Across the industries we serve, we are challenging ourselves to think differently about the everyday problems our innovations may help to solve. Through the lens of the values that have guided us for more than 150 years, we work to provide meaningful solutions to problems and, at the same time, reframe the conversation about how these solutions create a better world for us as individuals, as a company and as a community.
Sustainability continues to be a core consideration for the way we do business. From manufacturing options to inherent qualities in our products, we aim to advance a sustainable mindset in ways that go beyond the traditional approach. Natacha Karambizi’s work in Milliken’s plastic additives business illustrates this principle. Taking a seemingly waste-producing product – plastic – she, along with her team, are exploring and redefining the boundaries of how single-use plastics can be manufactured and used for the betterment of our environment.
Tell us a bit about your role at Milliken.
I joined Milliken as a Senior Business Analyst. I am currently focusing on sustainability within Milliken Chemical’s plastic additives business.
Single-use plastics packaging continues to face many challenges when it comes to long-term sustainability. Our team was tasked with understanding current performance issues of single-use plastics, as well as providing leading technology solutions to overcome performance drawbacks while enhancing the sustainable nature of plastic use.
How does Milliken Chemical contribute to today’s sustainability movement?
We are dedicated to advancing the industry through both innovation and through industry leadership. By collaborating with leaders in the plastics and sustainability fields, we are excited to push sustainable manufacturing and design forward.
What types of Milliken Chemical products help enhance our collective ability to safeguard the environment?
Milliken Chemical offers a variety of products that enhance the sustainability of plastics to safeguard our environment. Millad® NX™ 8000 is UL third-party validated for an average of 10% energy savings during the production of clarified polypropylene parts, enabling plastic converters to save energy and increase productivity, while reducing CO2emissions.
One of our recently launched products, DeltaMax™ Performance Modifiers, enables the use of more post-consumer recycled resin in injection molded polypropylene applications. In the past, recycled polypropylene was associated with production and performance issues, including slower processing speeds, higher processing temperatures and material failures due to cracking. With DeltaMax Performance Modifiers, manufacturers can now produce recycled polypropylene with comparable performance to that of virgin resins at a lower price, which helps contribute to a circular economy.
Another example is our Milliguard® AOX Antioxidant, an additive that significantly blocks potentially harmful emissions found in polyurethane foam products and protects those products from yellowing with age. Especially when compared to traditional foam stabilization technology, Milliguard AOX Antioxidant helps to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing for improved air quality, and helps to lengthen the longevity of polyurethane foam products.
Why is sustainability important to you personally?
I care about human well-being and the well-being of our world as a whole. I believe that every technological advancement should first be evaluated through the lens of sustainability to create true and lasting developments.
What is another Milliken value, outside of sustainability, that connects with you?
Ethical behavior — like sustainability and integrity — is essential to long-term success. Doing right by our associates and our communities is as important as doing right by our environment.
What’s one piece of advice you have for someone looking for a job at Milliken?
I would encourage anyone looking for a job at Milliken to keep an open mind to all kinds of opportunities. I came to Milliken with a technical background but have been working on sustainability in a business capacity. Saying yes to this opportunity has exposed me to other areas that I wouldn’t have interacted with otherwise.
Milliken offers a range of exciting customer experience careers in a variety of industries. Visit our career center to discover available positions offering purpose and passion for professionals of all experience levels.
