AkzoNobel, BASF, Shell, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Top Sector Chemistry, the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research, Utrecht University, the Eindhoven University of Technology and Groningen University, have formed a consortium, known as the Advanced Research Center Chemical Building Blocks Consortium (ARC CBBC), which has announced plans to establish a national research center focused on tackling important energy and chemistry issues associated with the growing depletion of the finite supply of raw materials.

The intention is to combine the group’s knowledge and expertise to find ways to sustainably meet demand for energy and materials in the future. A total of €11 million a year will be invested annually by the partners, while up to 100 jobs are also expected to be created.

The consortium will work together to develop new chemical processes and building blocks in an effort to find sustainable alternatives that will contribute to the transition towards a circular economy.

“With the global population expected to rise to nine billion by 2050, a growing burden is being placed on the supply of raw materials such as oils and metals. This will constitute a challenge for sustainability and for the quality of life in urban areas, where an estimated 70% of the world population will live.”