Jean-Paul Lange is a professor in Chemical Biorefining at the University of Twente and former senior principal Science Expert at Shell, the Netherlands. At Shell, he explored novel catalytic processes for producing fuels and chemicals from non-fossil feedstocks such as biomass and plastic waste. He is co-author of 120 patents, 80 refereed papers, 10 book chapters, and co-editor of a book.
Challenge conventional views
During the opening of the Circular Plastics Conference, Jean-Paul will challenge conventional views on plastic recycling: “Let’s strip plastic recycling naked, for it is not what one says it is! It is not a goal but a means to a goal. And this goal is not making products circular, neither solving plastic pollution. What is it then really? Why do we need it? How can we do it best? When will we have it ready?” Jean-Paul believes that Green Chemistry is sterile if not applied, favoring simplicity over sophistication and resilience over sensitivity.