Johan van Groenestijn

Johan van Groenestijn is a Researcher at Wageningen Food & Biobased Research (Wageningen University & Research), specializing in biorefinery and fibre technology with expertise spanning circular economy systems, biomass valorization, and sustainable resource management across European and global contexts.

His primary research focuses on Circular Economy applications in agricultural systems, Biorefinery processes for organic residue conversion, Water Resources Management through rainwater harvesting and storage solutions, Sustainable Agriculture via nutrient recovery, Renewable Energy from biomass, and Waste Valorization of industrial byproducts. Key investigations include lignin modification using deep eutectic solvents, phosphorus recovery from wastewater, and safety hazard identification in circular food production chains.

Recent publications demonstrate a clear trend toward integrated sustainability solutions, combining circular economy principles with practical engineering applications. His work bridges agricultural residues, water security challenges, and nutrient cycling – particularly evident in studies on vegetable oil sustainability, rainwater storage in Tanzania, and municipal sludge valorization. The research consistently addresses UN Sustainable Development Goals through technical innovation in biomass conversion and resource recovery.

Dr. van Groenestijn leads multiple funded projects including the active Production and recovery of a more reactive lignin from organic residues (2025) and completed initiatives on nutrient recycling (HYBRID), wood vinegar processing, and phosphoric acid production from sludge. His collaborative network spans European institutions, with significant fieldwork in Tanzania and the Netherlands.

He actively disseminates findings through academic conferences, workshops (including a 2019 Tailor Made Training Course on biomass residues), and media engagements – notably 2022 expert commentary on biobased fuel production mechanisms for Dutch news outlets. His research group at Wageningen Food & Biobased Research maintains strong industry partnerships focused on practical implementation of circular economy technologies.