Kris Vanrenterghem

Passionated about sustainability…

Sustainability doesn't just mean 'less'. Sustainability is different, it's creating an opportunity where a problem is perceived. The solutions to the climate problem cannot be found in avoiding negative influences, but in striving for faster progress to convert these negative influences into solution-oriented opportunities.

When CO2 is seen as a raw material and new techniques strongly increase the demand for CO2, CO2 emissions are viewed in a different way and the cost of capturing will also be approached in a completely different economic way.

Creating value from waste is exactly what it's all about and emissions are waste streams, just like materials, decomposition, ... The former mentality of reuse and repair, but with the application of new technologies.

And what about bio-tech... Biotechnology creates a strong link between the human strength of technology and the even stronger capabilities of nature. Collaborating with nature's strengths leads to solutions and progress. As human beings, we are a very fragile life form within the nature around us. I am therefore convinced that we must strongly support bio-based technologies economically and financially because that is where the solutions lie.

Under price pressure of some manufacturers, a disposable society was created. To really combat climate change, we will have to evolve towards a value society. No longer thinking in terms of use of life, but in terms of lifespan! To do that, we are facing very challenging times economically, but together strong and looking for solving opportunities we will undoubtedly get there!