights that lay the foundation for automated and continuous small-scale biopharmaceutical production processes, so that they can be tested for future applications on an industrial scale.

Understanding new candidate drugs for treatment of ABC transporter-mediated diseases
Utrecht University / Rectify Pharmaceuticals Inc.

September 2022 – September 2024

Mutations in the protein family of ABC-transporters cause a range of diseases. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the best known one, but also Stargardt disease (STGD1), adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD1), Sitosterolemia (STSL2), PFIC2, and others. These are monogenic inherited diseases, caused by mutations in the ABC-transporter gene. This leads to a defective or absent ABC-transporter protein, and the lives of most Cystic-Fibrosis patients has improved tremendously since they have access to a pill that corrects and enhances their defective ABCtransporter protein. A pill with a typical medicine is much easier to develop than the alternative, gene therapy. The industrial partner is developing a pill that targets a defective ABC-transporter. Whereas medicines can be approved for the patient without understanding how the medicine works, it helps development of therapy for all ABC transporters when the protein and effect of the pill are understood. The aim of this project is to establish a toolset for the first ABC-transporter for which a pill is being developed, and to start characterizing the ABC-transporter protein and the mode of action of the first candidate medicines.

Extending boundaries: Single-particle mass analysis of von Willebrand Factor oligomers by mass photometry and charge detection mass spectrometry
Utrecht University / MS Vision

January 2023 – January 2026

Our blood contains a wide variety of circulating proteins, mostly quite small. However, one protein in blood is the “von Willebrand Factor” that is present as a dimeric protein of about 0.5 million Da, but also forms readily higher order aggregates ranging in mass to about 20 million Da. In this project we aim to pass the current boundaries in single-particle mass analysis by mass photometry and charge detection mass spectrometry targeting the analysis of the VWF oligomers. If this can be achieved, we aim to subsequently develop new diagnostic tools to monitor (the self-aggregation of) this important blood biomarker.

HotElectric
PTG/e BV / Shell Global Solutions BV

April 2022 – March 2024

High-temperature heat is key for industrial process and climate change mandates to derive this from emission-free sources such as renewable power from wind and solar PV. The conversion of renewable power to high-temperature heat can be achieved by Joule heating using wide-bandgap semiconductors such as Silicon Carbide. In this project, PTGe in partnership with Shell will study the heat conversion and conductivity as well as the surface modification of SiC synthesized from natural sources that contain unquantified levels of hetero-atoms.

Modelling and experimental validation of HTW bubbling fluidized bed gasification
TU Delft / G.I Dynamics

June 2022 – May 2026

Aim of the gasification process is to generate a syngas which, after cleanup and upgrading, will be suitable for fossil-free methanol production. The goal of this project is to arrive at a simple transient one-dimensional model for the gasifier at GIDARA Energy, with the ability to predict the residence time distribution of gas/solids, the (axial) temperature distribution, and the chemical conversion and selectivity to various products. Focus lies on a research-scale bubbling fluidized bed gasifier operating with solid waste feedstock, e.g. sewage, wood, household and industrial types of solid waste. To arrive at such a model, the output of more detailed Computational Fluid Dynamics models (without reactions) will be analysed and reduced to simpler equations, after which chemical reactions will be added. Cold flow experiments using a downscaled version of the gasifier will be performed at TU Delft for model validation. Validation gasification measurements at the gasifier will be performed, targeting closure of mass- and energy balances and to obtain more insight in the conversion process of the challenging circular carbon feedstock for further scale-up. These include measurement of main gaseous and solid carbon species, but also online alkali species measurement and carbon-in-ash measurements.

Plasma assisted capture and conversion of CO2 to useful chemical products (PLACHEM)
Eindhoven University / CASALE SA

May 2022 – September 2026

The PLACHEM project aims at developing and demonstrating a novel, direct, integrated air capture and conversion process for the conversion of atmospheric CO2 into high value chemicals in one step without sorbent regeneration. The proposed activities in this project include i) development of high capacity sorbent and 3D structure material tailored for plasma environment; ii) investigation of plasma-induced one step desorption and conversion of CO2 by testing the plasma-sorbent system; iii) modelling and system design for the developed process to be tested in the intended environment as well as strategic plans for further scale-up or implementation; iv) evaluation of the process and further exploitation for business case development and commercialization. The project will be carried out by 2 PhD students working at Eindhoven University of Technology, Chemical Engineering and Chemistry department, with support by CASALE.

