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.

On 14 November 2024, the Kunststof Seminar: From Recyclate to Product will take place at the Makersfabriek in Zwolle. The event will cover the following topics:

• Breakout Session 1: Processing of Recyclate
• Breakout Session 2: Material Properties and Applications
• Breakout Session 3: Opportunities for Recyclate: Supply and Demand in Collaboration with Verpact

Interesting speakers from the industry will guide you through inspiring breakout sessions. There will also be enough opportunity to network and form new collaborations during matchmaking, lunch, and the networking reception.

Opportunities for Recyclate: Supply and Demand in Collaboration with Verpact

Verpact and Polymer Science Park are jointly organizing the interactive breakout session ‘Opportunities for Recyclate: Supply and Demand’ focused on packaging and recyclate from packaging.

During the first breakout session, participants will collaboratively explore challenges with the aim of finding solutions. How can recyclate be applied effectively? We will also highlight a few best practices.

In the second breakout session, we will engage in a debate based on statements derived from our joint exploration of recyclate, with the goal of advancing plastic innovations. Together, we make recycling possible.

Programme

11:00–12:00 Matchmaking (by registration)
12:00–13:00 Arrival, including lunch
13:00–13:45 Plenary Opening with Ruben van Zwieten

In a business environment, Ruben offers a different perspective from business administration, management, and technology: the imaginative power to view our field through the lens of purpose.

14:00–15:00 Breakout Session 1

• Breakout Session 1: Processing of Recyclate
  In this session, Wouterus Huygen from ORA Machines will discuss the dumping, drying, transporting, and melting of recyclate. Nils Schut from Polymer Science Park will explore the impact of recyclate on the injection moulding process. Additional speakers to be announced.
• Breakout Session 2: Material Properties and Applications
  Hans Kolnaar from Timmerije will speak on working with recyclate in practice as part of the ‘Recycle’ project. Additional speakers to be announced.
• Breakout Session 3: Opportunities for Recyclate: Supply and Demand
  Participants will delve into challenges with the aim of finding solutions. How can recyclate be effectively applied? We will also highlight a few ‘best practices’.

15:00–15:30 Coffee Break

15:30–16:30 Breakout Session 2

• Breakout Session 1: Processing of Recyclate
  The theme for this session is ‘Rebuilding the properties of recycled polyolefins’, presented by Nouryon. Additional speakers to be announced.
• Breakout Session 2: Product – Influenceable Material Properties
  Tide Ocean Material will discuss ‘Applications for high-end recyclates; success stories’. Additional speakers to be announced.
• Breakout Session 3: Opportunities for Recyclate: Supply and Demand
  We will engage in a debate based on statements arising from our joint exploration of recyclate, with the aim of advancing plastic innovations.

16:30–17:00 Plenary Closing
17:00–18:00 Networking Reception

Don’t miss out and order your tickets quickly! The seminar is free for PSP participants. Would you like more information about partnership opportunities? Feel free to contact us.

Tickets

Order your tickets for the Kunststof Seminar through the system below. If you have any questions about ticket sales, please contact us.

Who is it for?

The seminar is of interest to:

• Directors
• Product and Account Managers
• Researchers
• Product Developers
• Process Technologists

Please be aware that the main language during this event will be Dutch.

What previous attendees said about our last seminar

“PSP brings together experts from their network, fostering cross-pollination and accelerating innovation in the region.”
— Managing Director

“It was very interesting to meet industry peers and engage in discussions on a wide range of topics.”
— Business Manager

“I found the setup excellent, with interesting and relevant topics on the agenda.”
— Vice Director

Partners

Your Company at the Seminar

Your company can also participate in the events organized by Polymer Science Park, not only as an attendee but also as a sponsor. We offer several attractive sponsorship packages for each event, allowing you to put your company on the map nationally and expand your network. More information about these packages can be found here: Kunststof Seminar Sponsorship Opportunities (in Dutch).

For any questions, you can contact our Communications Manager at the email address j.nijhof@polymersciencepark.nl.

We look back with pride on a successful ‘Nationaal Kunststof Congres’ 2023 in Zwolle. A congress day filled with inspiration, valuable contacts, and tools that the industry can build upon. And an inspiring tour of leading entrepreneurs in the Zwolle Region. If you attended the ‘Nationaal Kunststof Congres’ , we are eager to hear your opinion.

The Future

The National Plastics Congress will return in 2025. So, mark 13th November 2025 in your agenda. Would you like to stay updated on developments? Then please leave your details. As soon as we have more information about the new edition, we will share it with you.

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