Samira Akbari works with recycling – in the lab
Since its inception in 1939, recycling has been Stena Metall's core business. But the kind of waste that society generated in the past is not the same as today. New products are constantly being developed, which require new methods for recycling. As a Material and Analysis Expert, Samira Akbari uses her chemical expertise to develop new and innovative ways to recycle complex materials.
The Stena Nordic Recycling Center in Halmstad in Sweden is one of the largest recycling facilities in Northern Europe. Here a wide range of materials can be recycled, from cars and electronics to batteries and plastics. In the recycling lab, advanced recycling processes are being developed, with the aim of turning waste from the most complex materials into raw materials that can be used in the manufacturing of new products.
“The lab is placed in the middle of the recycling facility. Being close to the production lines means that we can see the reality of recycling every day, and use our knowledge to find better recycling ways,” says Samira Akbari.
Constantly new challenges
One of the focus areas in the lab is composite materials, which are a combination of two materials with different physical and chemical properties. The challenge is to separate them so that they can be recycled into raw material for reuse in production.
“The most fun part of working in the lab is that you constantly face new challenges, and it means that you will be able to learn a lot. You can't find two days similar.”
Samira Akbari has a Master of Science in organic chemistry and worked 10 years in the composite industry before joining Stena.
“At Stena I can use my experience from my previous job. As an employer Stena gives their employees the freedom to challenge themselves in different roles and responsibilities. For me it means that I can continue to develop, both personally and professionally,” concludes Samira Akbari.
Meet Samira Akbari in the Stena Recycling lab
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