Carbon Transition

– Advanced Recycling & Bio-Based Routes, Including Plasma Chemistry for Methane and Nitrogen

At Chemelot, the ambition is clear: by 2050, the site will operate within a closed carbon cycle, relying exclusively on carbon sourced from circular and renewable origins. Waste streams and biomass will serve as feedstocks for the production of new materials. Fossil-based resources such as naphtha and natural gas will no longer be part of the equation.

The core Carbon Transition program focuses on replacing fossil fuels and feedstocks with sustainable sources to enable circularity in the chemical industry. It builds on existing projects. For example, the Syschemiq work package on chemical recycling is a key component, as is methane valorisation using plasma technology. In addition, Brightsite collaborates with Utrecht University on catalyst recycling and carries out R&D into recycling technologies to create raw (bio)materials for plastics production.

Alongside the core program, three growth areas fall under Carbon Transition. One area explores whether existing recycling technologies can be applied to difficult-to-recycle waste streams such as textiles (High-End Recycling). Within the Bio Value Chain growth area, UM and TNO will select a project focused on suitable chemical production routes that convert biomass into molecular building blocks for chemical intermediates. Lastly, Plasma Nitrogen Processes focuses on developing sustainable nitrogen-containing building blocks for the chemical industry.

Collaboration = key
One of the greatest opportunities—and challenges—is establishing strong collaboration across the value chain. Collaboration lies at the heart of Brightsite’s approach and is essential to achieving impactful, value-added solutions. Together, we must discover how circularity can be integrated into the transforming chemical industry. Since sustainable alternatives are currently more costly than conventional fossil options, supportive policies and regulatory measures will be required to make market implementation possible.

Would you like to contribute or make use of our services?
Please contact Program Manager Rinke Altink. We look forward to connecting with you!

Rinke Altink
Program Manager

Tel: +31 (0)6 23 54 35 47
rinke.altink@tno.nl

Other transitions