Sunoil Biodiesel was founded in 2006 and is the first biodiesel producer in the Netherlands. Both nationally and internationally, Sunoil Biodiesel is a well-known and trusted player on the biodiesel market. Thanks to their experience in process and product development, market knowledge and account management, Sunoil Biodiesel now supplies a high-quality product to various markets. Sunoil mainly processes used frying fats and animal fats for the production of biodiesel, also called ‘advanced biodiesel’. Sunoil Biodiesel is ISCC-EU registered, which demonstrates that Sunoil Biodiesel is produced sustainably and actively contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions, by as much as 95%. Corporate social responsibility is also high on the company's agenda. Sunoil Biodiesel is, for instance, a recognized learning company and is committed to various social causes.

Sunoil Biodiesel has become a member of SUSPACC. What was the reason for this? Managing Director Wilfred Hadders: “We are a company that is working with the concept of sustainability on a daily basis. We too are aware that we can no longer rely on fossil fuels for our current economy. When we started our company in 2006, we wanted to make a difference. It has been a long struggle since the foundation of our company, but our name has now become well-established. Both regionally, nationally and even internationally. That is good. This long-term approach requires perseverance, which is both challenging and rewarding and has got us to where we are today. An organisation that is very focused on economic development and growth, but always with great respect for the environment. Apart from our main activity of producing biodiesel, we are increasingly involved in the circular economy and the closing of loops. For example, one of the main by-products in the production of biodiesel is glycerin. And that is precisely what we can use as a raw material in various other industries. This even resulted last year that in a consortium of companies and knowledge institutions we were able to contribute to the development of the world's first 100% Biobased PET in the plastics industry. With regard to SUSPACC, I therefore believe that it is important that you do not do everything on your own. It is precisely the combination of companies and their individual strengths that ensure that you achieve results. Just look at the example of the 100% Biobased PET. It is the cooperation that made it a success.”

If you would like to know more about Sunoil Biodiesel. Watch the video from Emmenmaakhetmee or go to their website.

Drentea designs and produces modern office and storage systems for business use. Quality and sustainability are the main focus. The culture of a family business provides Drentea with a solid foundation of respect and attention for the environment. The company is committed to contributing to the environment, diversity and health. Marketing & Business Developer Erik Luisman: “Drentea develops sustainable products and services that provide a positive contribution to the natural environment and people's working environment. At Drentea, our focus is on taking responsibility. We guarantee the reusability of our products and raw materials and we strive to eliminate waste. We want to play a leading role in this and be an inspiring example.”

Drentea has been developing and producing products with a unique design and sustainable quality for over 60 years. This approach is still the basis for their product design. All their products are manufactured in the Netherlands in their own modern production companies under the best possible working conditions.

Why did Drentea become a member of the network? Erik: “We want to cooperate with others and discover how we can make future products even more sustainable, without compromising on quality and life span. That makes our participation in the SUSPACC business network a logical step.” And what benefits is this going to give you? Erik: “First of all, we want to contribute with our membership to building a consortium that makes the sustainable business activities in the Southeast Drenthe region visible and recognizable. Secondly, the major benefit provided by the network is that they act as a sparring partner for governments, knowledge institutions and, at an international level, the Biobased Industries Consortium. In both cases it makes a positive contribution to the activities that we undertake as a company.”

Do you want to know more about Drentea? Watch the video from Emmenmaakhetmee or go to their website.

H&P Moulding has more than 30 years' experience in manufacturing plastic injection moulded components. Managing Director Bart Labrie: “H&P Moulding offers services ranging from designing and making the mould, to manufacturing high-quality plastic moulded products, including packaging and delivery. The injection moulding of the products takes place partly in our cleanroom. H&P is ISO-9001 and ISO-13485 certified. In short, an attractive total package.”

H&P Moulding is one of the founders of the business network. What was the reason for this? Bart: “We notice that competition is increasing due to globalisation. We also see a growing trend towards corporate social responsibility. Although plastics are traditionally made from fossil raw materials, the current economy as well as the social developments are increasingly forcing us to look for green alternatives. We need to move towards a more sustainable economy.” But why a network? Bart: “I see a lot of SMEs in the Emmen region that are working on sustainability and greening. This is a difficult process if you do it on your own, because it is not just technical challenges that you are faced with. If you want to be more sustainable and greener, you will have to invest time and money in for instance R&D and also make sure that your products are accepted. You will have to be innovative in all aspects of your organisation. This requires a new way of thinking and working. And this is where SUSPACC comes in. By joining forces, we will have more clout. We create cooperation, visibility and trade. And all that from the idea of sustainability.”

Do you want to know more about H&P Moulding? Watch the video below from Emmen. Maak het mee! or visit their website.

Derk Jan Weeke is the Managing Director at Machinefabriek Emmen, a company active in the steel market. Together with his business partner Harm Veenstra, he is involved in the areas of infrastructure, environmental technology and industry. With regard to infrastructure, their company specialises in the construction of bridges. Sustainable solutions are not yet a natural occurrence in the steel market, but Derk Jan is driven by his ideals and he sees this happening more and more in this market. Derk Jan: “We respond more and more to the demand for sustainability. Even though it is often a matter of pioneering and searching. That is why we are looking for partnerships in the market. A good example is our participation in the SUSPACC business network. We are a member and I am also treasurer of the board.”

And according to you, what is the benefit of participation in the network? Derk Jan: “The business network provides SMEs with an easier opportunity to work together. However, that is not all. The network acts as a spokesperson in communications with governments and knowledge institutions. It is a full member of the Biobased Industries Consortium (European) and contributes to the visibility and recognisability of its members.”

Would you like to know more about Machinefabriek Emmen? Watch this video from Emmenmaakhetmee or visit the website of Machinefabriek Emmen.

