Unfortunately, a lot of fossil resources are still needed to make plastic. The new subsidy scheme Testing Circular Biopolyesters (STCB) allows entrepreneurs to test biobased polyesters. This contributes to the circular economy of the Netherlands. Applications can be submitted from March 18 at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).
Who is the subsidy for?
The STCB is for entrepreneurs with medium or small enterprises. They are active or wish to be active in the production chain of biobased polyesters (sustainable plastics from plant sources). With the subsidy, they test and evaluate these plastics in their company. Several entrepreneurs are eligible, such as producers of biobased raw materials, compounders, waste collectors, and recyclers. They receive a subsidy for 50% of the test costs, up to a maximum of €25,000. The subsidy scheme is part of the National Growth Fund program BioBased Circular from the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth.
Especially for biopolyesters
The subsidy is especially for biobased polyesters based on sugars. Think of PEF, PLA, PHA, bio-PET, and polyester coatings and resins. Due to the chemical structure, polyester is efficiently made from biobased raw materials from plant, animal, or microbiological sources. It is easily recyclable and sometimes even biodegradable. Other bioplastics like bioPE, bioPP, and bio-PVC are not eligible for this subsidy.
Differences between STCB and SOPV
In addition to the STCB, entrepreneurs have also been receiving subsidies since last year through the Switching Scheme for Plastic Processors (SOPV). The biopolyester scheme STCB focuses on a small number of bioplastics but is open to the entire plastics production chain (from raw material producer to recycler). The SOPV targets a smaller group but is for all bioplastics and recycled plastics.
Many schemes for circular plastics
Later this year, entrepreneurs can receive subsidies for even more schemes on recycled or biobased plastics. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management is working on a circular plastic standard. This standard affects entrepreneurs in the plastic processing industry who produce part or final products. From 2027, they must use partially recycled or biobased polymers (all types, not just bio-polyesters). This entails costs. With subsidies for circular plastics, the government helps entrepreneurs reduce these costs.
- Ministry of Climate and Green Growth