Avantium appoints bioplastics specialist

Jeffrey Kolstad joins as chief scientist from NatureWorks

Jeffrey Kolstad has joined Avantium as chief scientist, strengthening the Dutch firm’s team in developing next-generation bioplastics using its YXY technology.

Previously chief scientist at NatureWorks (formerly Cargill-Dow), Kolstad was one of the founding members of the team that developed and commercialised PLA (polylactic-acid), a bio-based polymer. He was also responsible for managing NatureWorks’ IP portfolio and strategy.

Prior to this Kolstad worked in the corporate research centres at Cargill and Amoco Oil Company.

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