VAN DER MEER & VAN TILBURG WEST BV

Their core work

VMT is a Dutch SME specializing in bio-based materials and circular bioeconomy applications, with particular expertise in converting biomass and organic waste streams into usable products for construction and industry. They contribute applied knowledge in bio-aggregate processing, bio-based insulation materials, and grass-based value chains. Their project portfolio shows a company that bridges agricultural residues and industrial material applications — turning what others discard into functional products like bioplastics, insulation panels, and protein extracts.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

VMT's early H2020 work (2015-2016) concentrated on bio-based construction — insulation composites, low-carbon panels, moisture management, and modular building systems through projects like ISOBIO and MEMAN. From 2018 onward, the focus shifted decisively toward circular bioeconomy: waste collection, organic fraction recovery, bioplastics, and grass-based business models in SCALIBUR and GO-GRASS. The trajectory shows a company moving from niche bio-material applications in construction toward broader circular economy value chains that connect agriculture, waste management, and industrial bio-products.

VMT is moving toward integrated circular business models that convert agricultural and urban bio-waste into marketable products, making them a relevant partner for any consortium working on biomass valorization or rural circular economy.

How they like to work

VMT operates primarily as a third-party contributor (3 of 5 projects) and occasional participant (2 projects), never as coordinator. This pattern suggests they provide specific applied expertise or demonstration capacity rather than driving project design. Despite their small size, they have connected with 93 unique partners across 16 countries, indicating they are well-networked and trusted enough to be pulled into diverse consortia repeatedly.

VMT has built a surprisingly broad network for a small SME, collaborating with 93 unique partners across 16 countries. Their reach spans most of Western and Central Europe, reflecting the large Innovation Action consortia they typically join.

What sets them apart

VMT occupies an unusual niche at the intersection of bio-based materials, construction, and circular waste valorization — few SMEs bridge all three domains. Their consistent third-party role across multiple large Innovation Actions suggests they offer practical, demonstration-level capabilities that larger consortia specifically seek out. For a coordinator building a circular bioeconomy project, VMT brings hands-on Dutch expertise in turning biomass concepts into tangible products and business cases.

Highlights from their portfolio

• GO-GRASS
  Directly targets grass-based circular business models for rural areas — a highly specific and commercially oriented topic with clear market potential.
• SCALIBUR
  Large-scale urban bio-waste recovery project covering bioplastics, proteins, and energy — represents VMT's most ambitious circular economy involvement.
• ISOBIO
  Demonstrates VMT's roots in bio-based construction with focus on insulation from bio-aggregates, carbon sequestering, and modular building systems.