Biobased products are wholly or partly derived from materials of biological origin (such as plants, animals, enzymes, and microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and yeast). They do not include materials that are fossilized or embedded in geological formations.
From products we use every day to cutting-edge innovations, bio-based products are paving the way for a more sustainable economy and revolutionizing industries, such as cosmetics, paints, inks, lubricants adhesives, construction & packaging materials, textiles, batteries, biocontrol agents, detergents...
According to EU policy, biobased products can offer numerous benefits for the economy, society and the environment. They promote sustainable and circular practices and drive innovation to address some of the pressing challenges of our society – including climate mitigation and adaptation, transitioning to a green industry, food supply and security, and human health. (source: Bio-based products - European Commission (europa.eu))
Centrally located in the green Kempen region of Flanders (B), Geel positions itself as a hotspot for innovations for biobased products. Already, Geel and its immediate surroundings are home to a number of renowned knowledge institutes and several fast-growing companies with an international client portfolio that are active in this domain.
Think of:
- Thomas More: Flanders biggest university college with relevant educational specializations and applied R&D expertise centers, such as on Sustainable biomass and chemistry (RADIUS);
- KU Leuven: Belgium’s oldest and largest university, with 14 faculties, houses its bio-and industrial engineering faculty at Campus Geel, including R&D groups such as:
- Insect Production and Processing (IP&P);
- Soil and Environment.
- Kamp-C: center for sustainability and innovation in the construction sector; funded by the province of Antwerp.
- VITO: the Flemish institute for technological research is one of the four Flanders' strategic research organizations and focuses on, amongst other things, sustainable chemistry and materials; for example the potential of lignin/wood for alternative production of drop-in chemicals.
- EntoQ: innovation-driven company specialized in the development of high-yield insect farming systems.
- M-Food natural ingredients: a pioneer in development of insect feed, professional insect farming and insect processing.
- Oleon: a significant player in all aspects related to the chemical applications of fats (i.e. oleochemical products); for example in coatings & inks, cosmetics & pharma, crop protection, food & feed, homecare, lubricants & adhesives...
- TransFurans Chemicals converts hemicellulose into raw material for various bio-plastics and other potentially interesting applications.
State-of-the-art facilities at Innovatiecampus Geel. SymBiont: insect-pilot plant (KU Leuven, Thomas More, VITO).
Our strategy and ambition
With its focus domain "Biobased Products", Innovatiecampus Geel activates the existing ecosystem and welcomes additional players to the region.
Starting from our existing strengths, we tighten the bonds and collaborations between the local actors and attract – and interact with – a growing number of international actors.
Aside from our intrinsic drive to innovate, we do this from within a strong belief that Europe must secure its sovereign position amidst a turbulent geopolitical background.
Our ambition is to maintain and grow our reputation and activities as an international top region in topics such as: production and processing of insects and algae or in domain-specific application of biobased products.
What's in it for you?
- Regular get togethers to discuss the status of your plans and innovations and to tune in on the latest trends and developments in your fields of interest.
- Low-threshold entry into new collaboration opportunities that strengthen your own innovation agenda as well as the overall value chain and ecosystem.
- Up to 18ha development area available on Innovatiecampus Geel to grow your facilities (or set up joint facilities).
- Centrally located between other innovation hotspots in Flanders, Belgium and its neighboring countries.
Want to know more?
