With an optimistic and forward-thinking mindset, Hendriks shared powerful insights into how Trinseo is helping to shape the industry.
“We need to have a point of view on the future,” Hendriks emphasized. “Our products touch so many industries. That means we have to be more than just a materials supplier. We have to be experts and strategic partners to our customers.”
With evolving regulations around the world focused on building sustainable and circular economies, Trinseo is dedicated to working with customers to tailor solutions to their sustainability needs without compromising performance. Hendriks discussed the Company's sustainability strategy, highlighting polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as a prime example of the Company’s vision to deliver sustainably advantaged, specialty solutions supporting high-tech applications.
“It’s very important to be explicit about our vision and strategy for the future,” Hendriks noted. “Either we are a company with a commodity-based portfolio, or we continue towards becoming a sustainable solutions company with unique solutions for our customers. We chose the second route, in combination with sustainability at our core.”
One of the most exciting areas Hendriks discussed was Trinseo’s advanced recycling initiatives, particularly dissolution technology. This physical recycling process allows materials like polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) to be extracted and recycled into high-quality feedstocks that can be reintroduced to the manufacturing process. By investing in recycling technologies, Trinseo is helping advance industry initiatives to establish more circular plastics solutions.
“It is our vision to recycle materials that currently are not recyclable,” Hendriks explained. “When you have a technology that is capable of taking waste that nobody wants and turning that into a virgin-quality new product, then you can also be cost-competitive.”
As Trinseo continues to advance its sustainability goals and recycling innovations, Hendriks is dedicated to making a lasting impact in the chemical industry. He noted: “Working on something that is really important for the world—this transformation towards a sustainable future—and doing that with a great team and great people makes me very motivated every day.”
