Tech Day 2023: Driving change towards a sustainable plastic circular economy

In a world increasingly committed to using more sustainable materials, replacing and recycling plastic has never been more crucial. But how can we drive this change to a sustainable plastic circular economy?

A multifaceted challenge

At the Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam (ETCA), we believe this multifaceted challenge requires a collaborative effort, involving all stakeholders in the value chain. And bringing these stakeholders together is exactly what Tech Day did today in ETCA.

Insights and ambitions

Key players in the value chain presented their insights, thoughts, and ambitions for a circular plastic economy. The day was opened by Yuri Sebregts , Shell Chief Technology Officer and Ferry Winter , Director Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam, followed by enlightening presentations from Guus van Rossum , Shell Sustainability Opportunity Manager about Circular Technologies and value chains and Danka Oosterhof from the City of Amsterdam about the Circular Economy goals.

From there, we dove into a constructive panel discussion led by Bart Suijkerbuijk , Shell Plastics circular Economy lead EU, and panelists from the ETCA ecosystem, including, Sean McKnight ???????? from 埃森哲 , Pieter Imhof from TNO , Maria Orbant from 壳牌 , and external panelist Danka Oosterhof and Chris van der Ree from BlueAlp .

The representation of several organizations from across the value chain highlighted the challenge for all of us: How can the plastic circular value chain effectively foster collaboration between organizations, governments and industry to work together towards a common goal and implement sustainable solutions that improve plastic circularity?

The event underscored the importance of clear regulatory frameworks and targets, enabling policies to achieve a circular economy including recycle content targets which are key to driving demand for circular products and unlocking investment in circular plastic production.

Plastic Pioneers game

Supported by the innovative ‘Plastic Pioneers'Game', brought to life today by Accenture and Young Shell Amsterdam, an immersive experience was offered to attendees during the event. This game highlighted the change each stakeholder must consider making society more circular, while taking into account their own values. All participants rolled up their sleeves and actively engaged in the game which reflected an experience of a circular plastic economy.

Translating insights into actions

We look forward to collectively translating the insights into tangible actions and driving ongoing stakeholder collaboration as we take the next steps towards a more sustainable and circular plastic economy together.

A huge thanks to the organizing committee both from Shell and Accenture Ikrame Lemghaili , Anlly Espinosa , Cateau Roos , Daniel Contreras Mejía , Ezgi Arslantürko?lu , Federico Consonni , Namrata Shah , Louise Van Den Oord , Laura van Heugten , Koen de Brauw