Innovators at Work: Meet Charlène Reverdy
Sustainable innovations are essential to driving Ahlstrom’s growth. With the industry's most expansive set of technologies at our fingertips, we have every capability to create safe and sustainable solutions that meet our customers' needs and address global trends. Behind every great Ahlstrom invention stands a team of experts. Let’s meet one of our scientists - Charlène Reverdy! Charlène is our R&D Scientist in the Global Science & Technology Development located in Apprieu, France.
What is your academic background (university, major, degrees)?
I earned an engineering degree in papermaking, fibers, and biomaterials from Grenoble INP - Pagora in France. Because I love research and wanted to work in R&D, I went on to earn a PhD in material science related to nanocellulose, coating and barrier properties from Grenoble Alpes University.
How long have you been with Ahlstrom?
I joined Ahlstrom in 2018 as a Technical Support Manager for the procurement fibers team. After 2.5 years in that role, I transferred into my current position as an R&D Scientist within the Global Science & Technology Development team.
What are the responsibilities under your job title?
I’m responsible for new technology development, which means finding new and sustainable solutions in the lab and scaling it to pilot or, sometimes, industrial machines so that new developments can be accessed by any of our businesses. My responsibilities also include keeping watch on the latest technologies, collaborating with academic institutions or start-ups on ideas and elaborating on new scientific programs with my team.
What is your current focus at work (e.g., specific innovation or solution)?
My focus is on new technology development under Ahlstrom’s Transparency innovation platform*. The objective of this platform is to enhance not only the transparency of our products but also other properties to offer fiber-based alternatives to plastic materials.
(*Transparency innovation platform is one of Ahlstrom’s cross-organization innovation efforts that drive multiple connected product development projects under one umbrella).
Why is this work important for customers; what unmet need/problem does it solve?
Customers and brand owners all over the world are striving to reduce their use of plastics in their packaging. Having recyclable, paper-based material that offers better visibility of packaged goods and better convertibility is key to this transition. Ahlstrom is focused on addressing global trends (clean air & water, personalized healthcare, sustainable packaging & protection, decarbonization of buildings, electrification) to drive growth.
Which trend is your work related to?
My work is primarily related to the sustainable packaging & protection trend, but the innovations and developments I’m dealing with could potentially answer other trends as well.
Why is the transparency innovation platform important?
The transparency platform is about responding to global trends by finding alternatives to plastic. The platform structure brings a strong focus on transparency-related science and product developments. It also drives strong communication internally around an area of innovation that’s relevant to several of our businesses and to our customers. The transparency innovation platform is driving our response to market needs.
What innovations or complementary technologies could be combined with transparent paper to create even more groundbreaking applications?
Barrier properties would be a nice combination with transparent paper, especially for the food packaging market where there can be requirements to make the product visible while also protecting it from oxygen, moisture or other contaminants.
What emerging technology or market most interests you?
Packaging takes into consideration many factors, including visual appeal and functionality, making the packaging market highly challenging. Meeting a combination of different needs means our work must push the boundaries, which is exciting for scientists like me.
What excites you most about Ahlstrom’s future?
Ahlstrom’s ambition is to pave the way for more sustainability in industry and contribute to a more sustainable world. Participating in this change is extremely rewarding.
What do you consider to be a highlight(s) of your career so far?
Working in the innovation area is my dream job, so nothing more to add!
What do you like to do in your free time to relax?
I really enjoy outdoors activities, like gardening and hiking. Anything that involves being in nature brings a lot of serenity to me. When the weather keeps me indoors, I also love baking or reading.
This article is part of a series that showcases Ahlstrom’s visionary experts, the minds behind our cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions.