Introduction to Emily Schweissinger

Is Emily exactly the right contact person for you? In our short questionnaire, she briefly introduces herself:

MY CAREER PATH IN A NUTSHELL:

PhD in chemistry from the University of Bristol, U.K.

At Evonik since 2018 as Product Development Manager Polybutadiene Competence Centre: multiple RD&I projects, including circular economy projects for Evonik’s Oil Additives and Coating & Adhesive Resins

Since 2021: Technology Manager for our Comfort and Insulation Business Line, currently responsible for sustainability topics, including PU recycling

WHAT I FIND ESPECIALLY INTERESTING ABOUT THE TOPIC OF CIRCULARITY:

On the one hand: That so much raw material is available from ‘waste/end of life products’ if the right processes are created to recover them. On the other hand: Continuing to try to change peoples’ perspective about the benefits of recycling/reusing products instead of the ‘throw away culture’ that has become custom over the years.

MY TIP ON WHERE YOU COULD DO WITHOUT PLASTIC IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LIFE:

Use ‘old school’ soap instead of liquid soap that are only available in plastic bottles. There are specific soap bars for shampoo, conditioner, shower gel etc. now on the market, which work just as well as liquid products.

IF I WERE A PLASTIC PRODUCT, I WOULD PROBABLY BE:

A raincoat – it is a very British item and reflects my nationality (well at least partially nowadays) but also reflects my belief that getting out into nature is possible regardless of the weather. It is just a matter of wearing the right clothing! But it is crucial that the raincoat is waterproof, which plastic does very well.

I’M PUZZLING OVER THE FOLLOWING CHALLENGE AT THE MOMENT:

How to achieve Circular Economy while creating a profitable process – will the key performance indicators need to be altered when discussing Circular Economy/sustainable processes in the near future?