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For students

Have you taken a moment to contemplate how an object could be best recycled? How will natural resources suffice in the future? Are you in pursuit of a purposeful occupation that offers a diverse range of opportunities? The chemical industry might be the suitable environment for you, regardless of whether you aspire for a vocational or higher education degree. This is a worldwide sector that could launch you into an international career as well.

Information on study and career opportunities in the chemical industry

In the future, we will require experts particularly in the fields of circular economy, bio-based products, material proficiency, and sustainable development. Additionally, the manufacturing industry also generates employment opportunities in sectors such as glass, plastic, rubber, footwear, and leather industries within Finland. Could you potentially be one of the contributors to the future? Our diverse sector addresses challenges and needs on both human and global scales, ranging from individuals to the entire planet.

Were you aware that chemistry is involved, among other things, in the background of these solutions?

The molecule darolutamide, developed by Orion Pharma in collaboration with Bayer, featuring a novel structure, addresses the need for discovering novel approaches to the treatment of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men worldwide. This medication is designed for the treatment of non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

The peracetic acid (Performic Acid, PFA) developed by Kemira is chlorine-free and biodegradable, setting it apart from almost all other available disinfectants. The rapidly reactive PFA product leaves behind only water, carbon dioxide, and a small amount of biodegradable formic acid. Water treated with PFA can be safely discharged into aquatic environments. PFA has been developed within Kemira’s Finnish research centers, with collaborations involving multiple companies and universities.

The Mirena hormone intrauterine device (IUD) stands as one of the most successful products within the Finnish pharmaceutical industry. This contraceptive product was developed approximately three decades ago at the Leiras factory in Turku. The factory is now a part of the international Bayer Group. Presently, Mirena hormone IUDs are exported to more than 130 countries.

The Progres® feed ingredient, derived from pine oil by Forchem and Hankkija, addresses the global demand to replace feed antibiotics in livestock production. Concurrently, it promotes the sustainability of livestock production and the purity of food products.

The diagnosis of celiac disease typically requires a blood test and, if necessary, endoscopy with the collection of a biopsy from the small intestine. Finnish company Biohit Oy has developed a rapid test that enables the detection of celiac disease from a fingertip blood sample. This innovation has the potential to facilitate and expedite the diagnosis of celiac disease while also reducing healthcare costs.

St1 Ltd utilizes a novel methodology to produce ethanol from waste raw materials, which is subsequently employed as a transportation fuel. This innovative solution contributes to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from the transportation sector and diminishes society’s dependency on oil. In addition to ethanol, the process generates valuable by-products that can be further utilized, including animal feed, fertilizers, or solid biofuels.

Ammonium chloride imparts the distinctive salty flavor to salmiakki, or salty licorice. In fact, ammonium chloride is naturally white, but in confectionery, it is blackened using medicinal charcoal. A significant portion of the ammonium chloride employed by Finnish confectioneries originates from the production facilities of BASF, a chemical company based in Germany, where its manufacturing was initiated in 1917.

Have you recently examined the freezer bag in your hand more closely? Freezer vegetable bags are, in fact, made of polyethylene, which is a durable and moisture-resistant versatile material. Polyethylene is produced at Borealis production facilities in Kilpilampi, Porvoo. Since the 1990s, the company has been developing its own Borstar technology, which is among the most advanced in its field worldwide.