Interview: the New CEO at BTS Places Equal Emphasis on Flexibility and Focus

Related Vendors

CAC ENGINEERING GMBH

TRM Filter d.o.o.

ProMinent GmbH

Bayer AG

PROCESS: However the fact remains that because you are part of Bayer, you are restricted in what you can offer to the outside world, and potential customers could be concerned that know-how may leak into the wrong channels.

Van Meirvenne: We are very selective in choosing the markets where we take on projects and deciding who our partners will be. Naturally we work with our partners to develop mechanisms for protecting their know-how. A resilient relationship based on trust is essential for the success of our business.

PROCESS: BTS recently launched the CO₂rrect project in partnership with the German power supplier RWE. The aim is to find ways of using CO₂ as a raw material. Some people in the industry claim that this approach will not have a positive effect on the energy equation. What are your views on this issue?

Van Meirvenne: The project will not solve the climate change problem, but it can make a useful contribution. For example returning 40% of our CO₂ emissions to the polymer production process would make a big difference if we can succeed in doing that. However we are talking about a ten to fifteen year horizon or perhaps even longer.

PROCESS: Do these projects increase your industry focus?

Van Meirvenne: In principle, we will consider any industry. However, these projects must have recognizable benefit for Bayer, and by that I mean technological benefit as well as a financial return.

(ID:23173240)