Biobased chemicals for safe and circular materials
Industries face growing pressure to replace persistent and harmful substances with safe and sustainable alternatives. We closely work together with businesses to create and implement new circular materials that are non-hazardous and mechanically, or chemically, recyclable or (bio)degradable to the highest content possible. We develop biobased chemicals and materials that are renewable, non-toxic and compliant with future regulations. Our techno-economic analyses make sure they’re also economically viable.
From packaging to coatings to home and personal care and other consumer products, manufacturers are challenged to reduce dependence on fossil resources and eliminate hazardous substances. At the same time, both national and international legislation demand a safer, more circular product design.
We offer economically viable solutions based on biobased, biodegradable and non-toxic chemicals tailored for industrial applications. For example, we design safe food packaging, and create biobased formulations for home care products, paints, adhesives, and composites that combine durability with the option of recyclability or non-persistency (degradable overtime).
In addition companies ask us to help them replace Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs), such as perfluoroalkylsubstances (PFAS), halogenated flame retardants, phthalate based plasticisers, specific organic solvents like N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP), bis-phenol-A in various applications and plastic microbeads in cosmetics.
Our scientists integrate safety, performance and sustainability from the earliest design stage, following the principles of Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD). This ensures that new products are fit for both market needs and regulatory demands: now and in the future. While focusing on biobased future solutions, we assist the current packaging industry in enhancing recycling options for food packaging and identification and removal of hazardous components from fossil based plastics.
Discover our expertises
Sustainable and circular chemistry
Renewable chemicals and materials can be efficiently recycled or converted into new raw materials after use. We call this Circular by Design. Within our expertise in Sustainable & Circular Chemistry we aim to achieve sustainable chemistry. Renewable raw materials are converted into compounds and materials for the circular economy.
Sustainable plastics technology
Our expertise covers plastic recycling, biobased plastics development and processing and biodegradation. We help industry and policymakers move towards a circular plastics economy by creating practical solutions and strategies that phase out fossil-based plastics.
Biopolymer functionalisation and characterisation
Biopolymers such as pectin, lignin and cellulose are used for many applications, from asphalt and construction material to paints, personal care products and packaging. However, each application requires biopolymers with a specific set of properties. We characterise and improve the functional properties of biopolymers to create functional materials for industrial use.
Biomass fractionation for biobased solutions
We create viable routes to produce food ingredients, sustainable materials and chemicals from biomass. For this, we develop new mild separation and fractionation concepts and design technological processes that deliver high-quality products.
Fermentation technology for sustainable chemicals and food ingredients
We develop fermentation technologies in which micro-organisms produce sustainable food ingredients and biobased chemicals. For this, we combine microbiology, process expertise, and industrial scaling.
System analysis and chain design for the biobased economy
We support companies and local, regional and national governments in the transition from fossil-based systems to circular, biobased chains by providing system analysis and chain design rooted in real-world feasibility.
Sustainable and circular chemistry
Renewable chemicals and materials can be efficiently recycled or converted into new raw materials after use. We call this Circular by Design. Within our expertise in Sustainable & Circular Chemistry we aim to achieve sustainable chemistry. Renewable raw materials are converted into compounds and materials for the circular economy.
Sustainable plastics technology
Our expertise covers plastic recycling, biobased plastics development and processing and biodegradation. We help industry and policymakers move towards a circular plastics economy by creating practical solutions and strategies that phase out fossil-based plastics.
Biopolymer functionalisation and characterisation
Biopolymers such as pectin, lignin and cellulose are used for many applications, from asphalt and construction material to paints, personal care products and packaging. However, each application requires biopolymers with a specific set of properties. We characterise and improve the functional properties of biopolymers to create functional materials for industrial use.
Biomass fractionation for biobased solutions
We create viable routes to produce food ingredients, sustainable materials and chemicals from biomass. For this, we develop new mild separation and fractionation concepts and design technological processes that deliver high-quality products.
Fermentation technology for sustainable chemicals and food ingredients
We develop fermentation technologies in which micro-organisms produce sustainable food ingredients and biobased chemicals. For this, we combine microbiology, process expertise, and industrial scaling.
