Funding for Polymer Science Park initiative to promote sustainability in the plastic industry

Oost NL provides funding to Polymer Science Park (PSP) in Zwolle. PSP supports and facilitates SMEs in developing circular plastic products and technologies. With the funding, PSP can further focus on strengthening and making the plastics and materials sector in the region more sustainable. Oost NL provides the funding from the ‘Participatiefonds Oost NL’.

Polymer Science Park has emerged in Zwolle, due to the impressive plastics cluster located there. Approximately 240 companies, now from all over the Netherlands, in the plastics sector provide 25,000 jobs. Additionally, the region houses the second-largest carpet industry in the world, an industry where many advanced materials are (re)used.

Both industries face significant challenges in terms of sustainability and circularity. This is particularly a considerable task for SMEs. For instance, the regulations surrounding the proportion of recycled content in materials and products are becoming increasingly stringent. Specialized knowledge is required for the sustainable development of products and the creation of circular business models. PSP offers the expertise, skills, network, and facilities to conduct part of the R&D necessary for this.

“The need to use resources more efficiently is becoming increasingly important, but the reuse of plastics is far from as straightforward as it seems,” explains Gijs Langeveld, managing director of PSP. “We assist entrepreneurs by researching possible alternatives to ‘virgin’ materials, which are made from fossil resources. We have the machines and knowledge to conduct this research, and we can connect companies facing similar challenges in the sector.”

Funding strengthens plastics cluster

Sander de Boer, investment manager Tech, explains why Oost NL is providing the loan:

“PSP plays a crucial role in innovation in the region. They support SMEs in achieving a circular and future-proof business model. They also contribute to the energy and climate transition through the reuse of materials and waste reduction. Additionally, innovative start-ups and scale-ups can benefit from the expertise present at PSP, enabling them to further develop.”

Langeveld is pleased with the boost for PSP: “This loan enables us to further shape our strategy. We want to engage more customers and enhance our networking function. The demand for our services is growing, and we want to be able to meet that. The funding from Oost NL will assist us in that.”

Years of collaboration between the business sector, governments, and knowledge institutions

Oost NL was one of the initiators of PSP in 2011, alongside DSM, Wavin, Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, Deltion College, the municipality of Zwolle, and the Province of Overijssel. Since its establishment, PSP has grown into an institution that actively supports SMEs in the sustainability of the plastics chain through research and development, training plastic experts, and fulfilling its role as a network partner. To date, more than 50 companies have joined as participants in the organization.

PSP, together with Oost NL, is one of the partners in the Dutch Circular Polymer Valley (DCPV), a collaboration of governments, businesses, and knowledge institutions that emerged in the Zwolle region. Together with entrepreneurs, they encourage innovations and collaboration to increase the share of circular polymers. Want to know more about PSP? Feel free to contact us.