Taco van der Maten, segment manager for energy, petrochemicals, and polymers at MalvernPanalytical, was awarded the William T. Cavanaugh Award at ASTM International’s October 2024 Board meeting.

The Cavanaugh Memorial Award honors W.T. Cavanaugh, CEO of ASTM International from 1970 to 1985. Cavanaugh established ASTM International as the world leader in developing and disseminating voluntary standards.

Van der Maten specializes in polymer chemistry and analytical chemistry, with a decades-long career and roles in various related societies and initiatives in and around the Netherlands. These roles range from editorial board member of the Dutch-Belgian Laboratorium Magazine, to technical advisor for Circular Plastics NL, a Dutch initiative on environmental impact of plastics.

Van der Maten joined ASTM International in 2006, becoming a prolific member, and soon chair of, its declarable substances in materials committee (F40). Starting in 2013, he served in various positions on the board of directors, including board chair in 2019. He thus became the first ever European national to serve in this position.

During his tenure as chair, Van der Maten was a passionate advocate for ASTM’s role in industry and global trade across the world, and his collaborative work spanned multiple continents. He also went out of his way to foster ASTM’s emerging professionals, welcoming new talent into its committee meetings.

Van der Maten continues to be a leader, contributor, and ambassador in standards development work, both at ASTM and across other organizations.

Media Inquiries: Dan Bergels, tel+1.610.832.9602; dbergels@astm.org

Release #11924

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