Unstoppable People - Phil Knutson

Milliken’s Unstoppable People series highlights Milliken & Company associates who guide us to success and embody our values: integrity, excellence, innovation, sustainability, and people.

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Unstoppable People: Phil Knutson

Ever wondered what it’s like to be at the forefront of chemical innovation? Meet Phil Knutson, an Advanced Research and Development Professional at Milliken, who is not just creating molecules but also solving complex problems in the lab.

From Textiles to Chemicals

Phil joined Milliken in 2021, starting his journey in the Textiles division, where he gained valuable experience. However, his background in organic chemistry soon led him to the Chemical division, specifically in Performance Colorants and Ingredients (PC&I). This move also provided Phil with greater opportunities for mentorship and personal development. “I think I was seeking additional avenues for mentorship and sort of my own development. And I think moving over to the chemical division allowed me to have a larger group of people to ask for help, work with, collaborate with, and there’s a lot of different types of products.”

A Day in the Life

Phil describes his role as a “Swiss Army knife position.” He works across various groups, from colors and agriculture to polyurethanes and collaborations with Encapsys. His days are filled with learning, experimenting, and strategizing with colleagues to push the boundaries of chemical research. “I’m always learning something new. So, sitting down, looking at recent literature, trying to learn what sort of advancements have happened in academia or other industry groups outside of Milliken, and how can I apply that to our own research.” After gathering new insights, he gets into the lab to try out these ideas and works with others to strategize the best approaches. The goal is to execute experiments successfully and commercialize projects or products.

A Passion for Science and Art

Phil’s passion for science began in college. Initially on the premed track, like many students, he soon realized that this path wasn’t the right fit for him. Instead, he discovered a deep interest in research.
During his sophomore year, Phil participated in an undergraduate research opportunity at Colorado State University. This program allowed him to work alongside graduate students, learn synthesis techniques, and immerse himself in academia. It was an enlightening and inspiring time for him.This pivotal experience led Phil to change his academic track and focus on chemistry, marking the beginning of an exciting new journey.

Outside of work, Phil is an artist who combines his love for chemistry and nature in his creations. For example, he’s drawn chemistry glassware with flowers and other elements, creating unique pieces that educate and inspire. Phil explains, “It’s like creating a way for somebody to appreciate art, but also learn something about the subject of the art.” This is just one example of his diverse artistic endeavors. Phil shares his art on LinkedIn, Etsy, and Instagram, and is considering launching his own website to reach a broader audience.

 

Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation

When asked about his favorite among Milliken’s five pillars of values, Phil chose sustainability. However, he also emphasized the importance of innovation, noting how closely it ties into sustainability. “Because of my interest in science and chemistry, the innovation aspect within sustainability is important to me,” Phil explains. He believes that Milliken's progress in sustainability, motivated by the company's values and influenced by regulatory standards, is leading to significant opportunities for innovation. This has been evident throughout Phil’s time at Milliken.
Phil shared that what really drove him to apply to Milliken was their sustainability goals. He saw a strong alignment between these goals and his own interest in chemistry. “We want to create chemistry and make molecules, but at the end of the day, I’d love for that to build into some sort of sustainability goal of reducing our footprint or reducing the use of raw materials or helping the environment in some shape or form,” he said.

A Bright Future at Milliken

Phil’s journey at Milliken is a testament to the company’s commitment to fostering talent and driving innovation. His diverse experiences and passion for chemistry make him a valuable member of the Milliken team, continually pushing the envelope in chemical research and development.

Want to join our team of #UnstoppablePeople? Visit our careers webpage to learn more about your next opportunity.

Do you know an Unstoppable Person you’d like to recognize? Nominate them at [email protected].