Who are behind the
Circular Rubber Platform?

We are product engineers who design products for OEM customers. As product engineers, we create the functional design and advise during material selection. The development time for OEM parts can take years because they are usually critical for the larger system. These parts are then produced in very large quantities.

Circular Rubber Platform

Why did you start the Circular Rubber Platform?

Most of the products we have designed are made of rubber, such as sealing systems. As product engineers, we have a responsibility to choose a material that meets the functional requirements, but we can also make a difference by choosing sustainable materials. With the current global demand for more sustainability, we started looking for circular rubber solutions. We found that it was very difficult to find a good overview of the possibilities to work with recycled or bio-based rubber.

How did you start the Circular Rubber Platform?

Initially, we investigated the possibility of circular rubber for our own projects. After several months, we realized that many companies and universities around the world were working on circularity in the rubber industry, but there was no single platform that provided a complete overview. We felt it was our responsibility to share and expand our work by creating a platform website. To cover the costs of building and maintaining the platform and services, we have agreed with the companies we have already contacted to ask for a membership fee.

What is the purpose of the Circular Rubber Platform?

A circular economy requires the involvement of companies along the entire chain, from producers of compound ingredients to manufacturers of finished products to waste collection and recycling companies. The purpose of the platform is to connect these companies and create an environment that stimulates developments. The platform also provides an overview of existing technologies and opportunities, as well as inspiration through success stories.

How do you see the future of rubber?

In many applications there are very high demands on the performance of rubber, both mechanically and chemically. Many of the current recycling processes are not capable of producing these high performance rubbers. However, there are already bio-based ingredients that can produce a rubber of similar or better quality with a much lower carbon footprint and lower demand on fossil resources. We see the future of rubber as one where the ability to produce high quality rubber with bio-based or recycled content will increase, and where the use of recycled and bio-based materials for less demanding rubber applications will become standard practice. So that there will never be a day when we cannot produce rubber due to a lack of resources.

Jan Boomsma

MSc Mechanical Engineering

With over 15 years of working as product application engineer sealing elements and thus within the rubber industry, Jan brings plenty of experience in project management and technical development. With an ambition towards circularity, he brings the technical support needed in understanding challenges, while seeing opportunities.

Enrico Koggel

Mechanical Engineer

With over 8 years of working as technical consultant in both rubber and metal machining industry, Enrico brings a broad and deep network and experience in international project management. With great curiosity into circularity and unprecedented enthusiasm, he inspires and connects traditional industries with revolutionary technology.

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