Today, we had the pleasure of touring Nouryon, learning what their company does, and how sustainability plays in their mission as a company.

Our day began with a talk about the company’s history and mission. Following this, a presentation was given by a toxicologist at Nouryon, discussing regulations, effects of products on consumers, and environmental impacts of Nouryon’s products. We learned about the differences in European and US regulations, especially in regards to carcinogenic products.

After the first two presentations, we were allowed to tour the several laboratories. The first was a lab analyzing the effects of certain materials on the surrounding environment. This whole lab revolves around sustainability by preventing pollution from occurring to ecosystems near manufacturers. The next lab was also a sustainability focused lab; it was the biodegradation lab. Here, we discussed the science behind biodegradation and why it is an important thing to study. This lab takes materials and analyses whether or not they break down through the process of biodegradation. The result of these experiments informs the scientists whether the material will last forever in a landfill or be broken down. After this, we toured the Physical Safety lab where the process of testing the yield strength of products was shown. There was a giant door enclosing an entirely sealed system, so that the yield strengths of materials could be tested by isolating individual parameters.

After our tours of the labs, we sat down for a final presentation about current research topics and recycling methods. We learned about the concept of chemical recycling; while it uses more energy than mechanical, it allows the recycling of plastic that has been contaminated by other substances such as food. This would allow us to increase the percentage of plastic used that is recycled.

Another sustainability method they use is employee protection. Nouryon has established many regulations/ rules to keep their employees safe which is socially and economically sustainable.

Understandably, pictures were not allowed inside, so there are not many pictures with this blog post.

Touring Nouryon was an extremely interesting opportunity, and I am so grateful to our hosts.