Collaboration for sustainability: better results through joint innovation

Innovative recycling milestones achieved together

At the end of 2024, the R&D Hub for Plastic Waste Processing united TNO and seven leading petrochemical companies at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Geleen to discuss their shared goals for 2030.

During this event, all four of the Hub’s projects successfully completed their first phase and received approval to proceed to the next stage. By developing cutting-edge recycling technologies and fostering collaboration within the industry, the R&D Hub enables the plastics sector to develop innovative solutions that benefit both industry and society.

The importance of collaboration

Fumihiko Shimizu from Mitsubishi Chemical Company emphasizes that carbon neutrality technologies are essential for the future of chemical companies. 'Achieving these goals as an individual company is extremely challenging,' he states. By partnering with pioneering companies across Europe, they can create joint solutions that may benefit not only their businesses but also the environment and society at large.

The role of TNO is pivotal in this initiative. Tamara Manuele, Projectmanager at TNO Energy & Materials Transition explains, 'We facilitate collaboration by providing strategic, technical, and project-oriented guidance. Our fundamental research forms the backbone of the project, but industry input is critical for ensuring practical applicability.' This symbiotic relationship exemplifies TNO’s position as a leading innovator within the international research community.

Christoph Dittrich from SABIC underscores the necessity of this collaborative framework: 'This initiative allows us to break down barriers that typically exist between competitors. By leveraging our combined strengths, we can develop innovations that address our common challenges.'

Innovation through open communication

One of the remarkable aspects of the R&D Hub program is the open communication among competitors regarding their strategies and technologies. This level of dialogue, made possible by TNO’s neutral role and always in compliance with antitrust rules, fosters an environment where candid discussions can flourish. As Fumihiko Shimizu elaborates, 'Without a collaboration framework like this, it would be very difficult to engage in discussions with our competitors.'

Christoph Dittrich adds, 'Open dialogue is essential. It enables us to explore shared challenges and discover common pathways forward. Our industry needs this transparency to thrive sustainably.' This commitment to communication not only drives innovation, but also fosters a culture of trust and cooperation within the sector.

Promising innovations in plastic waste processing: Enhanced Solvolysis

A concrete example of the impact of this collaboration is the "Enhanced Solvolysis" project. The team at TNO recently discovered that synergy can be achieved by combining solvolysis with other technologies. This holds significant potential for separating high-value fibers from composites.

For companies such as Mitsubishi Chemical Company, which produces CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastics), this technology is particularly promising, especially given the high energy costs associated with carbon fiber production and the need to enhance recycling methods.

Christoph from SABIC observes, 'The Enhanced Solvolysis project showcases how we can harness cutting-edge research to help solving real-world problems, specifically in enhancing recycling efficiency in our sector. Such innovations not only advance industry standards but also may contribute to broader environmental goals.'

The future of sustainability in the plastics sector

The R&D Hub program offers a unique opportunity for companies to collaborate on potential sustainable solutions, where they encounter not only their competitors but also valuable learning experiences. As Ruud Cuypers, Senior Scientist Plastics Recycling from TNO concludes, 'Through this ongoing interaction with the industry, we can jointly develop valuable solutions that benefit all stakeholders, thereby help the transition to a more sustainable future.'

This is our time. If your organization is interested in joining this transformative initiative or exploring the potential for collaboration with TNO on large projects focused on circular plastics, we warmly invite you to reach out. Together, we can create impactful solutions that drive sustainability forward.