Career at Resiclo: Responsibility from day one keeps you motivated

What is it like to work at a growing circular economy startup? And what does a chemical engineering professional actually do in their day to day work? We interviewed Resiclo’s project manager Juho Kotiranta, who joined the company shortly after graduating.

Fast responsibility and hands on learning

Juho Kotiranta graduated with a master’s degree in chemical engineering from Aalto University about a year ago. His studies focused on chemistry, equipment engineering, and energy technology. This combination provides a strong foundation for industrial roles.

Joining Resiclo was no coincidence.

“Chemical recycling of plastics and the mission behind it were a major reason I applied. I have sailed a lot myself and have seen firsthand how plastic ends up in waterways. Being part of reducing that is very motivating,” Juho says.

The first months at the startup have been intense. “The beginning was quite hectic because there was so much to learn. But that comes with the job. After January things really picked up, and since then the work has been genuinely enjoyable. There have been no boring days.”

Startup life: fast but thoughtful

One of the biggest surprises was how quickly responsibility is given. “In a way, it was like being thrown into the deep end. I got to work on responsible tasks right away, which is very typical in startups. But it was a positive surprise.”

At Resiclo, decisions are made quickly, but not carelessly. “Situations can change fast, so decisions need to be made rapidly. Still, they are always made thoughtfully.”

A versatile role at the core of technical work

The project manager role at Resiclo is diverse and constantly changing. A large part of the work involves planning plastic pretreatment and collaborating with equipment suppliers and partners.

“I have worked a lot with equipment manufacturers and searched for suitable solutions. That has been a big part of my daily work.”

Technical expertise is applied very concretely. “I have been able to use things like mass balance calculations. But you also learn a lot by doing, and a significant part of the job has been learning on the fly.”

A close knit team and open culture

Juho describes the work community at Resiclo simply: “A close knit team and a great atmosphere.”

Even though the work is largely independent, support is always available when needed.

“We have experienced colleagues who are happy to help. That is especially important when you are learning new things.”

The attitude toward mistakes is also constructive. “Mistakes are handled openly. They are not feared, but learned from. Everyone makes mistakes, and that is completely accepted.”

Growth in communication and big picture thinking

In a short time, Juho feels he has developed especially in communication.

“I have learned to communicate efficiently and clearly. You need to be precise when communicating with customers and the team.”

He has also gained valuable experience in areas such as equipment design and managing tender processes. “RFQ processes and equipment design were new to me, and I have learned a lot from them.”

Meaningful work in a growing field

Working in plastic circularity feels meaningful to Juho. “This is a future oriented field, and I believe the growth will be strong. It is great to be involved at this stage and see where the industry is heading.”

Who is Resiclo for?

According to Juho, Resiclo is a great workplace especially for people who want to combine business and impact. “This is for those who are ready to work for both business success and the benefit of society and the environment.”

A tip for applicants

One piece of advice for future applicants: “It helps to familiarize yourself with the chemical recycling landscape in advance and understand the bigger picture. But the most important thing is the willingness to learn. You will learn the rest on the job.”