We got up early again today and drove for an hour and a half to Nouryon. Nouryon is a business that produces chemicals for use in a range of industries, including materials, mining, natural resources, and self-care as well as home and personal care. When two men discovered they could utilize organic peroxides to bleach flour and make white bread, they launched the company in 1883. Remaining one of Nouryon’s most produced compounds, organic peroxides are sold to businesses to help create novel materials. Our contact at Nouryon was made possible by a Pitt alumnus who worked as the vice president of marketing and sales for the company’s natural resources division after graduating in 2005. Hearing about this transition from a chemistry background to a more business-focused role at Nouryon was quite fascinating. She gave us an explanation of how everything is connected and why, regardless of your career, it is crucial to understand business procedures, particularly if you are employed abroad.Finding out about the business operations of a corporation with such a technological concentration was incredibly fascinating.

Nouryon’s sustainability objectives show their dedication to the UN’s and the Netherlands’ objectives. Within each product category, Nouryon’s revenues are derived from more than 25% of sustainably sourced chemicals. Nouryon uses clean, renewable energy from solar, wind, and hydroelectric power to run several carbon-neutral industries across the world. Additionally, Nouryon wants to be totally carbon neutral as a business by 2050. It was noted that Nouryon makes sure its clients use its chemicals appropriately and that precise procedures are followed to guarantee purity and safety. A primary priority was safety; Nouryon boasted that they had not experienced an accident in the previous seven years. This is important because we have seen firsthand the potential devastation that Nouryon’s handling and creation of chemicals might inflict. We saw the burning and reaction of chemicals at the safety lab. Nouryon can perform these tests in both large and small volumes to make sure the right pressure and containers are utilized for their chemicals. Given that the company brings in $5 billion annually, the integrated supply chain and logistics operations are enormous from a business standpoint. They have smaller hubs as well as a big distribution hub in Houston. They create novel chemicals for innovative industries and sustainability campaigns during the concept-to-consumer phase. Following research and development—which is mostly done in the Nouryon facility we visited—these chemicals are created, manufactured at a chemical factory, and then supplied to the end user.

The relationship between Nouryon’s research and development and client happiness is another distinctive feature. If there is a possible chemical flaw or have any questions concerning its usage, customers can get in touch with Nouryon. Using cutting-edge spectrometry and extraordinarily strong magnifying glasses, Nouryon’s analytical lab can identify any dirt particles or pollutants in the chemical. Nouryon’s dedication to quality control sets it apart from its rivals, as it is the only business that carries out particular types of testing.

We had the chance to meet with a few University of Pittsburgh alums who are currently residing and employed in Amsterdam as the evening came to a close. Learning about their overseas living and work experiences gave me a lot of insight into European workplace customs and how they differed from American ones. It was also a fantastic chance to talk to individuals with a variety of industry experiences. We have two very intriguing museums that we will explore tomorrow, and unfortunately, this is our last full day in Amsterdam.