
On the Braventure website, we read the inspiring story of Tusti, the innovative plastic recycling startup based in the Catalyst hub. 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 performed and tested on an industrial scale in a factory in Montfort (Limburg). After thorough research, the technology is further developed in order to arrive at a suitable material that can be widely deployed in the market.
"FOLLOW YOUR OWN WAY. THERE ARE A LOT OF PARTIES WHO WANT TO DO SOMETHING WITH YOU AS A STARTUP.”
The research in Eindhoven does not stand still: TUSTI continues to search for new and different 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 many parties that want something with you, as a startup. That also makes it attractive to work there, but it also means that you have to be strong. Stay behind the startup's course. If that doesn't suit you, it will inevitably lead to worse results. Of course nobody benefits from that!”
About Tusti
TUSTI strives to recycle more and more plastic in the future. Their mission is to contribute to the objectives of the Dutch government and the European Union, whereby recycled plastics are reused in new products.
In 2019, the Brabant Startup Fund joined TUSTI, bridging the difficult period between a good idea and a fully developed business plan. In addition, the startup received a grant from the European Union (EIC Accelerator), which allowed them to start the process at the Montfort factory at the end of 2020. If TUSTI continues to develop in this line, they will process around 6000 tons of mixed plastics per year by the end of 2021.