On Monday, January 27, 2024, DIBA had the pleasure of hosting its first hybrid meeting of the new year in the Netherlands, graciously welcomed by DIBA President, Angela Mannaerts, and, in fluent Italian by its member Winfried van den Muijsenbergh, Partner of AKD on the top floor of the Maastoren, in Rotterdam, where the meeting rooms of AKD are located.
Honorary President Rosita Steenbeek delivered, online from Rome, an engaging speech, emphasizing the beauty of cultural exchange and collaboration. Just as the Dutch are widely praised for their expertise in water management, she reminded us of Italy’s historic engineering marvels, such as the aqueducts. By learning from each other’s strengths, she expressed confidence that these exchanges will lead to even greater cooperation and innovation.
The evening’s keynote speaker, Geert-Jan Pastoor of Pastoor Consult B.V., provided an in-depth look into the waste-to-energy industry, offering valuable insights into the role of Dutch companies in processing Italian waste. He outlined how waste from Naples and Rome is transported to the Netherlands, where it is converted into energy, heat, and reusable materials. He also shed light on the growing emphasis on recycling in Italy, which will in the end decrease the export of waste for sustainable processing. Pastoor elaborated on innovative solutions, such as transforming waste into steam, nitrogen, compressed air, and minerals, as well as the use of advanced sorting techniques in Amsterdam to extract valuable materials like plastics and metals.
Beyond environmental impact, Pastoor underscored the social benefits of the waste industry, particularly its role in providing employment opportunities. Addressing common concerns, he affirmed that modern waste processing facilities operate with highly effective filtration systems, ensuring that emissions are clean. He also addressed the ongoing debate about waste separation, noting that centralized sorting at treatment plants can be more efficient than household separation.
Subsequently, while enjoying a stunning view from the 44th floor over Rotterdam, its harbour, and the surroundings, the DIBA members and their guests, including representatives from the Embassy of the Italian Republic, Netherlands Enterprise Agency and NLinBusiness.com, enjoying a wonderful walking networking dinner.
We extend our gratitude to Winfried van den Muijsenbergh and AKD for the hospitality, Rosita Steenbeek for the wonderful introductory words, Geert-Jan Pastoor for his interesting presentation, and to all attendees for their active participation, in presence and online,
The discussions of the evening reinforced the power of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and sustainable innovation—principles that will continue to shape the future of the Dutch and Italian industries, commerce, and partnerships.
We look forward to many more inspiring gatherings in the year ahead.