{"id":20449,"date":"2020-12-21T14:32:40","date_gmt":"2020-12-21T13:32:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.errecom.com\/?p=20449"},"modified":"2022-09-28T14:44:00","modified_gmt":"2022-09-28T12:44:00","slug":"paolo-mattavelli-rd-manager-errecom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.errecom.com\/en\/paolo-mattavelli-rd-manager-errecom\/","title":{"rendered":"Paolo Mattavelli: R&D Manager of Errecom Spa"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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\n\t\t\tThe beginning of his adventure in Errecom, the first formulations he worked on, the passions and everyday life that ...  \t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Paolo Mattavelli: R&D Manager of Errecom<\/h1>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The beginning of his adventure in Errecom, the first formulations he worked on, the passions and everyday life that inspired him in the laboratory. You are used to his technical advice to ensure the maximum performance of your AC\/R systems but by this interview Dr. Paolo Mattavelli, head of the Research & Development department, shares with us his background, revealing the story that hides behind his white coat.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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1) How did you find out about your love for chemistry? Was it a dream of yours since childhood or a passion you discovered along the way?<\/strong><\/h2>

Without a doubt, my passion for chemistry comes from my family: my father had a company that produced equipment for the chemical industry, and my uncle and my cousin are chemists. Without wanting it or choosing it, I grew up in this world, and probably my passion for chemistry is a natural consequence of the context in which I have always lived. Yet, I have to admit that some brilliant teachers who I met along the way in high school first, and then at university, have played a fundamental role. While my family background allowed me to approach chemistry since I was a kid, my professors, their knowledge, and commitment made me fall in love with the subject.
At university, I got closer to the world of research and a more in-depth study of biochemistry. Entering the working world, I came into contact with the experience of commercial chemistry. I started working for a company that produces aerosols and then for other firms until I began to work in Errecom.<\/p>

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2) Would you like to tell us when and how your journey as head of the R&D Department at Errecom started?<\/strong><\/h2>

Of course. My adventure in Errecom started thanks to Antonio, a dear friend I have in common with Luca and Nicola Ronga. They were looking for a chemist to hire, and Antonio came up with my name.
I accepted, even though at that time I was already working as a chemical consultant for several companies, and Milan (where I live) is quite far from Errecom headquarters.
I still remember very clearly the day of the job interview: it was January, and it was snowing a lot, I was late, and I had even run out of the windshield washer fluid. Everything was going wrong, and I was quite sure the job interview would have been a fiasco but when I met Luca and Nicola Ronga something changed. I clicked with them from the very beginning, realising there were all the conditions for us to get along.
We decided to start our collaboration, then. The first products I worked on at Errecom were additives for air conditioning and refrigeration systems: Extreme, No Acid, and Super Dry.<\/p>

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3) What were your expectations before you start working in Errecom?<\/strong><\/h2>

My previous experiences were mostly with cosmetics companies, a sector closer to biochemistry. Starting my adventure at Errecom, therefore, the expectation was to discover a new world, that of lubricants. There is a fascinating and unbelievable path behind them, something that no one can imagine from the outside, months of study and trips around the world to learn about the production of raw materials, improve certain additives, etc. I switched from a very technical type of research I was used to before Errecom to a more dynamic and stimulating one. China, Taiwan, USA, South America: I have travelled around the world to improve my knowledge about the subject, discovering all the secrets that stand behind the charming world of lubricants, and that makes it possible for Errecom to create the effective formulations we are famous for.<\/p>

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4) What is the most significant change that, in your opinion, Errecom has experienced over the last years?<\/strong><\/h2>

To me, the most significant step taken by Errecom in recent years concerns the investment made for the Research & Development department.
The studies and researches conducted by our in-house chemical laboratory allow Errecom to anticipate the market and guarantee constant high-quality products. R&D is one of the reasons why we are the market leader today; it makes launching innovative solutions possible and allows us to continually adapt the products already developed to the changing needs of technicians.
The in-house laboratory distinguishes us from the competitors: it\u2019s proof of our professionalism and expertise. Customers and OEMs trust us so much that they tell us their needs and we work with their technicians to provide the solutions they are looking for. Our White line, for example, is the result of a relationship we have built over the years with an OEM customer. This company appreciated our additives, but in their specific application, they encountered difficulties due to technical incompatibility. At their request so, we studied and developed the White line, a series of additives specifically designed to suit refrigeration systems with hermetic compressors. And guess what: this partnership allowed us, when demand exploded, to be one step ahead and satisfy the market needs.<\/p>

