Hans van der Pol
Hans completed his formal education and earned his PhD in Physical Organic Chemistry at Utrecht University, and went on to study economics (Open University) and business (Nyenrode Business University). He has a wealth of experience with various international and start-up companies, such as Akzo Nobel, Eastman Chemical Company, Purac, Corbion and Vibers. This background gives Hans an exceptionally broad view of the biobased chemicals, industrial biotechnology and (bio)plastics industries. Examples are product development, application and market development, as well as strategic business development. In addition, he has fulfilled roles in R&D, product and account management, strategic marketing, innovation management, and in venture development and strategy.
Hans is lauded as a frontrunner in the biobased economy sector, from lignocellulosic feedstocks to chemical value chains, chemical and fermentation processes, and from biobased chemicals to bioplastics, biotechnology and business strategy.
Besides his expertise in the bioplastics and chemicals industries, Hans has developed new biobased products and markets in a diversity of industries, including micro-electronics, cosmetics and personal care, food ingredients, home care, industrial cleaners, and agrochemicals.