In the Netherlands, many people work passionately with biomass as a raw material. They work on innovations, improve (production) processes or create policy for a fossil-free future. We have had a series of conversations with people who work at companies where bio raw materials are central. In this mini-series we highlight what drives them to work on the transition to a sustainable world.
In this second episode a conversation with Michiel Veldhuizen, Manager Public Affairs Netherlands, UK and Ireland, Neste.
Michiel Veldhuizen was more than happy to tell us why he likes joining Neste works and what they all do, when we invited him to collaborate on our miniseries. During our conversation, he talked enthusiastically and passionately about Neste, the use of biomass and why it is valuable for the company, but also for himself and the employees, to work together towards a fossil-free world.
Neste is working on solutions to combat climate change and accelerate the transition to a circular economy. This mission is at the heart of Neste's commitment to making a positive impact on our planet. The company converts waste, residual materials and other innovative raw materials into renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuels and circular raw material solutions for the polymers and chemical industries.
Michiel Veldhuizen is Manager Public Affairs Netherlands, UK and Ireland at Neste and says: “Neste's technology to produce biofuels and develop bioraw materials to replace plastic started on the shop floor. The people of Finland feel a strong bond with nature. They started thinking about the possibilities of adapting our technology and doing something that is good for the company and the environment in the long term. This idea was born by two engineers in the company and grew steadily. Thanks to our proprietary NEXBTL technology, the company can convert renewable fats and oils, such as used frying fat, into molecules that replace fossil raw materials in fuel production. Production of renewable diesel started in Porvoo and in 2010 and 2011 Neste launched new plants for the production of renewable products in Singapore and Rotterdam. We still have one oil refinery in Porvoo, Finland, but we are investigating the possibility of making the Porvoo refinery the most sustainable refinery in Europe from 2030.”
Neste employees feel proud and committed, because they sincerely believe that their work makes a positive contribution to a more sustainable future.
As a company, Neste has gone through several transformations. Neste was founded in 1948 with the primary mission of securing Finland's oil supply. With operations in 16 countries, refineries in Finland, the Netherlands and Singapore and partnerships in the United States, the company has grown from a regional oil refiner to a global leader in renewable and circular solutions.
“Climate change is now an important topic of conversation. In my conversations with my family and children, I noticed that this topic was hardly discussed in the past, but now it revolves almost exclusively around climate change. This shows how much awareness has grown. That is also one of the reasons that I chose to work at a company that also wants a better world”
Michiel Veldhuizen
However, Michiel Veldhuizen emphasizes that biomass is not the only solution. “We need everything from solar energy to wind energy and hydrogen. Even if we make optimal use of all these resources, protecting our climate remains an enormous challenge. Fortunately, the industry is committed to change.”
Neste has three main pillars: first is their core product, biofuel, which can be used directly in vehicles and existing fuel infrastructure without modification and saves up to 90% CO2 emissions compared to fossil fuels. The second pillar is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a bio-kerosene produced in Rotterdam. This fuel provides an immediate solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in aviation, with up to an 80% reduction over the fuel's life cycle, compared to fossil jet fuel. Neste's third pillar includes circular raw material solutions for the plastics and chemicals industries, a complex process that requires innovation and commitment.
Neste's customers are companies that themselves consider sustainability a priority, even if it is not yet legally required. They want to set a good example to their customers and work together towards a better future.
“At Neste we want 100% certainty about our supply chain: where do our raw materials come from, how are they collected and transported? We have an extensive operation to ensure that our bio-raw materials meet sustainability criteria and traceability standards. Everything we do at Neste has one goal: creating a healthier planet for our children. We must keep our promises. Neste's renewable and circular solutions contribute to a more sustainable society and reduce dependence on fossil raw materials. Together with our partners, we aim to make our value chain carbon neutral and nature positive by 2040.”
