Dr. Bart Koops, Grain Processing Application Development Leader – EMEA

Building capabilities to help our customers is a big part of how we help fuel them forward.

Bart Koops began his career as a PhD student in enzymology at Utrecht University, fascinated by the power of enzymes to build, break down, and transform molecules. In 2005, he joined Genencor (now part of IFF) as a sales manager, where he found a unique opportunity to combine scientific curiosity with customer collaboration. Over the past 20+ years, Bart has grown alongside the grain processing industry and deepened his expertise to help customers unlock new possibilities in both fermentation alcohol and carbohydrate processing.

“Having the chance to explain why and how enzymes work, and what they can improve in a customer’s process – that’s the part I really like,” he says. “I’ve always had the scientific joy of seeing enzymes being applied.”

In 2011, Bart transitioned into his current role as Application Development Leader for EMEA, leading a team based in the Netherlands. His journey has mirrored the evolution of the industry itself. In ethanol production, he’s supported customers from plant start-ups to advanced optimization. In carbohydrate processing, he’s seen a growing focus on efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

We’re helping customers find smarter ways to save energy and water—without compromising performance.

Across both industries, Bart and his team focus on identifying opportunities to reduce energy and water usage while enhancing productivity. Whether it’s improving separation and evaporation steps or fine-tuning enzyme applications, the goal is always to deliver measurable value.

One of the key tools in this effort is the SWEETSPOT™ ASPEN model, developed specifically for carbohydrate processing. This model helps visualize where energy and water savings can be achieved, guiding customers toward more sustainable and efficient operations.

“Over the years, we’ve built deep expertise in both ethanol and carbohydrate processing,” Bart explains. “With tools like SWEETSPOT™, we can help our customers identify where they can improve productivity and reduce energy and water usage—making their processes more efficient and sustainable.”

By combining lab-based testing, customer collaboration, and data-driven modeling, Bart’s team ensures that innovations are both effective and low-risk. It’s a strategy that builds trust—and continues to evolve with the industry.