About Us
Single-use baby diapers and adult incontinence diapers (Absorbent Hygiene Products) are a substantial contributor to plastic waste globally. They have environmental impacts across their entire life cycle and are also a leading cost for local authorities that are most often tasked with their disposal through, currently, landfilling or incineration.
The population of the Netherlands is responsible for creating 360-445 kton/annum waste from diapers (baby diapers and adult incontinence materials). This is a huge waste stream and constitutes 8% of Dutch residual waste. Europe creates 8,5 Mton/annum of diaper waste and globally over 30 Mton/annum waste is created. In Europe 80% of this waste ends up in landfill where diapers are the 3rd largest consumer item and take 500 years to degrade. The remaining 20% of waste is incinerated.
Disposable diapers and incontinence materials show strong global growth projections due to longer life expectancy, increased wealth and better access and quality of medical care for humans. A sustainable disposal solution is needed.
Alkyl Recycling set out to deliver an economically viable recycling technology for diapers and incontinence materials recycling that is profitable at the customer price for incineration.
Our mission
At Alkyl Recycling, our mission is to become a world leader in sustainable chemical recycling of complex waste streams.
We aim to realise the transformation of AHP waste recycling into a sustainable, scalable industry standard by developing innovative waste-to-resource solutions. From our base at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus, our dedicated team of scientists is committed to turning complex waste streams into valuable secondary polymers for circular applications. We are pioneering the application of sustainable chemistry in waste management, using advanced chemical processes to minimize energy consumption and toxic waste.
Sustainable Development Goals
Our vision
Our vision at Alkyl Recycling is to foster circularity and ensure that society continues to benefit from the convenience of diapers without polluting the environment.
Sustainable chemistry is not just a goal; it’s in our DNA. With our processes and technologies, we aim to redefine the recycling of absorbent hygiene products, making it an integral part of the circular economy. We endevour to develop scalable, economically viable recycling solutions that convert toxic waste into valuable, reusable materials that meet the highest health and safety standards. Our approach aims not only to reduce landfill dependency, but also to provide innovative alternatives to traditional disposal methods like incineration.
Strategy
Alkyl Recycling’s strategy rests on three foundational pillars:
1. Creating Revolutionary Technology:
Through rigorous R&D, we are developing breakthrough processes to advance the recycling of waste diaper and other absorbent hygiene products. Our goal is to make these technologies commercially viable and capable of handling large volumes of waste for real-world applications. Through innovative experimentation, we are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in diaper recycling, setting the stage for industrial-scale implementation.
2. Building Diligent Partnerships:
Collaboration is essential to our growth and impact. By working closely with industry partners and engaging potential clients we are ensuring that our solutions meet the practical needs of the waste management industry and contribute to a sustainable future.
3. Accelerating the Circular Economy:
Our focus on circular materials drives everything we do. By recycling used diapers into reusable, sterilized components, we are reducing reliance on fossil-based raw materials and help to lower the environmental impacts of diaper waste.
Meet the team
Melvin Kizito
Founder
After obtaining a BSc. Chemistry from the University of Nairobi, Melvin worked as chemical analyst and research scientist in Kenya where he was intrumental in the development and execution of innovative healthcare solutions. Melvin is dedicated to solving the global problem of diaper waste and has won multiple awards for innovation and social impact.
Hans Steuten
Commercial Director
Hans Steuten has an MSc from Utrecht University and a Post-grad degree in Polymer Science & Technology from Twente University. He is responsible for business development and sales. He brings 35 international experience working in startups, SME’s and large companies across Europe.
Vishakha Vishakha
Product Development Engineer
Vishakha is an expert in Organic Chemistry, polymer composites, green synthesis and more. After obtaining her PhD in Advanced Materials and Nanoscience, Vishakha has worked as product development engineer and as a researcher at the Zernike Institute of Advanced Materials, University of Groningen
Christoph Knevels
Chemist
Christoph is highly skilled in polymer chemistry and chemical analysis with specialisation in Mesoscopic systems and Catalysis. He holds a MSc. Chemistry from RWTH.
Operations Advisort
Founder
Han Stiphout is responsible for Alkyl’s operations. He has 40+ years international experience as an entrepreneur in recycling of plastics. He brings extensive technical and commercial knowledge of processing of waste. Han brings with him a large people network relevant to Alkyl’s business.
Melvin Kizito speaking at Brightlands about Alkyl Recycling
Alkyl Recycling the media
Energy-efficient recycling of waste diapers
Interview with Melvin Kizito
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Fortune favors the bold
Interview with Melvin Kizito
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Met Alkyl wil Melvin Kizito de wereld verlossen van luierafval
Interview with Melvin Kizito
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Latest Developments
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Blogpost 2
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Blogpost 1
What do you write about in a blog? Useful, industry-specific content that: 1) teaches readers a useful lesson, and 2) demonstrates that you are an expert within the industry. In yo