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The Ocean Cleanup turns ocean trash into treasure

Plastic waste is not only a threat to marine life, it is also entering our food chain. More and more studies indicate a possible connection between plastics and their impact on human health. Since plastic soup was first discovered in the 1990s, we have all become aware of the gyres of plastic waste circulating in our oceans. Dutch non-profit Ocean Cleanup is seeking solutions to resolve the problem of plastic soup, its latest initiative is to set a standard for recycled ocean plastic, turning it from trash into treasure.

Consortium builds PPE production lines to fight corona

The corona crisis has set companies scrambling to contribute to the effort to save lives. Across the world businesses from different sectors and knowledge institutions have joined forces to help where they can, even if it means switching production lines to manufacture a totally different product. One of many examples is science company Royal DSM, circular mattress manufacturer Royal Auping and Afpro Filters. Together they formed a consortium to counter the shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) by making certified medical face masks.

An inclusive alliance to secure corona vaccine for all

In the search for a vaccine against the coronavirus, the Netherlands has joined forces with Germany, France and Italy. Together, the four European countries will select high potential research programmes, negotiate jointly with developers and producers, and broker deals with various pharmaceutical companies. Where possible, production will take place on European soil.

Olympian gear helps IC staff beat the heat

The coronavirus outbreak has led to international and local sports events being cancelled across the globe. The International Olympic Committee postponed the 2020 Olympic Games due to be held in Tokyo this summer. A disappointment, but an understandable decision for athletes and sports aficionados alike. Fortunately, the Dutch Olympic committee was able to find a new purpose for some of its unused high-tech kit.

How circular economy practices help to achieve the SDGs

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all by 2030. The SDGs are a call to action by all countries – rich, poor and middle-income to promote prosperity while protecting the environment.

Water, Peace and Security partnership: solving water conflict with innovative tools

As one of our most valuable natural resources, water is also an often-overlooked cause of conflict. As water is becoming even more scarce worldwide, the number of water-related conflicts also increases. Several specialised organisations teamed up to develop a new early warning tool, which predicts where future water-related conflict is likely to erupt up to a year in advance, to address a problem before it becomes violent.

Raising food production capacity in Senegal

To feed a growing world population, we must find innovative new ways to increase the food supply without endangering the environment. Sustainable agriculture is key here. Around the world, Dutch companies and their local counterparts cooperate to develop a sustainable model for food production, which is environmentally friendly and economically viable. One of them is Dutch agricultural company, Franzen BV, which is supporting Senegal to become more food self-sufficient.