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5) Are there any products you have developed or formulations you have improved in Errecom that you are especially proud of? Why?<\/strong><\/h2>

Honestly, I am very proud of all the products I have formulated for Errecom. But if I had to name just one, it would be Cool Shot Ultra. It is an additive that restores the efficiency of AC\/R systems that, even though it has required many years of research and development, is very appreciated by our customers.
However, the products launched on the market are not always immediately successful, especially when their function is not to solve an existing problem but to prevent an unknown one. It is the case of Anti-Oxidant Ultra: an advanced and cutting-edge product, for which our market is not ready yet. And it is a pity: for a market like the Italian one, where energy is expensive, these products should be very popular because they allow significant savings of electricity that can lead to a reduction of operating costs of the AC\/R system.<\/p>

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6) Errecom is an extremely dynamic company whose sector is constantly evolving. But we assume that your research and development work takes quite a long time to achieve the expected results. How do you reconcile these two conflicting requirements?<\/strong><\/h2>

Honestly, it is not easy, at all! Research and development time depends not only on the formulation but also on the technical time required for the tests that are essential to ensure the stability and safety of the product. In Errecom, we test the reaction of the product placed in the final packaging with accelerated stability to ensure that, throughout the years, that packaging will not damage the product itself. For all the products meant to be placed into the AC\/R systems, it’s necessary to test them in this sense as well. To do so, we have to let the system work even up to 3000 hours. Therefore, while we understand the commercial requirements of always having the perfect product to satisfy the market needs, we cannot ignore the technical time required for testing.
To overcome this problem, we try to be always one step ahead. For example, as soon as interesting raw materials come out, we start to study them to understand their potential and be ready if we decide to develop products that may require them. After all, the “battle” between the market needs and the timescales dictated by R&D is a constant that we find in all companies, not only in Errecom. As R&D manager, my task is also to find a balance, a meeting point that allows the two necessities not to clash but to converge towards a common goal: the success of the company.<\/p>

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7) For years, the commitment of Errecom has been to develop sustainable solutions for the market. How does the use of eco-friendly raw materials impact the formulation of your products and your daily work?<\/strong><\/h2>

Personally, I have always tried to adopt a green lifestyle by recycling, choosing environmentally sustainable products, etc. This natural attitude of mine is also inevitably reflected in the choices I make at work and perfectly matches with the values of Errecom. Errecom’s sustainable products are the result of an ethical duty in terms of environmental impact and end-user safety. Using eco-friendly raw materials ensures the safest possible working environment for me and my colleagues.
It also creates advantages in terms of product management: reducing risks, the procedures to follow are simpler and quicker. Additionally, it allows Errecom to further expand its eco-mission: selling products that guarantee energy savings, contributing globally to the well-being of our planet.<\/p>

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8) Errecom exports its products to more than 130 countries around the world. It requires designing and creating solutions that are saleable in profoundly different markets, especially in terms of standards and regulations. What does it mean from a formulator point of view?<\/strong><\/h2>

You have to consider that each country has a different approach to the same molecule. For example, certain products that are sold without any limitations in Europe are subject to strict controls by certain countries because they can be used to make explosives. That is why it is necessary to explore the regulations of the different countries on a regular basis and to do so, we hired a regulatory. This person requires specific training, and he spends all of his time researching and understanding the regulations, as well as producing all the documentation required to sell the product, such as safety data sheets, labelling, etc. His support is also crucial to choose the right component for a specific formulation. Between two equivalent components, for example, he can tell which one is the most compatible with different legislations.<\/p>

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9) Errecom is a constantly evolving company whose staff is mostly made up of young people. Tell us something about the difficulties and satisfactions linked to the management of a young team.<\/strong><\/h2>

I have always chosen the people I consider most suitable, skilled, and motivated to work with us, regardless of their age. A key element for me is also the ability to work in a team. My prerogative has always been to create a close team that works together to realise the same goal: finding solutions to problems.
Creating a young team is something I have always believed in. Obviously, on the one hand, this can lead to some problems due to inexperience, but I am here to solve any mistakes or fill any gaps. On the other hand, however, a young team restores enthusiasm, energy, and all of this is fundamental for a dynamic company like Errecom, whose aims are to grow and evolve.
Given the results achieved, I can proudly confirm that my beliefs have led to the expected results: looking at my team today, I can tell that it is made up of supportive people, always ready to help each other when needed, both inside and outside Errecom.<\/p>

