On Braventure's website, we read the inspiring story of Tusti, the innovative plastics recycling startup based in hub Catalyst. The story behind founders Eline Stiphout and Jan Kolijn.
Together with researcher Jan Kolijn, Eline founded TUSTI. In combination with an Eindhoven laboratory, TUSTI developed a new technology for cleaning and separating plastics. The process takes place in several phases: first, the procedure is implemented and tested on an industrial scale within a factory in Montfort (Limburg). After thorough research, the technology is further developed to arrive at a suitable material that can be widely marketed.
"FOLLOW YOUR OWN PATH. THERE ARE A LOT OF PARTIES WHO WANT SOMETHING WITH YOU, AS A STARTUP."
The research in Eindhoven is not standing still: TUSTI continues to search for new and other applications for separating substances within various sectors. In this way they want to contribute to converting waste into new, beautiful products.
If Jan could give one more tip to future entrepreneurs it would be the following: "Follow your own path. There are a lot of parties who want something to do with you as a startup. That also makes it attractive to work there, but it also means that you have to be strong in your shoes. Stay behind the course of the startup. If it doesn't suit you, it will inevitably lead to poorer results. That, of course, benefits no one!"
About Tusti
TUSTI aims to recycle more and more plastics in the future. Their mission is to contribute to goals of the Dutch government and the European Union, where recycled plastics are reused in new products.
In 2019, the Brabant Startup Fund stepped in for TUSTI, bridging the difficult period between a good idea and a fully developed business plan. In addition, the startup received funding from the European Union (EIC Accelerator), which allowed them to begin the process within the Montfort plant in late 2020. If TUSTI continues to develop along these lines, they will process around 6,000 tons of mixed plastics per year by the end of 2021.
