Vito

Description

VITO is a leading European independent research and technology organisation in the areas of cleantech and sustainable development, elaborating solutions for the large societal challenges of today. VITO provides innovative and high-quality solutions, whereby large and small companies can gain a competitive advantage, and advises industry and governments on determining their strategy for the future. VITO has over 750 highly-qualified employees from 25 different nationalities, producing more than 400 patents worldwide and 250 scientific papers annually with a turnover of 147 MEUR (2015). Climate change, food security, resource scarcity, sustainable energy, ageing population… VITO’s research agenda tackles the major societal challenges we are facing today, with overall focus on cleantech. The result is five different research programmes: sustainable chemistry, energy, health, materials management and land use. Each programme builds up a strong base of knowledge and skill, with added value for industry and society. The result is new and innovative research and a comprehensive range of scientific services. In VITO's five areas of expertise, a societal transition is taking place or is urgently needed. Smart grids, intensive re-use of resources, a bio-based economy, all these developments require new and better sustainable technologies, as well as a change in mindset. That's why VITO is working hard on sustainability and transition thinking as binding factors between the five research programmes.

VITO and Raw Materials

Our view on the materials challenge starts from a value chain perspective and aims at transforming industrial waste streams into value added resources and products, while finding substitute solutions for critical raw materials (CRM). VITO develops technologies for separation, recovery and residue conversion with a specific focus on loop closure, recovery of valuable materials and upcycling of mineral matrices, the so-called Zero Waste concept. The value chain perspective is supported by our expertise in integrated sustainability assessment, material flow analyses, policy advice, and the development of new business concepts to facilitate the implementation of sustainable materials management in a circular economy. VITO’s engagement in Raw Materials related initiatives is vast: VITO is actively participating in the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) on Raw Materials, and is a core partner in the European EIT RawMaterials Knowledge & Innovation Community (KIC). EIT Raw Materials has the ambitious vision of turning the challenge of raw materials dependence into a strategic strength for Europe. VITO participates in several EIT RawMaterials projects, including PCRec. VITO coordinates the PreFLEX and ElectroFlex EIT RM Networks of Infrastructures, as well as the FOSTER-ERM and BMIX-NET-RAW educational and entrepreneurial support actions.

CONTACT : Jeroen Spooren
EMAIL: jeroen.spooren@vito.be
PHONE: +32-14-335633
WEBSITE: www.vito.be/en