System analysis and chain design for the biobased economy
We support companies and local, regional and national governments in the transition from fossil-based systems to circular, biobased chains by providing system analysis and chain design rooted in real-world feasibility.
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Why partner with WUR
We offer:
- Pioneer in Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD)
- Strong track record in SVHC substitution
- Deep expertise in biodegradability and toxicology
- Economically feasible and high performing products
- Cross-sector industrial collaboration experience
- Access to integrated testing and material development facilities
- Over 30 years of track in developing biobased products
- Possibility for one stop shop; from biomass to building blocks to final biobased product/material
Get in touch
Do you have a question or would you like to discuss a potential collaboration? Please contact our business developer.
dr. MJ (Matthijs) van Lint
Business Development Manager Biobased Chemicals and Materials
Focus areas
Fermentation and bioprocessing
Fermentation is a powerful method for next-gen food production. We support companies to design scalable, efficient and sustainable fermentative processes, from strain to scale.
Biobased or renewable materials and plastics
Industry demands materials and plastics that are sustainable, circular, fossil-free and safe.
We help manufacturers develop those materials without compromising on quality or economic viability. With over thirty years of experience, we develop high-performance, renewable materials based on biomass and side streams, such as agricultural and forestry residues.
Health benefit substantiation for food reformulation
The food industry continuously strives to develop healthier products that align with consumer expectations and evolving regulations.
Wageningen University & Research supports companies to reformulate their products with trusted, evidence-based health benefit substantiation.
Biobased chemicals for safe and circular materials
ndustries face growing pressure to replace persistent and harmful substances with safe and sustainable alternatives. We closely work together with businesses to create and implement new circular materials that are non-hazardous and mechanically, or chemically, recyclable or (bio)degradable to the highest content possible.
We develop biobased chemicals and materials that are renewable, non-toxic and compliant with future regulations. Our techno-economic analyses make sure they’re also economically viable.
Ingredient flexibility for smarter food reformulation
Ingredient flexibility is becoming essential as costs rise, ingredients change and sustainability targets grow.
Food producers need to reformulate, but without losing taste, texture or processing performance. Wageningen University & Research helps make that possible.
Industrial and agricultural water solutions
Water scarcity, rising treatment costs, rising energy consumption, and stricter environmental rules. These are the main challenges industries and agricultural businesses face when it comes to their water usage.
We help to overcome these challenges by developing water technologies that reduce costs, support regulatory compliance, and improve sustainability.
Fermentation and bioprocessing
Fermentation is a powerful method for next-gen food production. We support companies to design scalable, efficient and sustainable fermentative processes, from strain to scale.
Biobased or renewable materials and plastics
Industry demands materials and plastics that are sustainable, circular, fossil-free and safe.
We help manufacturers develop those materials without compromising on quality or economic viability. With over thirty years of experience, we develop high-performance, renewable materials based on biomass and side streams, such as agricultural and forestry residues.
Health benefit substantiation for food reformulation
The food industry continuously strives to develop healthier products that align with consumer expectations and evolving regulations.
Wageningen University & Research supports companies to reformulate their products with trusted, evidence-based health benefit substantiation.
Biobased chemicals for safe and circular materials
ndustries face growing pressure to replace persistent and harmful substances with safe and sustainable alternatives. We closely work together with businesses to create and implement new circular materials that are non-hazardous and mechanically, or chemically, recyclable or (bio)degradable to the highest content possible.
We develop biobased chemicals and materials that are renewable, non-toxic and compliant with future regulations. Our techno-economic analyses make sure they’re also economically viable.
Ingredient flexibility for smarter food reformulation
Ingredient flexibility is becoming essential as costs rise, ingredients change and sustainability targets grow.
Food producers need to reformulate, but without losing taste, texture or processing performance. Wageningen University & Research helps make that possible.
Industrial and agricultural water solutions
Water scarcity, rising treatment costs, rising energy consumption, and stricter environmental rules. These are the main challenges industries and agricultural businesses face when it comes to their water usage.
We help to overcome these challenges by developing water technologies that reduce costs, support regulatory compliance, and improve sustainability.
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