Program chemic depolymerization

One of the eight program lines of Circular Plastics NL (CPNL) focuses on chemical depolymerization, specifically on the chemical recycling of polycondensates and de-vulcanization of synthetic rubber. This involves not only the development of (more efficient) depolymerization process steps, but also optimal and low-energy purification technologies. The goal is partly to purify the crude monomers cost-efficiently to their high-purity form suitable for re-polymerization. To enable large-scale application, investments are being made for scale-up and showcases are being funded.

Jan Willem Slijkoord has been appointed program manager for this CPNL program line, excluding the textile value chain. "I always have ideas that can lead to new insights. The influence of the design and composition of plastic products and packaging, carpet and rubber is large and complex. We focus on feedstock chains that are not recyclable with cheap and simpler recycling processes. Because we must also try to close these chains. Within the frameworks of the chemical recycling program, we are going to put our money where our mouth is: accelerate innovation to arrive at concrete processes that will further increase distinctiveness and sustainability in this sector."

Jan Willem Slijkoord program manager for chemical depolymerization at Circular Plastics NL

As program manager for chemical depolymerization, Jan Willem will provide the content for this part of the program. This will look at which innovations in chemical depolymerization are necessary to strengthen the distinctive character of our industry. Speed of innovation is also important. To sharpen the content of this program Jan Willem works closely with industry and the research world to achieve the best possible innovation focus for this program.

Marc Spekreijse, general director Circular Plastics NL, About Jan Willem:

"CPNL has appointed with Jan Willem as program manager for the recycling of polycondensates through chemical depolymerization a very experienced professional with a lot of knowledge and a connector to strengthen the team. He knows the market and the developments and as an entrepreneur also the challenges one faces in the transition to making the value chain circular."

About Jan Willem Slijkoord

Jan Willem Slijkoord is a materials scientist and entrepreneur. During his 25-year career, he has worked in process technology companies such as Akzo Nobel, Tata Steel, Norit Activated Carbon and for the National Laboratory for Applied Sciences, TNO. There he was active in various roles as a materials scientist, marketing manager or business development manager. During his career, he gained extensive experience with the PET fiber and PET recycling industry, as well as engineering and high-performance polymer sales.

With a strong circular affinity for turning "nothing" into "something," he founded a tech startup developing sustainable materials technology, CiorC, in 2015. Examples include recycled and biodegradable polyesters for 3D printing, furniture parts based on hospital waste and advanced mechanical recycling of polyester.

'Investing in innovation is imperative to make circular impact'

"Recycling of plastics can and must be much more efficient, large-scale and better, because we need to retain much more volume of plastics for qualitative and high-quality reuse. In this, for streams that are difficult to recycle, solvolysis or depolymerization can be of great added value. We need to invest not only in new depolymerization technologies, but also in adequate low-energy purification steps. Acceleration in the scale-up of these innovations is also important. I look forward to the showcases where 'technology-push' and 'market-pull' come together, and the participants of the consortia come together as partners."