CPNL Program Council increases expertise and support with new members
On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, during Circular Economy Week, the program council of Circular Plastics NL met in Utrecht to take steps to accelerate the transition to circular plastics value chains. A fully circular economy by 2050 is what the Netherlands is striving for. To achieve this, CPNL is working with the government and representatives from across the chain. Members of the council are committed to the continuous improvement of the growth fund program so that the program lines together form the foundation for an efficient and inclusive ecosystem for circular plastics.
Future-proof
The meeting began with a welcome from CPNL board chairman Ton Geurts to the new program council members with representatives from Unilever and Verpact and a group photo. The CPNL program council now consists of the following members, pictured from left to right:
- Hans Tanger, NRK/Director OPACKGROUP BV
- Taco van der Maten, COAST/Segment manager MalvernPanalytical
- Bert Weckhuysen, Professor at Utrecht University
- Robert Seegers, Director of Strategy, Knowledge and Innovation a.i. Verpact
- Mark Schmets, audience member Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Change
- Drea Berghorst, Director Plastics Europe
- Klaartje Rietkerken-van Gaans, ISPT operational director
- Jan Roos, Director of Sustainability Teijin Aramid
- Kim Meulenbroeks, Manager Innovation Renewi Netherlands
- Thor Tummers, Issues & External Affairs Manager Unilever
- Gerben Meier, Director of R&D LyondellBasell
- Ronald Korstanje, Program Director Circular Plastics DPI-ISPT (not pictured)
CPNL's program council was appointed to use its knowledge and experience to form the important link between industry, government and knowledge institutions. They represent an industry or participate in the program council in a personal capacity.
During meeting the progress of the Growth Fund program was discussed and there was room for discussion on what steps need to be taken in the various value chains to achieve the 2030 ambition of 50%. In a circular economy, as little waste as possible is produced and we go for unnecessary waste of raw materials and residues, with less plastic waste going into the incinerator. Achieving an increase in the quantity and quality of recycling requires a level playing field and merit with Dutch and European guidelines and regulations. For such an economy, companies and initiatives in the plastics industry are indispensable. Achieving climate goals, reducing pressure on our living environment and reducing CO₂ emissions can only be achieved by working together with various (international) parties.