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. In this mini-series we highlight what drives them to work on the transition to a sustainable world.
Bio-based raw materials and sustainability are hot topics in the industry, but behind every innovative product lies a story of people with passion and dedication. Henri van Hemert and Rob van der Bruggen, working at Oerlemans Plastics, share their perspective on working with bio-based raw materials, the history of their company and their personal motivation. In this article, we bring their stories to life, so that not only the company activities and philosophy, but especially the people behind them become visible.
A rich history in plastic and innovation
Oerlemans Plastics has a long history that goes back to the 70s. What started as a company in horticultural supply grew into a major player in the plastics industry, specializing in foils and packaging. The development of bioplastics was not a response to an existing demand, but a forward-looking step. “We have been working with bio-foils for more than thirty years. There was no demand at that time, but we started with the conviction that this would become a sustainable and welcome product for horticulture,” says Henri.
The first experiments with bioplastics were not without challenges. “In the beginning, the technology was not that far along,” Rob explains. “So to speak, after one heavy rain shower, the first generation of biofilm had completely disappeared. That took time to develop.” The materials are now much stronger and can be used more widely. “Where we used to be mainly active in agriculture with biodegradable film, we now see that biofilm based on renewable raw materials is increasingly being used in other sectors. Think, for example, of packaging and industrial applications, where biodegradation is not desirable, but a biobased origin does offer advantages.”
Sustainability as a driving force
The company has developed into a leader in the field of sustainable packaging and foils. Henri: “What makes us unique is that we produce everything in the Netherlands. From making foil to printing and cutting into bags, it all happens in our own factories. That gives us control over quality and innovation.”
Sustainability is not just a trend, but a necessity. Rob emphasizes the importance of certification: “If you introduce a product like biofilm, you have to be able to prove that it is actually biodegradable. There are a lot of regulations involved. We work closely with certification bodies to ensure that our products meet the highest standards.”
In addition, there is Oerlemans Plastics invested heavily in research and development. “We have our own R&D centre (OPACKGROUP Technology Centre (OTC)) where we constantly test and improve new materials,” says Henri. “That is important, because the demand for sustainable products is growing enormously. We want to be at the forefront of the market and offer the best solutions.”
The person behind the product
In addition to the business successes, it is the people who make the company. Henri and Rob both have a long history within Oerlemans Plastics and feel closely connected to the family business. Henri, who has been with the company for 23 years, talks enthusiastically about his background: “I started in internal sales and gradually grew into an international position. Nowadays I travel a lot, because our films are sold worldwide. I love working with different cultures and exploring new markets.”
Rob, who has been working at Oerlemans Plastics since 2014, has a background in chemical engineering and R&D. “I have always been fascinated by materials and the chemistry behind them. What drives me is coming up with new solutions and improving existing products. The fact that our work contributes to a more sustainable world makes it even more beautiful.”
Both gentlemen emphasize the importance of a close-knit team. “We work here with a lot of people who have been with the company for a long time. That says something about the atmosphere and the involvement,” says Rob. Henri adds: “It remains a family business, despite the growth. That means short lines and a lot of freedom to innovate.”
Practical benefits
In addition to the environmentally friendly aspects, biobased raw materials also have practical advantages. Henri still remembers well how he worked as a young boy at a strawberry grower: “Removing the foil was a huge hassle. You got dirty and wet, and it took a lot of time and effort.” The biodegradable foil solves this problem. “You can just leave it in the ground and plough it in. That not only saves work, but is also better for the environment.”
Rob emphasizes that there is always further development: “When there is an application for which biodegradable or compostable film is used, that is also an additional development. This has now become a natural part of our work.”
Still, the market remains challenging. “We are not a charity,” Henri says, laughing. “If something is more expensive and no one buys it, then it stops. But if you look at the bigger picture, biofilms are often more cost-efficient because you have less to clean up and dispose of.”
Vision for the future and innovation
What does the future hold? Henri and Rob agree that sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. “We see that regulations are becoming increasingly strict and that consumers are increasingly choosing sustainable packaging,” says Rob. “That is an opportunity for us. We want to continue to innovate and develop new materials that perform even better.”
Henri: “There are still so many possibilities. We are developing biofilm with improved degradability, while our existing products already degrade completely without leaving microplastics behind. In addition, we are looking at circular solutions where we reuse old films.”
The global differences in approach are great. “In the Netherlands, we have strict rules and we consciously focus on compostable materials,” Rob explains. “In countries like China, PE film is still widely used, which accumulates in the soil and eventually breaks down into microplastics. You don’t want that, the problem is not that plastic is immediately toxic, but that it breaks down into microplastics over time that accumulate in the environment. That is why we need to prevent these residual flows.”
In addition, clear communication within the sector plays a major role. “In the Netherlands, we collect plastic separately, but biodegradable packaging does not belong there,” says Henri. “They should actually be put with the GFT waste, but composting companies have difficulty with that because the material often needs more time to break down. This is something that we as an industry need to regulate better and explain better.
More than work: a personal mission
For Henri and Rob, their work is more than just a job. “It’s a passion,” says Henri. “We want to contribute to a cleaner world. Of course it’s technically challenging and interesting, but it’s also satisfying to know that we’re really improving something.”
Rob adds: “It’s great to be involved in something that is both practical and environmentally friendly. And if a customer takes the (risk) initiative to try new sustainable solutions, we can make great strides together.”
That motivation goes beyond their work. “We also provide education at schools,” says Henri. “A lot of young people think that all plastic is bad, but we try to show them that it’s all about the right use and processing.”
With their dedication and expertise, Henri and Rob show that bio-based raw materials are not just a technical innovation, but also a movement driven by passion and conviction. And that is exactly what this industry needs to make the world a little greener step by step.
