Avantium CTO Gert-Jan Gruter Receives Royal Decoration

Avantium N.V., a leading company in renewable and circular polymers, is delighted to announce that our Chief Technology Officer, Gert-Jan Gruter, has been awarded the title of Knight in the Order of the Netherlands Lion¹. Gert-Jan Gruter received this Royal Decoration from the Minister of Climate and Green Growth, Sophie Hermans, during the Official Opening Ceremony of Avantium’s FDCA Flagship Plant. This prestigious award recognizes his exceptional contributions to sustainable chemistry and his commitment to innovation and societal impact.

Gert-Jan Gruter began his chemical career by studying Chemistry at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam. He has since developed groundbreaking innovations that contribute to a more sustainable world. As CTO of Avantium and a distinguished professor at the University of Amsterdam, he has played a leading role in the development of renewable and circular plastic materials.

One of his most notable achievements is the development of PEF (polyethylene furanoate), a plant-based and circular polyester material that combines ecological benefits with excellent performance properties. Gert-Jan Gruter continues to work on new technologies, including the conversion of CO₂ as a feedstock for new products via electrochemistry. His work focuses on creating materials that are fully circular and cause less to no pollution. In addition to his scientific contributions, he collaborates with behavioral scientists to explore the socio-psychological aspects of biobased materials.

As a professor at the University of Amsterdam, he shares his knowledge and inspires the next generation of scientists. He is known for his ability to make complex concepts understandable and for conveying his passion for sustainability to his students.

Gert-Jan Gruter is not only a brilliant chemist but also a socially engaged individual with a strong moral compass and high ethical standards. His people-oriented approach and sense of humor make him a beloved colleague and an inspiration to many.

Avantium congratulates Gert-Jan Gruter on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to his continued contributions to innovation and sustainability.

¹ _{This royal commendation is one of the oldest and highest civil honours in the Netherlands. King Willem I established the Order on 29 September, 1815. Candidates who have made an exceptional contribution to society, especially in science, art, sports and literature, are eligible for this honour.}