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10) A genius perpetually absorbed in his strange experiments: this is how a chemist tends to be seen by people. How true is this stereotype? Apart from technical knowledge and skills, what soft skills do you consider essential for people working in your sector?<\/strong><\/h2>

The learning path to become a chemist is one of the most challenging. A scientific mindset is needed, which is something that you can’t learn from books. Anyway, they can help you to build up a set of skills that will allow you to work in an organised and well-informed manner.
Curiosity, then, is an element that cannot be missing if you want to be an excellent chemist: it is the fire that drives you to imagine new solutions, functional alternatives to solve a problem. Being curious leads you to dig deep to find the right answers.
Passion is also essential, especially when dealing with complex problems, whose solutions are more difficult to find.
In the end, I would like to add that the talent of a chemist does not depend only on his\/her expertise and intuition but also on his\/her ability to network. The stereotype you mentioned is wrong, but sadly pretty common: a chemist is much more than a person busy working in a laboratory looking for the perfect formulation. Creating a network of relationships with suppliers of raw materials, packaging, etc. can make a difference in the final result. At Errecom, for instance, I have created strong partnerships with our suppliers that are based on trust and collaboration and that have certainly brought and continue to bring added value to the company.<\/p>

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11) How much does your daily life inspire the creation of new products for Errecom? For instance, Woofi and Uklin specifically formulated to eliminate pet odours: are they related to the experience with your dogs, Fenriz and Loki?<\/strong><\/h2>

Everyday life is inevitably a source of inspiration for a chemist. A meeting with a client, a chat with a colleague during lunchbreak, wagging dogs waiting for you at home: it may seem impossible, but these external inputs can lead to new and innovative ideas. And indeed, you are right, Woofi and Uklin come from an inspiration I got thanks to my beloved dogs Fenriz and Loki, two German shepherds. I had two goals: finding a solution to the pet odour in my house and car and discovering a way to stop their annoying habit of peeing on the wheels of my van. These were little problems, of course, nothing too serious, but I am sure all the pet owners out there can understand what I mean.
I formulated Woofi then to eliminate pet odour from interiors and rooms, and Uklin to prevent pets from urinating again on the treated area. And trust me, they work!<\/p>

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12 ) We know that you are passionate about brewing. Chemistry and craft beers: what a curious combo! Well, and actually, it seems to be more than just a passion as you have turned it into a profession by starting a beer shop of your own. How chemistry and brewing can relate to each other?<\/strong><\/h2>

Honestly, I have always had a strong passion for good food and good beer, and without any doubt, my food technology and biochemistry background has something to do with it. When it comes to food and beverage products, I am always looking for something polished that has a story to tell. That\u2019s how I ended up turning a passion into a second job: my beer shop that sells both national and international craft beers and, of course, the ones produced by me.
And actually, you won\u2019t believe it, but beers and refrigeration systems are more interconnected than you might imagine. The first refrigerated trains were built not to transport meat and vegetables, as many might think, but to move beer from the production plants to the cities. In fact, beer is a highly perishable product that must be kept at a controlled temperature during transport.
These two worlds that appear to be very far apart are also connected in many other situations: from temperature-controlled fermentation to tapping that requires keeping barrels at cold temperatures.
So, the truth is that even when I am not at Errecom, I am still surrounded by the fascinating world of refrigeration.<\/p>

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13) One last question: could you reveal something about the researches you are currently conducting?<\/strong><\/h2>

I am sorry, but I can\u2019t. The only thing I can tell is that we are working on extremely important and exciting projects. Anyway, for now, you can enjoy the upcoming products developed to market in 2021. I can\u2019t add anything else but remember: Errecom is always one step ahead!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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The beginning of his adventure in Errecom, the first formulations he worked on, the passions and everyday life that …   Paolo Mattavelli: R&D Manager of Errecom The beginning of his adventure in Errecom, the first formulations he worked on, the passions and everyday life that inspired him in the laboratory. You are used to […]<\/p>\n Read more<\/a>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":20400,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[150],"tags":[],"yst_prominent_words":[],"class_list":["post-20449","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-behind-the-scenes"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.errecom.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20449","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.errecom.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.errecom.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.errecom.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.errecom.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20449"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.errecom.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20449\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":60674,"href":"https:\/\/www.errecom.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20449\/revisions\/60674"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.errecom.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20400"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.errecom.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20449"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.errecom.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20449"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.errecom.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20449"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.errecom.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=20449"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}