June 2026 – The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) has awarded €2 million in funding under the KIC mission call Future plastics: development of safe plastics for a sustainable future. The initiative supports two pioneering projects that aim to transform the plastics industry by focusing on recyclability, biodegradability, and safety.
The first project, led by Prof. Katrien Bernaerts (UM), will contribute to the development of recyclable thermoset resins made from humins, a bio-based material. This research seeks to create non-persistent crosslinked resins that can be reused, reducing harmful leakage streams and supporting the transition away from fossil-based plastics.
The second project, BIOSTAR-SSbD, led by Prof. Pieter Bruijnincx (UU), will investigate how new plastics degrade, their potential health effects, and how society accepts them. By applying Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) principles, the project aims to ensure that new materials are not only technically viable but also socially and environmentally responsible.
This funding call was developed in collaboration with the Knowledge and Innovation Agenda for the Circular Economy 2024–2027 (KIA CE). It emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and requires the involvement of companies across the plastics chain to ensure practical application. Importantly, the definition of “plastics” extends beyond traditional materials to include coatings, composites, paints, and rubbers.
By supporting these projects, NWO is advancing innovation programmes that address societal challenges while contributing to economic opportunities. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to building a sustainable future where plastics are safe, recyclable, and aligned with circular economy principles.
