A connected ecosystem for circular and innovative plastics

CPNL Projects

In 2023, NWO awarded grants to ten research projects 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 16 research projects and showcases (TRL 3–7) addressing various topics, in which partners across the value chain collaborate to resolve bottlenecks in plastic recycling and help close material loops.

Industrial Chemical Clusters

Strong chemical clusters are essential for circular plastics. Thanks to opportunities for collaboration 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 bring together research, industry, and startups to develop, test, and scale new circular solutions. Circular Plastics NL strengthens this ecosystem by fostering collaboration and supporting the transition to circular business models through targeted subsidy programs.

Ports

Located at the heart of Northwest Europe, the Netherlands serves as a key link in global trade routes through its major ports: Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Delfzijl, Moerdijk, Vlissingen, and Terneuzen, as well as nearby Ghent and Antwerp (BE) and the Rhine-Ruhr region (DE). These hubs form the backbone of a robust plastics value chain that connects feedstock suppliers, refineries, manufacturers, converters, and recyclers, supported by efficient logistics and a reliable energy supply that is increasingly based on renewable sources.

Research

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