The Senbis research institute (formerly API) is also located in the emmtec Industry & Business Park in Emmen, along with many other companies. Senbis is a development company that has emerged from the former R&D department of Diolen Industrial Fibers, formerly part of Akzo Nobel. Senbis specialises in the development and production of yarns and monofilaments (3D printer filament) using special polymers. This has already resulted in several breakthroughs. The most recent achievement was an entirely new filament production line: Innofil3D. Where, among other things, a printer filament of PLA (polylactic acid-based plastic) for the 3D printer is produced, with excellent properties. Bas Krins is R&D Manager at Senbis and is involved in all new developments. Bas Krins is also the secretary of SUSPACC.

Why a business network? Bas: “Our choice for a business network was mainly due to the fact that we have a lot of chemistry related activity in the Emmen region. The emphasis is on polymers, composites, fibres and yarns. A lot of this activity takes place at SME companies. These entrepreneurs often do not have the time to get involved with matters other than production. They depend on it. Uniting in this network, makes it easier for SMEs to get involved in long-term innovation and development.”

But is that the only reason? Bas: “No, definitely not. Our own intrinsic motivation is also quite high. For instance, where possible we opt for sustainable and bio-based solutions. And we also believe it is important to contribute to a better world for ourselves and future generations. In short, we actively commit ourselves to more sustainability in high-quality applications. Through our participation in SUSPACC, we promote our interests within the sector, in education and with the (local, regional and international) government in order to achieve our goals more easily.”

Do you want to know more about Senbis? Watch the video below of Emmen maak het mee! and visit the website of Senbis.

Cumapol Emmen focuses mainly on the regranulation, compounding, crystallization and solid state polymerization of virgin and recycled PET specialities. At the beginning of 2013, Cumapol received approval from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSF) for products manufactured from recycled material to come into direct contact with food.
Managing Director Marco Brons: “Cumapol focuses on the development of applications in which recycled material can be used. However, that is not all. At Cumapol, besides recycling, we also work on the design of products in order to make them easier to recycle.”

Why did Cumapol become a member of the network? Marco: “At Cumapol we focus on various innovations in (green) fibre chemistry. For instance, we are working on modified rPET for use in menu trays, injection moulding applications and fully recyclable PET carpet material. Together with BioBTX we have also been working on the development of a polyester with the same properties as traditional PET, but without the ingredient of petroleum. Besides recycling we are also involved in the development of green chemistry both within the region and beyond, which seamlessly fits with the objectives of SUSPACC and its members.”

Do you want to know more about Cumapol? Watch the video below from Emmen. Maak het mee! or visit their website.

Innofil3D is a successful spin-off of the former API (now Senbis). The company focuses on the production of high-quality 3D printer filament. We asked Managing Director Jeroen Wiggers to explain what is so special about this 3D printer filament production line. Jeroen does not need to think long about this: “During the R&D process we have given a lot of attention to the optimization of the print properties of the filament. And that is precisely what has contributed to the fact we are able to offer 3D printer filament that is easily printable and produces prints of consistent quality. We combine this with special material properties that are required for the requested application. This creates added value for the users.”

Why did Innofil3D become a member of the network? Jeroen: “Joining the network emphasises our commitment to a bio-based and circular economy. Most of our 3D printer filament is made from PLA (a bio-based plastic based on polylactic acid). We also offer the InnoCircle product range, a printer filament of recycled material, such as recycled PET. We also operate internationally as Innofil3D. Our 3D printer filament is sold all over the world. SUSPACC is a member of the European Biobased Industries Consortium, which offers international opportunities.”

Do you want to know more about Innofil3D? Watch the video below from Emmen maak het mee! and visit the website .

Morssinkhof-Rymoplast is the perfect partner for the sustainable reuse of plastics. With 8 branches in Europe, the company is one of the leading partners in the area of plastic recycling. The Morssinkhof group offers total solutions for plastic waste and scrap streams. They do this by making possible the use of high-quality recycled raw materials by means of mechanical recycling. The company annually processes approximately 225,000 tons of plastic into high-grade grinding material, regranulate or compound. Morssinkhof has been the owner of the former Diolen SSP and yarn factory at the Emmen location since 2008. The SSP capacity is now fully utilized once again. Currently a lot of hard work is being done to once again start up the yarn company, but now on the basis of 100% recycled PET material!

Through the connection with Emmen the company has become a member of SUSPACC.NL. (r)PET Production and Innovation Director Mark Ruesink: “An ever increasing challenge facing today's society is making optimal use of raw materials. We want to put an end to the use of fossil raw materials and we see the solution for this in the circular economy, so again closing the loop. To make this change we are focusing, among other things, on the recycling of primary raw materials for the plastics industry. This prevents the depletion of natural raw materials, saves energy and reduces the amount of waste.” Should new raw materials still be required, then of course preferably on the basis of bio-based materials.

Morssinkhof has over 50 years of experience in the recycling of plastics and they believe it is important that the activity in the Emmen region continues to flourish in the same chain. Mark: “That is correct. With that in mind we have joined the SUSPACC.NL business network. This network makes it possible, to unite with SMEs from the region and communicate with one voice to knowledge institutions and governments. The business network increases our visibility and this presents more opportunities at a local, regional, national and international level. For example, SUSPACC.NL is a full member of the BIC, the European Bio-based Industries Consortium. This membership provides the members of the network with a direct line to Brussels, and this increases the opportunities that there are within Europe. In addition, the network strengthens the mutual cooperation and this in turn has positive consequences for successful entrepreneurship in the region.”

Do you want to know more about the Morssinkhof-Rymoplast Group? Watch the video from Emmenmaakhetmee or go to their website.