Dr. Javier Vera Sorroche Joins NIRI
NIRI is excited to announce the arrival of Dr. Javier Vera Sorroche to lead its extrusion research and development capability. Javier’s extensive background in polymer extrusion, sustainable textile innovation, and business development is a great addition to our team and will be pivotal in helping us deliver next-generation products for our customers.
“I am thrilled to join NIRI, the industry’s leading innovation partner. Their unmatched expertise and capability to develop next-generation products set them apart. NIRI’s approach to innovation and sustainability aligns perfectly with my values. I look forward to working with their talented team to tackle industry challenges and drive sustainable solutions.” – Dr. Javier Vera Sorroche.
About Dr. Javier Vera Sorroche
Javier joins NIRI with a strong track record in polymer extrusion and sustainable textiles. In his previous position, he managed the Polymer Business Unit at CETI, overseeing advanced extrusion lines.. Having led a team of engineers and technicians to deliver innovative advancements for the fibre and nonwovens industries, his work focussed primarily on reducing environmental impacts through circular business models – topics that are becoming increasingly more important for NIRI’s clients. His responsibilities included implementing chemical recycling processes for cellulose, casein, and keratin fibres and developing eco-friendly methods for the products containing fibres and nonwovens.
Previously, Javier was an assistant professor at UMass Lowell, where he managed R&D projects with the U.S. Department of Defense, AFFOA, and ANTEA GROUP, focusing on extrusion techniques and recycling processes. He holds a PhD in Thermoplastics Extrusion from the University of Bradford and a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Murcia, with expertise in single screw extrusion of polymers, extrusion scale-up, and rheometry.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Javier Vera Sorroche to NIRI. His expertise in polymer extrusion and sustainable textiles will be invaluable as we continue to expand our capabilities. Javier’s addition to our team reflects our dedication to attracting top talent and staying at the forefront of industry innovation.” – Dr. Matthew Tipper, CEO.
Key Responsibilities and Goals at NIRI
Javier will focus on enhancing NIRI’s extrusion capabilities by integrating advanced know-how and techniques into our research and development projects. This addition is expected to drive significant progress in our capabilities, allowing us to provide enhanced support to our clients.
Javier will lead projects to refine processes and develop products for high-value and commodity-based industries. His work will also focus on sustainable textile processes, including developing new methodologies for circular business models within the textile industry. His extensive network of industry contacts and deep understanding of textile recycling and sustainable practices will be crucial to the success of these projects.
At the forefront of extrusion innovation
Javier’s expertise aligns with our focus on improving our extrusion capabilities to meet future customer requirements, including:
- Process development of new biopolymers and biodegradable polymers: Javier will lead efforts to create and refine new biopolymers and biodegradable polymers, ensuring they meet the latest industry standards and environmental regulations. His work will help us stay at the forefront of sustainable materials development, offering our clients innovative alternatives to traditional polymers.
- Development of fabrics (spunbond and meltblown), filaments (mono and bico), and staple fibres (mono and bico): Extending our capabilities in producing various types of fabrics and fibres will enhance our ability to meet diverse client needs. This includes creating high-performance spunbond and meltblown fabrics, as well as developing mono and bi-component filaments and staple fibres for a range of applications.
- Development of new masterbatches: Masterbatches are crucial for adding colour and other properties to polymers. Javier will be heavily involved in developing new masterbatches, allowing us to offer customised options that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of our client’s products.
- Lightweighting and replacing multi-layers with innovative single layers: The ability to reduce the weight of materials while maintaining their strength and functionality is a key industry goal. With advanced nonwoven technologies, Javier and the team at NIRI will look to develop single-layer materials that can replace traditional multi-layer structures, offering our clients less energy-intensive and more cost-effective solutions.
- Thermo-mechanical and chemical recycling of polymers: Recycling is vital for sustainability, and Javier’s expertise will be instrumental in advancing our thermo-mechanical and chemical recycling processes. This will enable us to transform waste textiles into valuable new materials, supporting our client’s sustainability goals and contributing to a circular economy
Javier’s arrival supports these initiatives, reinforcing our position as a leader in sustainable and innovative textile development.
To find out more about NIRI’s services and capabilities, please view our services page.
About NIRI
NIRI is a global leader in product development for sustainable materials, fibres, nonwovens, and advanced materials. Trusted by leading innovators worldwide, we have built a reputation for supporting our clients with their most critical and game-changing projects. Contact us to find out how we can support your innovation projects.