Ioniqa announced its founder Tonnis Hooghoudt is stepping down as CEO. Hooghoudt has been at the realms of the University of Eindhoven spin-off since 2009.
The has developed a proprietary process that depolymerises all types and colours of PET waste into its original monomers. Hooghoudt steered the evolution of Ioniqa’s technology from lab scale to building of the company’s industrial demo plant in the Netherlands. Under his leadership Ioniqa has partnered with companies such as Coca-Cola, Indorama Ventures, and Unilever.
Since 2002, Ioniqa has been partnering with Koch Technology Solutions (KTS), a UK-based technology licencing business with roots in DuPont, to commercialise its technology, branded as Denua.
Now, Michiel Hoogendijk will take over as CEO to oversee the commercialisation of the depolymerisation technology. He has previously held leadership positions in chemical companies such as AkzoNobel and Avery Dennison.
“I am impressed with Ioniqa’s technology, people and partnerships and look forward to helping the company commercialise Denua, its leading solution for one of todays most pronounced environmental challenges, plastic waste,” Hoogendijk said.
Ioniqa has also appointed a board of directors as part of its growth process.
In a recent interview with Sustainable Plastics, Ioniqa said it is seeing growing interest for its chemical recycling technology.