Interview with Casper Van Herzele: "The NBN Sustainability Award launched my career"
Last updated:
8/4/2025
Casper Van Herzele, finalist for the NBN Sustainability Award 2023, developed Nanto Secure, a digital passport for clothing that responds to European regulations on sustainability. We talk to him about his experience with the Award, the impact on his career and his current work at CEN and CENELEC, where he is involved in standards development at the European level.
Hi Casper, in 2023 you presented your thesis at the NBN office. What do you remember about that day?
(Laughs) "That was a special moment though! The presentation of my thesis was on Oct. 31, and I remember briefly thinking, 'Should I come in a Halloween costume?' In the end I just didn't, but the thought amused me for a while. It was an exciting moment anyway, because you put months of work into a study and then suddenly you have to be able to convey it clearly and convincingly in a short presentation.
Above all, I found it a valuable application of my communication skills. As an engineer with a specialization in product development, you not only learn how to develop something technically correct, but also to explain it in an understandable and engaging way. My thesis was about a digital passport for clothing, and it was important to make that concept accessible and concrete to the public. Through that experience, I saw how crucial it is to adapt your message to your audience, something that still serves me every day in my current job.
The presentation itself went well, and afterwards I received a lot of positive feedback. This not only gave me additional confidence in my research, but it ultimately led to engaging conversations and opportunities, especially after the NBN Thank You Event.
What exactly was your thesis about?
"My thesis focused on formulating policy advice on digital product passports (DPPs) within the textile industry, which are a key component of the European Commission's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). The goal of this legislation is to improve the sustainability of products by increasing their circularity, energy consumption, and recyclability.
In my research, I analyzed the legislation and translated it into a concrete, practical product design called Nanto Secure. Using NFC technology, consumers can easily access detailed information about the product, such as materials, production locations and reuse or recycling options. This not only promotes more conscious consumption, but also helps companies operate more transparently and sustainably, in line with the new ecodesign guidelines."
What was the greatest value of the NBN Sustainability Award for you?
"Besides the recognition and the cash prize, the networking was the biggest asset for me. I didn't expect that my participation would put me in touch with so many interesting people from the industry. After my presentation, people immediately approached me wanting to talk about Nanto Secure and how digital passports can play a role in circular fashion.
The resulting contacts and conversations have helped me better understand how standards impact innovation. As an engineer, you are often focused on technology and design, but standards are a way of determining how something can be applied in practice.
In addition, the award also gave me a broader perspective on my career. At that time, I was still in the process of applying, and I wasn't sure which direction I wanted to go. The award gave me the confidence that there is a place for engineer with a specialization in product development who are interested in sustainability and European regulations. That eventually led to my job at CEN andCENELEC, where I work today."
CEN and CENELEC are two European standards organizations that develop voluntary standards to facilitate trade, stimulate innovation and ensure the quality and safety of products and services. CEN focuses on various sectors such as construction, consumer goods and the environment, while CENELEC is responsible for electrical engineering standards. Both organizations support the European economy and the free movement of goods by helping to develop European standards. Their work contributes to sustainable growth, competitiveness and the well-being of European citizens.
How did you end up at CEN and CENELEC?
After my engineering studies, I was looking for work, but I didn't get hot from the positions that were available. Each time it was very specific while I found the holistic aspect of my research so interesting. Now, I always had an interest in Europe. Hence, I chose my thesis around European regulations. But I also realized that in order to do something at the European level, I did not yet have sufficient knowledge of that broad, horizontal European context.
I then attended a summer school to focus more on that European aspect. This experience proved crucial for my application to CEN and CENELEC, where they were looking for an industrial engineer with knowledge of European legislation and standards, exactly what I had to offer."
What exactly does your job entail?
"I work as a standards development project coordinator, which means I bring together experts, industry and policy makers to develop new standards and update existing standards. It's a very versatile job in which I deal with both technical and regulatory aspects. Standards are often the bridge between legislation and practice, and my job is to manage that process so that companies and industries can adapt to European regulations.
The topics I cover are very diverse and broad: explosives, fireworks, plastics, steel, construction, fertilizers.... What makes my work so fascinating is the combination of technical knowledge within a European context. That means I am in contact with specialists from different European countries, sectors and have to constantly learn about new technologies and innovations. It requires a broad view of different industries, which is where my engineering background comes in handy.
In addition, I follow how European legislation evolves and how we as CEN and CENELEC can align our standards accordingly. Regulations can sometimes be abstract and complex, but standards ensure that companies have clear guidelines to meet legal requirements. It's challenging to coordinate this process, but also hugely interesting because you really have an impact on how technology and industry evolve in Europe."
You mentioned that you have a strong interest in the European aspect of standards development. Why specifically Europe and not, for example, internationally through ISO?
"Europe has a unique way of working. The European Commission creates horizontal regulations, and standards complement that legislation with concrete guidelines. Some of those standards, harmonized standards, can be used by companies to demonstrate that their products or services meet the technical requirements of relevant EU legislation. Those European standards are an important part European single market.
The European Union is made up of different countries with their own cultures, but we need to be on the same wavelength. Standards help with that. ISO works on a global level, yes, but with us standards help to achieve European goals around the single market
What impact has the award had on your career?
"Without the NBN Sustainability Award, I don't know if I would have ever ended up at CEN and CENELEC. It put me in touch with the right people and made me realize how important standards are.
I recommend that every student participate. Even if you don't win, you will learn a tremendous amount. The experience of pitching your research, networking and getting recognition can really open doors."
Finally, why should students and young professionals discover standards?
"Because they are everywhere! Whether you're in technology, sustainability, construction or chemistry, standards define how the world works. And if you understand them, you can make smart use of them.
Standards development can sometimes seem slow and vague, but it provides the right direction. It ensures that we can make our products safer, cheaper, more circular, you name it. And that "greater cause" I think is a very "clean thing.
Are you a student? Do you want to have access to standards? Discover them on the NBN Edu portal and get a head start for your professional career. Or do you need to write your thesis on sustainability next academic year? 🚀 Then don't forget to register for the NBN Sustainability Award 2025.Who knows, maybe you'll be in the finals next year!
