NextGen Demo, the innovation hub within the circular hotspot NextGen District at the port of Antwerp, has reached a significant milestone. TripleW, a pioneer in circular chemistry, is relocating its demonstration plant to NextGen Demo and scaling up its operations. With its focus on producing lactic acid from food waste, this project represents a key step toward achieving a circular and climate-neutral economy. At the same time, Port of Antwerp-Bruges has launched a new call for companies looking to test and scale their innovative technologies in a unique industrial environment.

TripleW drives circular innovation forward

The demonstration plant that TripleW is relocating to NextGen Demo produces lactic acid from food waste. This high-quality lactic acid serves as a crucial raw material for biodegradable plastics, biochemicals, and products in the food and cosmetics industries. Through this project, TripleW aims to demonstrate the scalability and adaptability of its process, extending its application to diverse waste streams and end products. The plant, capable of producing 10 tonnes of lactic acid per day, will provide opportunities to further refine the production process.

"We are proud to be the first company to commence operations at NextGen Demo," said Maarten Campman, President of Manufacturing at TripleW. "We have been working on the scaling and validation of our technology for several years. With the excellent facilities and support of Port of Antwerp-Bruges and the City of Antwerp, we are taking a vital step toward scaling up our unique process to a commercial level."

The project represents a total investment of 5 million euros, supported in part by the Flemish Agency for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (VLAIO) and the European CBE-JU programme under Horizon 2020. The plant will be completed by the end of 2024 and be operational in January 2025.

NextGen Demo: testing ground for circular and sustainable technologies

NextGen Demo is an innovative hub located in NextGen District, a former Opel site being redeveloped into a circular economy hotspot. The over 2-hectare site will host 10 pioneering projects aimed at scaling up technologies from pilot to industrial level. After the demo phase, companies can transition to NextGen District or other locations, fostering a continuous flow of innovation. The site serves as a catalyst for sustainable innovations, focusing on the transition of resources and energy.

New call for circular pioneers

In addition to TripleW, other companies will also be based at NextGen Demo, including Power to Hydrogen, which develops advanced electrolysis technology to reduce the cost of green hydrogen production using renewable energy. Port of Antwerp-Bruges is launching a new call today for circular pioneers eager to join this unique ecosystem. The market consultation is targeted at candidates (scale-up and pilot projects) with innovative initiatives in sustainable chemistry and energy, focusing on four areas: Waste/Bio-to-X (chemicals/fuels), CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage), chemical process electrification, and renewable energy storage and hydrogen.

Candidates can submit proposals until 17 January 2025.

Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges: "NextGen Demo offers companies not only a prime location, but also access to a unique ecosystem and a valuable network. It serves as the place where cutting-edge technologies become part of the thriving port and industrial framework. I am thrilled to see a game-changer like TripleW driving sustainability while reinforcing the industry’s foundation. With the relocation of its demonstration plant, I am confident that TripleW will inspire other groundbreaking projects."

Johan Klaps, Port Alderman of the City of Antwerp: "NextGen Demo is the testing ground for technological and sustainable innovation, driving circularity within our port. It brings both (international) investment and new jobs to Antwerp, contributing to the strengthening, synergy, and diversification of the port platform. Moreover, it is a prime logistics hub that supports and accelerates the sustainable transition within the Antwerp chemical cluster. In summary, this initiative strengthens our port as the economic powerhouse of Flanders, helping us maintain our competitive edge. "Our innovation hub, NextGen Demo, has achieved a key milestone with the launch of TripleW's demonstration plant!"