Rodenburg Biopolymers nominated for the Sustainability Award by Antea Group

From animal feed to bioplastics

It all started back in the 1960s, when residual potato streams were still often seen as waste. Founder Arie Rodenburg recognized their potential: starchy by-products could serve as valuable animal feed. That idea – that side streams always hold value – has remained a guiding principle throughout the company’s history.

“My brother Joost and I represent the third generation,” explains Thijs Rodenburg, CEO of Rodenburg Biopolymers. “While my grandfather and father mainly focused on the agricultural sector, we took the step toward pet food, industrial applications, and ultimately bioplastics. In 2000, we moved to Oosterhout and opened our first bioplastic factory. At that time, the market wasn’t ready yet – for years the plant operated below capacity. Only in the past decade has demand for biobased and biodegradable plastics really taken off, which now puts us in a strong position.”

A clear mission

Rodenburg’s mission is simple yet ambitious: to transform plant-based materials into new products that replace oil and chemical feedstocks. These include biodegradable packaging materials and granulates used in agriculture, the food industry, and even nature restoration projects.

One example that particularly excites the team is the use of Rodenburg’s bioplastics in coral reef restoration.
“Our customers make products from our granulates. When used in marine environments, they degrade naturally without causing harm. It’s amazing to see our materials contributing to ecosystem recovery,” says Rodenburg.

Closer to home, their bioplastics are used in everyday items such as waste bags, shopping bags, cutlery, and plates. “Almost any plastic product can be replaced with a biobased alternative—sometimes biodegradable, sometimes not—but always with a smaller CO₂ footprint.”

Collaboration as the key

A defining characteristic of Rodenburg is its collaborative approach. The company produces granulates but always co-develops applications with its partners.
“You can’t just replace conventional plastics one-to-one,” Rodenburg explains. “Bioplastics have different properties. That’s why continuous dialogue across the supply chain is crucial—what can the material do, what can’t it do, and how do you make responsible sustainability claims?”

To that end, Rodenburg works closely with universities, applied research institutes, and knowledge networks such as Avans University of Applied Sciences and Wageningen University & Research. “Building a complete in-house R&D department with all necessary disciplines isn’t feasible for an SME like ours,” says Rodenburg. “By collaborating, we gain access to the right expertise.”

Rodenburg is also actively involved in initiatives such as Biobased Delta, VNO-NCW, and the Plantbased Network, which promote collaboration and innovation in the biobased economy.

Innovation: from Tony Starch to Side Stream Innovation Valley

Innovation is in Rodenburg’s DNA. A recent milestone is Tony Starch, a new production technology that converts starch into a platform molecule capable of replacing oil-based chemicals. “This year and next, we’re scaling up to commercial production,” says Rodenburg. “We’re running trials and building a full-scale production line in Oosterhout. These innovations give our company wings and make it an exciting place to work. Our team has grown significantly, and I’m very proud of that.”

Another major initiative is the creation of Side Stream Innovation Valley—a campus next to their factory where startups, scale-ups, companies, and educational institutions will collaborate to valorize plant-based side streams.
“We firmly believe that one plus one equals three. By co-locating, new ideas and applications emerge faster,” says Rodenburg. “It’s been a long road to make this project a reality in the Netherlands, but we’re persistent. A council decision is already in place, and we hope the final objections will soon be resolved so we can start building.”

Meanwhile, Rodenburg is already launching a ‘mini-campus’, a pilot version where partners and educators can start working together. “We hope to officially open it next year,” adds Rodenburg.

A partnership built on trust: Antea Group

Rodenburg’s nomination from Antea Group didn’t come out of nowhere. The partnership spans more than 25 years, starting with the relocation to Oosterhout when Antea handled the zoning plan and permits. Since then, they have supported Rodenburg on complex projects and sustainability challenges.

“They really know our company,” says Rodenburg. “They understand where we want to go and what we need. Their integrated expertise and practical mindset make collaboration easy and effective.”

Balancing sustainability and economics

Bioplastics remain more expensive than conventional plastics—a challenge Rodenburg is well aware of.
“The market only truly took off once sustainability became a higher priority and legislation started phasing out harmful substances like PFAS. But ultimately, our products have to be economically viable. If they remain too costly, scaling up becomes impossible. That’s why we focus on niches where our materials can compete successfully.”

Looking ahead

Rodenburg Biopolymers has never chosen the easy road, but its motivation is strong: contributing to a cleaner, better world.
“For us, working with plant-based materials feels natural—it’s in our DNA. And seeing that our innovations genuinely reduce harm to people and the planet gives us the energy to keep moving forward.”

The nomination for the Antea Group Sustainability Award is a meaningful recognition of that perseverance.
“It’s a tremendous honor,” says Rodenburg. “For our team, it’s a confirmation that we’re on the right track. It also gives us encouragement for the next steps we’re about to take.”

Those next steps are ambitious: scaling up Tony Starch, realizing the Side Stream Innovation Valley, and expanding both the team and product portfolio—all with the same goal: replacing fossil resources with plant-based alternatives.

“We believe in communities and collaboration,” concludes Rodenburg. “We don’t have to reinvent the wheel alone. By sharing knowledge and ideas, we can grow the plant-based economy—step by step.”