Adri Minnaard receives 1.5 million for making the chemical industry more sustainable

Prof. Adri Minnaard receives EUR 1.5 million from GroenvermogenNL and the NWO to contribute to making the chemical industry more sustainable. A total of EUR 19.3 million will go to a consortium of knowledge institutions and companies conducting research into new, sustainable production methods for so-called fine chemicals and specialties. 

Minnaard's team will convert renewable raw materials such as sugars and fatty acids into industrial semi-finished products using hydrogen.

Greener chemicals

The chemical industry enables the production of all kinds of high-quality products, such as medicines, cleaning products, cosmetics, and electronics. But how can their production be made more sustainable? Under the name HyFINE, a consortium of nine universities, three colleges, three knowledge institutions, and twenty companies is researching new, sustainable production methods for so-called fine chemicals and specialties.

Climate-neutral and circular production

HyFINE's goal is to use applied research and prototype demonstrations to develop innovations for producing fine chemicals and specialties in a climate-neutral and circular way. This is done using sustainable sources such as waste, green hydrogen, and renewable electricity. In addition to developing technology, HyFINE focuses on training new experts and sharing knowledge so that the Netherlands can take a leading position in green chemistry.

Read more

• GroenvermogenNL invests €19 million in sustainable production of fine chemicals and specialties (Groenvermogen)

• 19,3-million euro for consortium that makes special and fine chemicals more sustainable