Brightlands Circular Space offers open-access facilities where companies, recyclers, researchers and innovators can develop, test and scale up technologies for circular plastics under the motto: Closing Loops, Opening Worlds. The facilities cover the entire process, from laboratory research to industrial application.
This gives recyclers access to technology, raw materials, expertise and partners to improve the quality of recycled materials and scale up processes. Brand owners can translate circular ambitions into concrete products, packaging and more robust supply chains. Companies and innovators can test technologies and mitigate risks before making major investments. Policy-makers are also given the opportunity to better align policy objectives and regulations with practical feasibility.
Collaboration for scaling up
During the opening, Stientje van Veldhoven, Dutch Minister for Climate and Green Growth, emphasised that innovation can only be scaled up when businesses, researchers and public authorities work together. New technologies must not only be developed, but must also find their way into practical applications and viable business models.
Marco Mensink, director of the European industry association Cefic, also highlighted the opportunities for the chemical industry. Circular value chains can generate new economic activity and strengthen Europe’s industrial resilience.
This requires collaboration between producers and users, from the development of technology through to its application on an industrial scale.
Brightlands Circular Space was founded by Brightlands Chemelot Campus, Maastricht University (Faculty of Science and Engineering) and TNO. The initiative is co-funded by the National Growth Fund via Circular Plastics NL. A total of over 60 million euros has been invested in the facility.
For more information, visit the Brightlands Circular Space website.
Image: Brightlands Circular Space
