MNEXT
MNEXT is a collaboration between Avans University of Applied Sciences and HZ University of Applied Sciences. Together with SMEs, it forms the bridge between innovation and society.
MNEXT is a Centre of Expertise, a public-private collaboration of knowledge institutions, industry and governments, with a focus on the Materials and Energy Transition. By conducting field-based research with students, teachers, researchers and stakeholders, it sets the materials and energy transition in motion for a sustainable future.
Read more about the development of our partnership.
How our partnership was established
The strategic partnership between Looop and MNEXT came about because of the match in experience and expertise of both organisations.
The first collaboration between MNEXT and Looop, a few years back, was the project WOW! Capitalisation. During this project a study was made of PHA bioplastic, which can be obtained from industrial wastewater. Consider the wastewater of a brewery or a potato manufacturer. The progress and course of this project and its outcomes provided a solid foundation for the further development of an intensive collaboration.
Would you like to know more about our collaboration?
The basic idea behind the partnership is simple: creating a collaborative network between the two companies in their respective fields of expertise.
‘There is a good synergy between MNEXT and Looop’, says Kelly Vermeer, Strategic Business Development Manager at Looop. ‘The areas of knowledge and expertise of both parties combined ensures that as a unit we can become more successful in the field of resource and energy recovery’. MNEXT supports entrepreneurs, businesses and government bodies in various facets of the material and energy transition, based in part on extensive research into the utilisation of waste streams. Jappe de Best, Lecturer in Bio-based Resources & Energy at MNEXT, is keen: ‘This strategic partnership offers many opportunities to boost MNEXT’s research projects. Looop has an extensive network of businesses seeking solutions for their waste streams. Previous projects have already proven that our collaboration is highly valued’.
Collective innovation
MNEXT provides a range of assistance to entrepreneurs, businesses and government bodies in their efforts to innovate across various aspects in the material and energy transition.
Looop plays an active role in projects of the courses Bio-based Technology and Business Development and Sustainable Energy and Resource Recovery, during which students get involved with initiatives in sustainability. Within the ImPHAct project, for example, where we work with MNEXT, Paques Biomaterials and Cargill to increase the predictability and stability of PHA production using waste streams. Another project, started in September 2023, that MNEXT and Looop are currently collaborating on is TUrn FUnghi potentials into a COLorful future (TUFUCOL). This project is aimed at the production of colourants through yeast fermentation. These yeast-based colourants offer a good alternative to synthetic colourants and a promising and sustainable long-term solution. In January 2024, for instance, a project was launched aimed at the recovery of insect waste streams. Working together towards a sustainable future!
Are you interested in contributing to a circular future?
Would you like to learn more about our collaboration or are you curious about how we can work together to close chains?
Get in touch:
Kelly Vermeer
Manager Strategic Business Development
Together, we can close the loop
Only together can we realise a 100% circular world without waste.
Together with our partners, we work hard every single day to close loops. Strong partnerships form the foundation of our business. Besides our proud partner with Han BioCentre, we have collaboration and knowledge partners throughout the entire sector. Would you like to know more?