Early in 2010, AkzoNobel, BECO, DPI Value Centre, DSM, Royal Cosun, Search and Witteveen+Bos challenged each other to work together and design a conceptual, yet typical, chemical plant, the Factory of the Future.

They have developed a conceptual production environment based on sustainable principles, in terms of people (equity), planet (ecology) and profit (economy), for the total value chain. The virtual facility focuses to close the biological and the technological cycles of a product and its related manufacturing as far as possible.

The critical factor in the development of the virtual Factory of the Future is sustainable design in which Cradle to Cradle principles form, as far as possible, the foundation. The design of the facility strongly emphasises renewable energy, water management and active materials and transport management.

Cradle to Cradle is a design concept: a new way of thinking systematically developed by architect William McDonough and chemist Michael Braungart and based on eco-effectiveness. Eco-efficiency aims for less environmental damage, waste and pollution; eco-effectivity aims to maximise the positive effects of a system. A system designed for eco-effectiveness uses materials intelligently and healthily, is safe, profitable and regenerative, and produces economic, ecological and social value.

Partners

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Sustainability

One planet living
Cradle to Cradle design
Optimised energy sources
Smart renewable materials, water and transport management
Ecosystem connectivity
Be effective and efficient as possible