The Colleague Chronicles with Kris

Welcome, dear readers, to an exclusive interview with one of our “R&D Scientist of B4Plastics”; Kris Van Tilburg!
Today, we’re on a mission to unravel the mysteries, the quirks, and the exceptional talents of our beloved colleague.

Q. If you had to choose a completely different research field tomorrow, what would it be?

I would probably go into the battery industry.
The energy transition fascinates me, and I’d love to contribute to improving battery technology.
The idea that innovation can directly impact how we use energy worldwide really appeals to me.

Q. What is a hobby or passion of yours that almost no one here knows about?

I really enjoy gardening. In the summer, I spend most weekends outside, working in the garden, trying out new things, or simply enjoying being outdoors.
One day, I’d love to have a large garden of my own, preferably with a pond. That would be a true place of peace and fulfillment for me.

Q. Which “small victory” at work gives you the most energy?

It’s often the spontaneous, sometimes slightly “wild” ideas that give me the biggest boost.
They don’t always have a solid theoretical foundation at first, but when one of those ideas actually works or turns into something tangible, it feels like a major win.
Those moments really fuel my motivation.

Q. Which skill do you think is essential for a good R&D Scientist, apart from pure technical talent?

For me, it’s the ability to connect the dots. You need to be able to apply your chemical knowledge in new contexts or unexpected situations.
Innovation often comes from combining insights from different fields and looking at problems from fresh perspectives.

Q. How do you explain to friends or family what you do – without losing them halfway through?

I usually focus on the practical applications, like how we try to replace certain plastics. If you dive too deeply into the chemistry, you’ll lose people quickly.
So I keep it concrete and relatable, which makes it easier for them to follow.

Q. If you could ‘hack’ one R&D process or routine so it would run ten times faster, which would you choose?

Definitely scale-up. On a small scale, you can often achieve a lot, but translating that into something workable on an industrial scale is time-consuming and complex.
If that transition could go faster significantly, it would be a real game-changer.

Q. What golden piece of advice would you give your younger self, just starting out in R&D?

(Laughs) I’d probably say: buy as much Bitcoin as you can while it’s still only 50 cents!
But on a more serious note: don’t be afraid to think outside the box and trust your curiosity. It’s often the unexpected ideas that lead to the most exciting breakthroughs.