Iron fuel: a clean and circular energy carrier (MEC II)
Eindhoven University / Shell Global Solutions Int. BV

July 2022 – September 2024

The goal of the MEC-II project is to use metal powder as a dense energy carrier for a demonstrably circular and renewable zero-carbon energy storage and conversion system. The TU/e carries out the fundamental and industrial research necessary to boost the required technological developments for the utilization of metal powder, supported by the industrial partner Shell. The breakthrough of the metal energy carriers concept provides a circular, storable, zero-emission, highly efficient, and low-cost pathway to employ widely available metals like iron for heat and power generation. The key element of the MEC-II project is a more rapid progression to TRL level 5-6. To achieve this the reduction chain of the overall process needs to improve. As a result, the TU/e places itself in a good position for further participation in the growing demand for iron ore reduction using renewable methods (i.e. hydrogen). We are acquiring direct reduced iron (DRI) expertise and expect to leverage the acquired skills, experimental assets, and knowledge in further contacts with Tata Steel, Arcelor Mittal etc. This effort is not confined to solving the storage requirement for intermittency in renewables and retrofittable novel zero carbon fuels. It will also enable us as the TU/e to contribute and compete in other heat intensive industrial areas on the cusp of integrating renewables i.e. the steel industry.

No longer ‘too hot to handle’: microscopy of heat-loving microorganisms
Leiden University / Confocal.nl

September 2022 – Augustus 2024

In this project Leiden University and microscopy company Confocal.nl collaborate to visualize and study archaeal organisms at high temperatures at high spatial and temporal resolution. This permits fundamental studies of the cell biology of such organisms under physiological conditions, aiding in establishing them as model organisms and industrial production vehicles. Furthermore, the established approach extends to application of super-resolution rescan confocal microscopy to other biological and non-biological systems (e.g. in materials science) that require high temperatures.

Densification of polyelectrolyte multilayer membranes for high NaCl retentions
Twente University / NX Filtration B.V.

July 2022 – July 2025

With the increasing world-wide water scarcity, it becomes increasingly important to obtain clean water from alternative sources, including brackish water. To do that in an efficient process, we propose to develop a new generation of hollow fiber based membranes based on ultrathin coatings of charged polymers. These advanced coatings can be build up in a layer-by-layer fashion, allowing a great deal of control over their material properties and therefore their eventual separation performance. By increasing the density of these coatings, we will improve the retention of ions, such as Na+ and Cl-, allowing their effective removal to produce clean desalinated water. To achieve this, researchers from the university of Twente will closely collaborate with membrane company NX Filtration.

Electrochemical valorization of biobased chemical building blocks
Utrecht University / TNO / Relement

January 2023 – February 2024

Utrecht University, Relement and TNO will conduct fundamental research into new, clean ways to convert chemical building blocks obtained from biomass into a palette of valuables connections. Through a combination of biorefinery and further chemical conversions, the sugar fraction can be green building blocks for the chemical industry are made from non-edible biomass, compounds that can be used in plastics, coatings and other applications. One of the last synthesis steps suffices not yet meet the requirements of green and sustainable chemistry. We are looking for an alternative to this step. This alternative technology can then in principle be applied to a whole range of building blocks.

Nature helps out: Bio-based Additives for Supporting Plastic Recycling in a Modern Circular Economy (Bio-SuPReME)
Groningen University / NHL Stenden / Croda Nederland BV

April 2022 – April 2026

University of Groningen, NHL Stenden and Croda were already instrumental in initiating many research projects in the field of sustainable polymers and circular plastics. In this project they join forces to study the effects of novel biobased slip additives on the processing and recycling of PET. This will be achieved by simulating each step of the post-consumer closed loop mechanical recycling process. Although plastics have superior properties in many applications, often additives are used to improve these properties. In addition, additives are deployed to optimize process conditions during the production of plastic products. However, with regard to environmental issues, like the plastic soup, micro plastics and other plastic contaminations, not much attention is paid to the impact of additives on the environment. In most cases, additives used in plastic products are more polluting than the plastic itself, which often contains only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen building blocks. Additives, like plasticizers, UV-stabilizers and flame retardants are examples of non-environmental-friendly chemicals. However, some additives result in environmental advantages as they can facilitate recycling of the used plastics and with this promote a future circular economy.

Performance Polymers and Polyolefins DPI 2.0 Call for Research Proposals 2021
Dutch Polymer Institute (DPI)

January 2022 – August 2026

TEAMs – Thermo-electrical ageing mechanisms in polymer-ceramic nanocomposites for energy storage applications
University of Lincoln, DSM, Shell, Teijin, Sabic, Aramco, SKF, Kingfa, Hutchinson

TRAIL Monitoring lifetime of thermoplastic composites by combining analytics and machine learning
NTNU Norwegian Unvi of Science and Techn DSM, Shell, Teijin, Sabic, Aramco, SKF, Hutchinson

MADPY Multi-scale Analysis and Design of the Pyrolysis of Polyolefins
Ghent Univ Borealis, Braskem

QLife Quantum-Chemical Life-Time Optimization of Sustainable Engineering Polymers
VU Amsterdam SKF, DSM, Sabic, Aramco, SKF

ODIN OptimiseD matrix and fIbre treatmeNt for high performance thermoplastic composites recycling
Utwente DSM, Shell, Teijin, Sabic, Aramco, SKF