Ashley Irwin's first plastics industry role was at Lubrizol as a chemical engineering co-op student.
"At the time, I was unsure of my career path and was more attracted to Lubrizol as a company due to their highly rated co-op program. Through working at Lubrizol, my interest in polymers grew to what it is today," said Irwin, who earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Toledo and MBA from Baldwin Wallace University.
She has worked full time for Lubrizol in Brecksville, Ohio, as a process development engineer in chlorinated PVC (CPVC) and medical thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), co-op program manager, and now process development manager in medical TPU.
"Material and testing transfers seem easy on the surface, but you always end up discovering more variables to explore. While it can be a challenge, it's also a great learning opportunity," Irwin said of a current work challenge.
"My greatest achievement in my career has been building my current team," she said, "and the significant results we are able to accomplish each year together."
In terms of sustainability, Irwin led a project at Lubrizol to increase product quality, leading to fewer shutdowns and less scrap for its customers. In her community, she has helped arrange a donation of Lubrizol R&D piping for a local community garden to be used in an irrigation system instead of being disposed. And personally, she focuses on reducing single-use plastic: "Plastic shouldn't be designed to be used once and thrown away."
Irwin said she is most interested in "anything related to establishing a more circular economy through sustainability like bio-based materials and recycling efforts."
"While plastics bring a lot of convenience and simplicity to our lives," she said, "we also have a pollution problem that won't be addressed without change."
To further her career, Irwin has changed roles every two to four years to diversify her experiences. "Even if I wasn't sure about a role, I still explored the option and I took some chances on new and different opportunities," Irwin said.
"Sometimes plastics manufacturing is more of an art than a science. Taking classes throughout your education will help, but it's important to learn from the experts in your specific plastics field," she advised to others getting started in the field. "There's always more to learn, so continue asking questions and exploring the details."
In her spare time, Irwin volunteers at a local after-school program in Akron, Ohio, during the school year and helps students with homework and various enrichment activities. She previously was involved with Engineers Without Borders, including as president of the Cleveland chapter for two years.