Ecosysteem - Circular Plastics NL

CPNL Projects

In 2023, ten research projects were awarded by NWO that, with support from CPNL, conduct fundamental and exploratory scientific research (TRL 1–4) on new materials, additives, and improved technologies for plastic recycling. In 2024 and 2025, RVO awarded 16 research projects and showcases (TRL 3–7) addressing various topics, in which partners across the value chain collaborate to solve bottlenecks in plastic recycling and help close material loops.

Industry Chemical Clusters

Strong chemical clusters are a prerequisite for circular plastics. Thanks to collaboration opportunities and shared infrastructure, the industry is highly concentrated in regional clusters:

Open Infrastructure

The Netherlands offers a uniquely integrated ecosystem for circular plastics, combining world-class ports, strong chemical clusters, and advanced infrastructure. Collaboration is in the Dutch DNA: across the country, innovation hubs, testing facilities, and campuses unite research, industry, and startups to develop, test, and scale new circular solutions. Circular Plastics NL strengthens this ecosystem by enabling collaboration and supporting the transition to circular business models through targeted subsidy programs.

Ports

At the heart of Northwest Europe, the Netherlands connects global trade routes through major ports: Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Delfzijl, Moerdijk, Vlissingen, Terneuzen, plus nearby Ghent and Antwerp (BE) and Rhine Ruhr (DE). These hubs anchor a strong plastics value chain linking feedstock, refineries, producers, converters, and recyclers, supported by efficient logistics and reliable, increasingly renewable energy.

Research

Academic excellence meets practical innovation at Dutch universities, where institutes conduct leading research in polymer science, recycling, sustainable design, and circular business models.

A connected ecosystem for circular and innovative plastics