4 minutes with… Hans van Klink, Director Project Development, Dutch Sustainable Development BV

Tell us about your organization and it’s role in the advanced bioeconomy.

DSD is a consultancy agency active in: the sustainable agriculture, the food processing industry and the bio-based economy. We have four activities: Technical services, Betaprocess technology, NewFoss technology and Hortbuss

Tell us about your role and what you are focused on in the next 12 months.

DSD is an independent company who’s mission is to enable site owners and investors/entrepreneurs to participate in the development of multipurpose agri-food industrial parks. To support these developments, DSD is capable to provide (technical) support and business services for the Agri-Food & Bio-Fuel Industry. Next hereto, DSD develops technology concepts like Betaprocess and NewFoss. Betaprocess is a vacuum extraction technology which opens cells of organic material. Ideal for the production of green chemicals.

NewFoss is a technology which via acidification and filtration split organic material in three streams, organic, fibres and minerals.Furthermore we are active with greenhouse projects with Hortbuss.

DSD is independent also in view of the selection of suppliers of seeds, chemicals, fertilizers, equipment or contractors. DSD is the partner for the preparation of detailed cost & benefit calculations for mentioned projects and/or to prepare business plans.

What do you feel are the most important milestones the industry must achieve in the next 5 years?

.1. accept new methodologies for producing green products, not doing this via conventional methods

2. more complete chain products (from seed to half or end-product)

3. better and attractive role for farmers (more green jobs on the farm)

4. financing should be better organised especially for SME’s

If you could snap your fingers and change one thing about the Advanced Bioeconomy, what would you change?

We need acceptance of new methodologies, construct via and combined with proven technologies, but the complete proces flow is new. This is for investors and companies difficult to step in.

Of all the reasons that influenced you to join the Advanced Bioeconomy industry, what single reason stands out for you as still being compelling and important to you.

I think that there will be a green future, not with fossil products, and that we have to renovate the farm and their products.

Where are you from? 

In Zeeland, the Netherlands

What was your undergraduate major in college, and where did you attend? Why did you choose that school and that pathway? 

Economics and financing

Who do you consider your mentors. What have you learned from them?

Several business people, most interactive analyse first what you are doing and then try to use that in your own position and how can you use that to solve a case.

What’s the biggest lesson you ever learned during a period of adversity?

Not complaining, always see the challenge and believe in what you are doing. You can not trust peoples especially when they are working with banks, etc. they are only fighting for their own position and don’t promote SME’s.

What hobbies do you pursue, away from your work in the industry? 

Soccer, reading, holiday

What 3 books would you take to read, if stranded on a desert island?

Thrillers, does not matter which ones

What books or articles are on your reading list right now, or you just completed and really enjoyed?

Information about the Biobased Economy, but also about the situation in the World.

What’s your favorite city or place to visit, for a holiday?

Rome and Barcelona