5 circular companies operating in the Port of Amsterdam
The Port of Amsterdam is leading the way when it comes to cultivating sustainable solutions that contribute to a fully circular economy. At Prodock, their onsite innovation hub, these sustainable initiatives are developing into full-fledged companies that are adding value, reducing waste, and bringing the Netherlands closer to climate neutrality by 2050.
Innovation in an industrial setting
A circular economy prioritises reusing existing materials in new high-quality applications, reducing waste and keeping products in circulation for as long as possible. In the Port of Amsterdam this economy is already taking shape – from construction of the world’s largest biomethane plant to pledging to end the handling of coal in 2030.
Established in 2016, Prodock is an innovation hub located in the port area. Housing over 12 different startups and scale-ups, the hub acts as a testing ground where innovative solutions can be developed and tested next to big industry players. The hub was created to lower the threshold for innovative entrepreneurs, helping them realise sustainable solutions that will shape the future of the port and beyond.
These 5 circular companies are already making waves from the Port of Amsterdam:
Caffe Inc.
Caffe Inc. collects used coffee grounds that would otherwise be thrown away and produces high quality oils that can be used in shampoo and soaps, natural coffee colourants for textiles, and coffee blocks for biomaterials. When fully operational, the factory will save carbon dioxide emissions equal to the amount 75,000 trees can absorb in a year.
GoodFuels
GoodFuels produces biofuels for shipping and road transport from certified waste and residual streams. This means that all materials used do not compete with food production or contribute to deforestation, making them truly sustainable. CO2 emissions are also 90% lower than regular diesel.
ReefSystems
ReefSystems aims to stimulate biodiversity and improve the health of oceans by creating artificial reefs out of connected concrete pipes. Within a year of creation, their first test reef in Zeeland had nearly vanished underneath organic growth and bustling aquatic life. More recently, an artificial reef was placed in the North Sea Canal and in the Amsterdam IJ so scientists can closely monitor how life develops underwater.
Photanol
Photanol is on a mission to revolutionise the chemical and fuel industry by replacing fossil resources with CO2. Using bacteria and light, CO2 can be broken down into carbon compounds which can then be used to make biodegradable plastics, sustainable detergents and beauty products, and even clean fuel. This paves the way for a circular chemical and fuel industry by providing a fossil-free, natural alternative.
Clean the World
Clean the World is on a mission to save lives while reducing waste by collecting and recycling partially used soap and plastic amenity bottles from hotels and hospitality partners. By distributing these and other donated hygiene products to people in need, they help prevent millions of hygiene-related illnesses and deaths every year while reducing unnecessary waste.
