Avantium Appoints Interim COO for FDCA Plant Launch

Leadership Transition

Avantium N.V. has appointed Hero de Jager as interim Chief Operations Officer, effective 1 January 2026. He will focus on the start-up of the FDCA Flagship Plant. De Jager succeeds Bram Hoffer, who is leaving to pursue new opportunities.

Hero de Jager's Background

Hero de Jager brings extensive experience in industrial plant processes and start-up projects within the chemical sector. His career spans 32 years at DSM and senior roles at AOC Resins, along with various interim director positions across Europe and China.

FDCA Flagship Plant

The FDCA Flagship Plant, located in Delfzijl, Netherlands, is set to become the world's first commercial plant for FDCA production. FDCA is a crucial building block for PEF, a sustainable plastic.

YXY® Technology

Avantium's YXY® Technology catalytically converts plant-based sugars into FDCA. This technology has been successfully demonstrated at Avantium's pilot plant in Geleen, Netherlands.