The Top team of the Top Sector Chemistry is impressed by the developments in the ecosystem of the Northern Netherlands. A visit to the northern ecosystem, including Campus Groningen, and the delegation's reactions to the visit on 2 July underline this. The chemical industry is an important pillar of the economy in the Northern Netherlands. The Chemport Europe ecosystem is developing rapidly in this respect, with an open scope for biomaterials and raw materials and reuse. That green chemistry is the future of the Northern Netherlands is embraced by governments, industries and knowledge centres. The delegation consisted of the TopTeam Chemistry: Emmo Meijer, Tom van Aken, Bert Weckhuysen, Robert Thijssen, Mark Schmets and Oscar van den Brink.

The progress in the Northern Netherlands did not go unnoticed by the delegation. "During our visit we experienced how intensively we worked together on the necessary transitions in chemistry. I am impressed by the beautiful integration of the use of sustainable energy, such as hydrogen production linked to application in chemistry and manufacturing industry", says Emmo Meijer, figurehead Top Sector Chemistry. 

In order to form a good vision, the top team Chemistry visited several companies and facilities in the Northern Netherlands. A programme in which all elements of the ecosystem were discussed. For example, they visited Campus Groningen, the companies MercachemSyncom and BioBTX located there, the InnoLab Chemistry and the MW Test Centre "HydroHub". Pieter Imhof, director of BioBTX: 'Campus Groningen is for us the springboard for making the smart start. We have grown here and are working on the development of efficient and effective technologies for the production of biobased BTX. The pilot plant on the Campus has yielded valuable knowledge and information. Now we are going to work on the next step: realizing a sustainable plant in the region'. 

Source: Chemport Europe