Paul has been with DuFor for nearly six years. What began as a role in product development has evolved into his current position as R&D Manager, where he combines technical product development with R&D project management. With a background in organic chemistry, he thrives in applied research and new product development, where theory and practice continuously come together. Curious how his expertise has grown over the years? Read on.
From small-scale-chemistry to real‑world application
After completing his degree in organic chemistry, Paul focused on application research in various roles. “I wasn’t just creating molecules; I was looking at how products are ultimately used by customers, and how they can be improved” he explains. “Even small adjustments to a molecular structure can significantly influence a product’s properties.”
That practical approach aligns well with his role at DuFor. “Polymers are built from many building blocks. From an organic chemistry perspective, moving into polymers is a logical step and at DuFor the emphasis is much more on application: how do you make a product better, more functional, or more recyclable?”
A well-considered choice for DuFor
At the end of 2019, Paul decided to apply for a role as product developer at DuFor. What appealed to him was the combination of product development and the scale of the company. “DuFor is a relatively small, Dutch company. That means less bureaucracy and more room to truly focus on the product.”
He started in April 2020, right at the beginning of the COVID period. “It made the start unusual, but it felt familiar very quickly. The way of working and the atmosphere within the team immediately felt like a good fit.”
Versatility and collaboration
What Paul enjoys most about his work is the variety. “In essence, you often work with the same base material, such as PET, but the applications vary widely. A bottle, a film or artificial turf can be derived from PET, but require completely different properties of the material.”
That variety requires collaboration. As R&D Manager, Paul works closely with colleagues within multidisciplinary teams, as well as with customers and partners. “Everyone brings their own knowledge and perspective. By working together and discussing ideas, more effective solutions can be achieved.”
From product development to leading R&D efforts
Over the years, Paul’s role has continued to evolve. While he initially focused on hands‑on product development, his work now centers more on managing and coordinating R&D projects.
“As R&D Manager, I guide product development projects from the lab to full‑scale production, coordinate R&D activities and maintain technical contact with customers and partners,” he explains. “I’m also involved in setting up and managing multidisciplinary projects and monitoring the progress of our development programs.”
Although his role has become more coordinating, Paul likes to stay connected to the practical side of the work. “I still regularly operate the extruder myself, because that’s where you see what’s really happening. That hands‑on experience really helps when leading projects.”
A practical and critical approach
Paul gets a lot of satisfaction from solving complex challenges. “Sometimes people assume something isn’t possible, but with observing, testing and adjusting, some things can be done.” he explains. He always looks beyond pure functionality. Every new DuFor material is engineered for high performance and full circularity, using specially developed polyesters and a design approach that considers the entire product life cycle.
“You don’t learn compounding and process behavior just from a book. You need to do it, see it, and then understand it.”
This practical mindset and critical perspective help him to develop solutions that are not only technically viable, but also realistically feasible.
Working at DuFor
What sets DuFor apart, according to Paul, is the combination of speed, involvement and responsibility. “We’re a small company, we move quickly and we have short lines of communication. That means you’re truly involved in projects from start to finish.”
For people considering a role at DuFor, he is clear: “You get a lot of freedom and responsibility here. You need to be able to switch quickly and enjoy working on multiple projects at the same time. If that suits you, DuFor is a great place to work.”