Leo Kruit: ‘Plantics can help change the world’
Leo Kruit recently joined Plantics as Director Business Development. He succeeds Paul Kieffer, who is enjoying his well-deserved retirement. Who is Leo? Time for an introduction.
‘Seeing the wonderful things that are possible at Plantics, that really makes me happy,’ Leo says. ‘Plantics has tremendous innovative power. As a newcomer to this company, I am really impressed. I am going to make every effort to further develop the application possibilities together with partners and seize new opportunities. And thereby make an impact for a better world. I see that as my mission.’
From veterinarian to business development
Leo’s career has had several side steps. After studying veterinary medicine, he started as a veterinarian in a small animal practice. At Texas Instruments, he applied that knowledge to the development of subcutaneous transponders for use in animals. At an animal health company, he became involved in marketing. From there he developed further in business development, during which Leo also worked for a period in Geneva, Switzerland.
New phase with meaning
‘In this current phase in my career, I am looking for more purpose in my work. I want to do more than just increase a company’s profits. At Plantics we are working on an innovation and its applications that can help change the world, I find that meaningful.’
Basic material for many applications
Leo’s mission at Plantics is clear. ‘We are ready to market our bio-resin on a large scale. The great thing is that the Plantics bio-resin is relatively easy to apply in existing production facilities. When produced on a large scale, Plantics resins don’t cost more than comparable binders. And the product has at least the same quality as comparable materials. In addition, it is CO2 -negative, completely reusable and one hundred percent plant-based. The raw materials are widely available and there is no competition with food production.’ Leo already knows the Plantics product inside out. He is ready to bring it to the attention of manufacturers.
Passion and ambition
Leo is captivated by the passion and ambition of the people at Plantics. ‘I see my contribution in two areas. On the one hand, coaching the many young talents at Plantics. I want to use my knowledge of marketing and markets to challenge them.’ On the other hand, he is going to help the company make choices. ‘Which products are most promising? What are the markets where we can make a difference and how are we going to stimulate manufacturers in those markets to start working with our bio-resin. So that they can take a lead with quality products that put less of a burden on our globe.’