Environment and Sustainability
We work daily on research and innovations concerning the environment and sustainability. In doing so, we contribute to a circular economy. Find out more about our work towards a sustainable society.

together towards a circular economy
We want to keep products and materials in circulation as long as possible. For example, by designing products that can be easily reused. We also help by innovating chains and applying recycling.
Our latest developments
MaterialsNL Strategic Autonomy National Research Agenda
The energy transition is consuming enormous quantities of already scarce critical raw materials including lithium, cobalt and rare earths. Raw materials shortages are only just starting, the geopolitical implications are already being felt, as are the appeals to our morality: how do we relate to the earth and the growth paradigm?
Quantifying plastic quality for a circular economy
The gamechanger in plastic recycling: TNO has developed a model for better plastic recycling: the Quality Model for Recycled Plastic.


TNO’s view of 2030: 50% of plastics designed for circularity
Our ambition for 2030: 50% plastics produced circularly. Currently, 70% of plastics are still incinerated. This can quickly be improved. Find out how.


Surprisingly, in addition to packaging, car tyres and agricultural plastic biggest sources of microplastics in the Netherlands
TNO's microplastics model has identified the biggest contributors to microplastics. There is also insight for action against microplastics.


Circularity of large household appliances in Kenya
In Kenya, consumption of large household appliances such as refrigerators, is increasing. To ensure circularity, several actions are proposed

