Karolien Vanbroekhoven

As Program Manager for Sustainable Polymer Technologies, Karolien Vanbroekhoven is unlocking nature’s potential by extracting and repurposing lignin, the aromatic compound that gives trees their structural rigidity. Her groundbreaking research at VITO converts this abundant natural resource into innovative biobased materials for insulation, coatings, and composites with reduced environmental impact. Through her “Chemistree” approach, she demonstrates how forest-inspired chemistry creates circular material solutions that maintain functionality while reducing dependence on petroleum-based products. At Love Tomorrow Summit, Vanbroekhoven will reveal how seeing forests through a chemist’s eyes can revolutionize our approach to sustainable material development and advance the bioeconomy.