Netherlands: Belgium-based Triple Helix has signed an agreement as one of the first concessionaires at the NextGen District at the Port of Antwerp. It plans to build a plant to convert polyurethane foam, from insulation panels and other sources, into polyols. These chemicals can then be reused, for example in the production of new polyurethane products. The plant is intended to be fully circular and self-sufficient in terms of energy.
Steven Peleman, the chief executive officer of Triple Helix, said “To drastically reduce emissions and waste pollution, we want to show the principle of material reincarnation to the world. In our plant at NextGen District, we want to recover polyurethane foams at the end of their life and transform them into their main components to be used again in new products. This is innovative and challenging, but with Port of Antwerp, BlueChem and our industrial and knowledge partners, we are ready to fight this battle. Not words but deeds!”
The Port of Antwerp has set aside the former 88 hectare General Motors site to develop into a future circular economy hotspot. Rubber and plastics recycling company US-based Bolder Industries has also signed up for an early place at the port.
