In the context of Petrochemicals Europe’s “young ambassadors” campaign, chemical companies from all over Europe interviewed young workers representing the diversity of the industry in terms of gender, nationality, educational background and job profile.  Listen to young employees working for the European chemical industry who explain why the industry is a frontrunner in innovation and a key enabler for sustainability!

All the employees interviewed agreed on one point: a sustainable economy cannot be achieved without chemicals. They emphasize several aspects of it. Eloïne from Total, a French national originally from Cameroun, points out that the petrochemical industry plays a significant role in the ecological transition. For instance, polystyrene, a material derived from oil or gas, is used in insulation as a good thermal and acoustic material.

Lawrence, a Dutch citizen, from Dow believes that future generations of young, ambitious chemical engineers and scientists can change the tide and improve our environmental footprint: “With climate change and the evolving problem of plastic waste management, I feel more confident that, given the global footprint we have, our generation and future generations can turn the tide”. To him, chemistry is the ability to improve our way of living by just creating or modifying molecules. “So, let me rephrase that: you start with something small but you realise something big. Isn’t that wonderful!“, he says.

An Italian lady, Mariaelena from Eni Versalis, explains that petrochemicals enter in the manufacturing process of almost all the goods and products used in our everyday life. The industry is also keen on protecting health and the environment. By doing so, it helps build a better and more sustainable society.

To Estibalis, a Spanish national, from Repsol, petrochemicals are important to reduce food waste and save energy in construction or transportation. The industry is working to become more sustainable by adopting circular economy strategies and developing new products like biodegradable plastics. “At the end of the day, chemistry is all about people and chemicals have a lot of potential to help build a better future!”, she says.

Andras from the Hungarian company, MOL, says that the petrochemicals industry is very dynamic, and its employees must keep up with global trends to create value for the company and society at large.

Sara, a Spanish national, who works for ExxonMobil in Brussels, explains that the chemical industry is at a crossroads where it needs to find solutions to meet the needs of society in a sustainable way. The chemical industry’s employees have a crucial part to play and they must use their expertise to make it happen.

Ana from the Finnish company, Borealis, believes that the chemical industry is a key enabler for sustainability and a frontrunner in innovation to reduce CO2 emissions, manage water resources and improve energy efficiency. “The chemical industry is at the start of almost all industries. Therefore, we have a huge responsibility. We are a key enabler for sustainability.”, she says.