Professor Francesco Picchioni is a leading expert in polymer science and sustainable materials, with a strong and longstanding connection to the Dutch rubber industry. Through his research and close collaboration with industrial partners, he has been instrumental in advancing innovative solutions for rubber recycling and circular materials design. His work bridges fundamental chemistry and practical application, supporting the transformation of the rubber sector in the Netherlands toward more sustainable, high-performance, and circular value chains.

In his talk “Advances in rubber upcycling” he will cover most recent developments in rubber recycling technologies highlighting challenges and opportunities.

Jesse Jongstra represents New Born Rubber, a company at the forefront of giving rubber materials a second life. With a strong focus on circularity and practical implementation, he works on transforming end-of-life rubber into high-quality, reusable materials. His efforts demonstrate how innovative recycling can create real value while reducing environmental impact, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient rubber industry.

In this talk “Reinventing Rubber Recycling: From Idea to Pilot Plant” he will share his experience with proofing and upscaling of novel way to upcycle rubber.

Eric Roetman brings a strongly practice‑oriented perspective to the transition toward circular rubber solutions. Working at the intersection of applied research and industry, he focuses on translating innovative concepts into workable, real‑world applications. His work underscores the essential role of education and applied research in helping the rubber industry implement circularity in a practical and scalable way. In addition to his work at Windesheim, Eric Roetman is also affiliated with TU Delft as a PhD candidate, where he contributes to research on rubber technology, recycling, and devulcanisation.

In his talk, “Environmental Assessment of Devulcanisation Scale-Up: A Life Cycle Assessment Approach,” he will outline the environmental implications of rubber production and recycling through devulcanisation.

Frances van Elburg is a Junior Lecturer in the Elastomer Technology and Engineering (ETE) group at the University of Twente. The ETE group aims to establish itself as a ‘chain of knowledge’ in the field of elastomer technology, with a strong focus on research at the forefront of new developments. The group also serves as an academic training ground for students and researchers in the rubber field. In addition to her teaching role, Frances works as a PhD student within the group. In collaboration with Bridgestone, her research focuses on the replacement of conventional tire tread ingredients with bio-based alternatives, with the aim of developing more sustainable rubber formulations while maintaining excellent tire performance.

In her talk she will address the issues elastomer industry is facing while exploring bio-based alternatives to fossil-derived rubber compound ingredients. This presentation evaluates the feasibility of using sustainable ingredients in rubber compounds, including polymers, processing aids, fillers, and the vulcanization system. Although fully bio-based compounds remain challenging, the presented results show that targeted substitution can significantly reduce environmental impact without compromising key properties.

Frans Ghijsen, CEO of Tyromer Europe, will share insights into the future of circular rubber and the urgent need to transform the tire value chain. With an international background at Shell spanning business leadership, engineering, operations, and project development, Frans now focuses on scaling technologies that can significantly reduce waste, emissions, and dependence on virgin rubber at Tyromer Europe. Tyromer Europe is a Dutch cleantech company specializing in devulcanisation technology, turning end-of-life tires back into valuable raw materials and enabling true tire-to-tire recycling.

In his presentation he will share his insides on:

• Rubber as a vulnerable supply chain linked to deforestation and fossil feedstocks,
• 100 years of tire innovation focused on performance and affordability,
• The recycling challenge created by tire complexity,
• Why regulation, industry, and consumers must work together to accelerate circular rubber adoption.

Enrico Koggel is the driving force behind the Circular Rubber Platform being the director of the network platform. With a strong commitment to closing material loops and enabling real circular value chains, the Circular Rubber Platform contributes to rubber transformation into a resource opportunity and is a valuable part of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation community.

In his talk Enrico Koggel will tell about the progress of the Circular Rubber Platform and how it has centralized information on raw materials, technologies and service providers for rubber circularity. The international community is created from 125 organizations covering the whole value chain, supporting networking and establishment of circular ecosystems. According to the platform, there are 14 unique ways to recycle rubber, including micronization, devulcanization and pyrolysis.

Cleantech Park Arnhem

Westervoortsedijk 73

6827 AV Arnhem

If you have any questions, please contact M2i Program Manager Yulia Fischer.

For questions about registration, contact us at office[at]m2i.nl.