Jean-Luc Wertz holds degrees in chemical civil engineering and in economic science from Catholic University of Louvain, as well as a doctorate from the same university in applied science, specializing in polymer chemistry. He has held various international positions in R&D, including Spontex, where he was worldwide director of R&D. He holds several patents related to various products including cellulose sponges. Jean-Luc Wertz is now Project Manager in biomass valorization at ValBiom/Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech of University of Liège.