Interview of Kevin Van Geem by Annick Meerschmam (CEFIC)
The interview
In April 2024, our project coordinator, Kevin Van Geem, was interviewed by Annick Meerschman from Cefic at the Laboratory for Chemical Technology pilot facilities at Tech Lane Ghent Science Park, including the pilot set-up of our partner Pryme.
The interview of a duration of 15 minutes is now accessible online. Pr. Van Geem discusses the urgent need for chemical recycling to transition to a circular economy, the difference between chemical and mechanical recycling, and the necessity of various chemical recycling technologies. He also explains the technologies developed by his team, such as pyrolysis, gasification, and depolymerization, to treat diverse and impure plastic wastes. He highlights challenges like legislation, competitiveness, and waste availability, and calls for urgent action to invest in chemical recycling in Europe. The interview also covers the progress in handling mixed feeds, creating products with the right properties, and the importance of collaboration along the value chain. Professor Van Geem emphasizes the geopolitical context, the competitive nature of Europe, and the strategic importance of using waste as a resource to reduce CO2 impact and achieve climate neutrality.
If you want to know more about Cefic
Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council, founded in 1972, is the forum of large, medium and small chemical companies across Europe, which provide 1.2 million jobs and account for approximately about 14% of world chemicals production.
The Association’s mission is to:
- serve its members by generating and aggregating scientific knowledge that fosters the purpose of the Association in critical areas,
- offer services and expertise to its members in regulatory, scientific and technical matters,
- engage, advocate and represent the industry in order to create the right support and policy frameworks in Europe and beyond,
- add value as a collective compared to individual companies’ activities.