In short, process technology is the (efficient) conversion of raw materials to (end) products on an industrial scale. Process technology is about (almost) everything you eat, drink, wear, use or consume every day. Step by step and one by one raw materials are turned into a product. These steps are called a process, hence the name process technology.
Through process technology, we can improve the quality of products, optimize waste processing or make processes more sustainable. This is done for almost every good or service within our industry.
What does a process technologist do?
A process technologist is responsible for the functioning of the various processes in a factory, especially in the technical field. He/she is the pivot between management and the work floor. A process technologist designs and maintains installations, keeps track of chemical processes and is concerned with mechanical and electrical engineering of the enormous range of technical systems and mechanisms used for industry.
How do we make process technology more sustainable?
Sustainability and decarbonization are amongst the main societal challenges today. These topics affect everyone, from consumers to small businesses and industry leaders.
People working in sustainable process technology dedicate their efforts to finding solutions that minimize the impact of production processes, for instance:
- What role will mechanical and chemical recycling play in a circular plastics future?
- How to convert by-gasses or by-products into new, valuable feedstocks or products?
- How can we make products more circular?
- How to scale-up the production of green hydrogen?
- How to best capture and use carbon dioxide as a future resource?
- Can we recover and reuse heat?
- What role can artificial intelligence (AI) and the overall digitilization play?
- How can we make sure that resources and materials are kept in use for a long period of time?
- How can we use sustainable electricity to lower our CO2-footprint?
- How will we meet the nutritional needs of an ever-growing world population?
How does ISPT make the process industry more sustainable?
The Dutch industry has a major ambition: to be fully sustainable by 2050. To do this, the process industry has dedicated itself to implementing sustainable innovations: a crucial role that is often overlooked in the public debate on sustainability. But what if we don’t see the industry as a big polluter, but as an indispensable partner in building a green future?
ISPT are fully aware of the important role the process industry plays when it comes to the responsible use of resources and energy. But a sustainable future requires more than technological innovations: it requires working together. That’s why our core business is not in engineering, but in connecting sectors, organizations and people.
Our idea is that through open innovation companies can be more successful. Open innovation means that companies share practical experience and R&D ideas with each other – rather than just doing this alone or inhouse. The business model remains central, the technology and co-creation are additional advantages.
That is where we play our part: creating a trust-based environment that connects the parties involved and facilitate their sharing of expertise and know-how in joint projects. This gets development off to a flying start and accelerates feasible, innovative and sustainable solutions that will lead to full circularity by 2050.