2021 was an important year for Brightlands Materials Center. We performed a strategic repositioning and we decided to dedicate our technology developments fully to steering the Energy Transition and Materials Transition towards a circular economy.
Our Circular Packaging program focuses on designs for the circularity of plastic packaging. Our Sustainable Buildings program has likewise developed technologies for the saving of energy in buildings. In addition, we have decided to merge our Additive Manufacturing and Lightweight Automotive programs in a new “Sustainable Mobility” program, devoted to both energy reduction through lightweight solutions and to the recycling of thermoplastic composites.
We asked an independent external review committee to assess our progress and strategy, which came with a very positive outcome. Our two owners, TNO and the Province of Limburg, have confirmed their long-term commitment to our strategic direction. 2021 was dominated once again by the COVID pandemic. We are proud to report that our work continued without interruption. Our online Partner Event attracted many more attendees than the previous physical ones.
Our networks have continued to expand significantly. We have been successful in returning tangible technological results as well as in connecting partners in the value chain in new, cofunded consortia. As 2022 begins, we have an even greater drive to contribute to a sustainable society. Our strong position, both in terms of our materials expertise and in connecting people and organizations around important societal themes, will help us yet further bolster our common journey towards a sustainable future.
We hope you will enjoy reading Annual Report! We look forward to hearing from you and to to discussing opportunities for future collaboration.
Peter Wolfs & Marnix van Gurp Managing Directors