John Chee: Driving Innovation in Mineral-Based Polymer Solutions at Covia
At Covia, innovation is fueled by passionate experts who push beyond conventional boundaries. John Chee embodies this mindset, bringing a distinctive blend of technical expertise and business acumen to the realm of mineral-based polymer solutions.
A Diverse Path in Polymer Science
John’s career, spanning over three decades, reflects his depth and adaptability. His academic journey is as diverse as his professional experience, combining chemical engineering, polymer science, petroleum science, and mechanical engineering, all of which have equipped him to navigate the intricate world of material innovation.
Starting in 1993 at Lotte Chemical as a chemical process engineer focused on polyolefin products, John quickly broadened his scope to include research and development, sales, and marketing. His roles at Lotte, Dow Chemical, and Imerys enriched his skillset and experience, setting a strong foundation for his current position at Covia.
Fusing Technical and Business Acumen to Open New Opportunities
In October 2023, John joined Covia as the technical sales and application technology manager for polymers. He quickly turned his attention to developing products that would enable Covia to enter new markets while enhancing value for current customers.
“I’m working on uncovering new value propositions for our products,” John shared. “We’re exploring applications that haven’t been tried before, whether with existing products or new developments.”
John’s role involves collaborating with both polymer scientists and customers to innovate and refine products, enhancing their mechanical and physical properties. His understanding of market trends, pricing strategies, and customer needs ensures the development of solutions that align with emerging demands.
“Some companies have used certain products for decades,” John explained. “We leverage our experience to generate fresh ideas that create a mutually beneficial experience for Covia and our clients.”
Innovative Use of Mineral Additives
A particularly exciting opportunity for John lies in the mineral nepheline syenite, which Covia uses in its MINBLOC® HC and HIFILL® N additives. Sourced from a single mine in North America, this sustainable material offers distinct advantages due to its chemical composition of alumino-silicate, potassium, and sodium, making it ideal for polymer applications.
Initially valued for its ability to add antiblocking properties to polymers, nepheline syenite has since been researched for its potential to provide transparency. With a refractive index similar to PVC, nylon, and PET, it can be blended with these polymers to produce transparent products with enhanced properties such as durability, dimensional stability, and gas-barrier reinforcement.
“We’re able to use nepheline syenite to create clear molded products while improving other physical properties,” John explained.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Mineral Additives
As Covia continues to grow its mineral-additive solutions, John’s combination of technical expertise and market insight will remain crucial in transforming complex scientific concepts into practical solutions for the market. His ability to collaborate across disciplines ensures continued innovation in this field.
The future is even brighter with the opening of the Covia Innovation Center in Concord, North Carolina. The new facility, featuring advanced equipment and lab space, will serve as a hub for John and the team to collaborate on groundbreaking applications.
“I’ll be spending a lot of time at the Innovation Center, working with colleagues and generating data for our products,” John shared. “Customers are eager to see what we can offer, so we’ll be able to test various equipment and use those insights to predict performance across industries.”
While deeply committed to his professional journey, John also values time with his family and enjoys playing golf. A lifelong learner, he remains dedicated to advancing his knowledge, ensuring that he continues to innovate and deliver solutions that drive customer success.
Click here to know more more about how Covia is expanding its sustainable offerings.
A Diverse Path in Polymer Science
John’s career, spanning over three decades, reflects his depth and adaptability. His academic journey is as diverse as his professional experience, combining chemical engineering, polymer science, petroleum science, and mechanical engineering, all of which have equipped him to navigate the intricate world of material innovation.
Starting in 1993 at Lotte Chemical as a chemical process engineer focused on polyolefin products, John quickly broadened his scope to include research and development, sales, and marketing. His roles at Lotte, Dow Chemical, and Imerys enriched his skillset and experience, setting a strong foundation for his current position at Covia.
Fusing Technical and Business Acumen to Open New Opportunities
In October 2023, John joined Covia as the technical sales and application technology manager for polymers. He quickly turned his attention to developing products that would enable Covia to enter new markets while enhancing value for current customers.
“I’m working on uncovering new value propositions for our products,” John shared. “We’re exploring applications that haven’t been tried before, whether with existing products or new developments.”
John’s role involves collaborating with both polymer scientists and customers to innovate and refine products, enhancing their mechanical and physical properties. His understanding of market trends, pricing strategies, and customer needs ensures the development of solutions that align with emerging demands.
“Some companies have used certain products for decades,” John explained. “We leverage our experience to generate fresh ideas that create a mutually beneficial experience for Covia and our clients.”
Innovative Use of Mineral Additives
A particularly exciting opportunity for John lies in the mineral nepheline syenite, which Covia uses in its MINBLOC® HC and HIFILL® N additives. Sourced from a single mine in North America, this sustainable material offers distinct advantages due to its chemical composition of alumino-silicate, potassium, and sodium, making it ideal for polymer applications.
Initially valued for its ability to add antiblocking properties to polymers, nepheline syenite has since been researched for its potential to provide transparency. With a refractive index similar to PVC, nylon, and PET, it can be blended with these polymers to produce transparent products with enhanced properties such as durability, dimensional stability, and gas-barrier reinforcement.
“We’re able to use nepheline syenite to create clear molded products while improving other physical properties,” John explained.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Mineral Additives
As Covia continues to grow its mineral-additive solutions, John’s combination of technical expertise and market insight will remain crucial in transforming complex scientific concepts into practical solutions for the market. His ability to collaborate across disciplines ensures continued innovation in this field.
The future is even brighter with the opening of the Covia Innovation Center in Concord, North Carolina. The new facility, featuring advanced equipment and lab space, will serve as a hub for John and the team to collaborate on groundbreaking applications.
“I’ll be spending a lot of time at the Innovation Center, working with colleagues and generating data for our products,” John shared. “Customers are eager to see what we can offer, so we’ll be able to test various equipment and use those insights to predict performance across industries.”
While deeply committed to his professional journey, John also values time with his family and enjoys playing golf. A lifelong learner, he remains dedicated to advancing his knowledge, ensuring that he continues to innovate and deliver solutions that drive customer success.
Click here to know more more about how Covia is expanding its sustainable offerings.
Companies