The common thread in my work: I like to decipher complex environmental issues, to make progress on sustainability in dialogue with companies, civil society organisations and governments.
Expertise:
I have enjoyed working at CE Delft since 1992. First in the energy group in areas such as heat supply, hydrogen and biomass, and later as Head of the Waste & Materials department and Theme Leader for Biomass. I am currently working as Chain Analysis Manager and Theme Leader for Raw Material Supply Chains.
The common thread in my work: I like to decipher complex environmental issues, to make progress on sustainability in dialogue with companies, civil society organisations and governments. I have led many studies that have moved the discussion forward, especially on the issues of plastics, chemical recycling, bioplastics, deposits and packaging.
At CE Delft I am Head of the Raw Material Supply Chains theme, where the focus has shifted from packaging to the products in that packaging. Many improvements are still possible, both in products and packaging. Better design with fewer materials, opting for sustainable materials, recycling and, above all, a design that lasts much longer. Complex trade-offs between materials and energy are easily made with LCA studies. As part of the Circular Economy theme, we are working on sustainable economic concepts such as deposits and more second-hand trade. We are also exploring the introduction of a mandatory share of recyclate in plastics throughout Europe. Interestingly, after a study conducted by us, the Netherlands will implement this in 2027.
We are also conducting an increasing number of food studies. From analyses of different proteins to the development of a protein transit target that potentially offers governments significant environmental gains. Much like environmental policies for the sacred cow (mobility), there is a need for more environmental policies for the common cow.
I provide strategic advice on sustainability to companies, governments and civil society organisations. I feel most comfortable at the interface of public policy and its application in companies, and in facilitating good discussions on environmental policy between companies, government and civil society organisations. In discussions on tricky topics such as packaging, biomass and chemical recycling, I clarify the points of view of the various participants, respect all parties and offer concrete suggestions for solutions that will benefit the environment. The more difficult the discussion, the more I generally enjoy it.
Would you like to discuss the above or any other issues? Then don’t hesitate to contact me!