Katia Arlati studied chemistry, with a focus on organic chemistry, from the Università degli Studi di Milano and received a scholarship for a study on synthesizing modified sugars with anti-tumor activity.
One year later, she was offered a position as lab technician at Clariant, now Avient Corp., in Lomagna, Italy. The site manager knew Arlati and her passion for chemistry since she was in secondary school and the manager's son's classmate.
Her first plastics role was working in a laboratory focused on color development and characterizing raw materials for plastics use; she has remained in the field and developed color solutions in almost all plastics sectors.
"This allows for continuous knowledge development across various applications: It's not just about aesthetics; there's also a strong technical aspect to my work. I like to think of it as a blend of art and science. While color is about appearance, it must also enhance the functionality of the plastic and how our formulation can guarantee the best-in-class performance and regulation compliance. I see the result of my work in many final products on the market," she said.
As senior technology manager, Arlati is responsible for "leading a group of service laboratories to develop color solutions for plastic applications" and "efficiently using all required resources to develop new colors for the customers."
Arlati supports laboratory managers "in the process optimization to improve the quality and lab productivity," including preparing development plans, ensuring the adherence to formulation and raw material standards, and guaranteeing effective use of equipment.
"In cooperation with the European technology directors and three other senior technology managers, I help develop the European strategy for main projects and Avient's European portfolio," she said.
"Professionally, one of my greatest achievements is presenting my lab automation project in 2022, first in front of Avient's CEO and operating council, and later in front of Avient's board of directors at our headquarters in Avon Lake, Ohio. Before that moment, I had never thought I could achieve this goal. However, not only did I present the project to the entire Avient high management [including the board], but I also received strong support to continue the work on it, and now I am in the final approval phase," she said.
"My job is to enrich plastic with additional aesthetic and performance properties with color and additives. What has always fascinated me is the blend of aesthetics and technical performance, much like art and science. This is an ever-evolving process," Arlati said. "Additionally, research has expanded to include technological advancements such as automation, robotics and digitalization in recent years. At the same time, sustainability and circular economy are also focus areas. All this continuous evolution makes my work increasingly challenging and fascinating."