One of the many talented individuals to join reTyre in 2024 was Nathalie Edvardsen van Assel, a skilled and driven Sustainable Materials Engineer. With a fresh perspective and a passion for problem-solving, Nathalie has quickly become an integral part of reTyre’s mission to revolutionize the tyre industry. Her work in material and product development is playing an important role in reTyre’s mission to redefine what’s possible with sustainable, innovative materials. 

The Journey to reTyre

Nathalie’s path to reTyre is a testament to her love for problem-solving and a willingness to embrace the unknown. A graduate with a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nathalie honed her skills in research labs, experimenting and troubleshooting on a molecular level. 

Her first encounter with reTyre came through a summer internship where she contributed to the team working on sustainability certifications and lifecycle analyses (LCA). This experience not only cemented her passion for sustainability but also laid the foundation for her current role, where she drives material innovation with an eye toward reducing the company’s carbon footprint. 

For Nathalie, joining reTyre was an opportunity to contribute to meaningful change in an industry long seen as one of the more challenging sectors for sustainability. Tyre manufacturing has traditionally been resource-intensive, heavily reliant on rubber, and offering little room for material innovation—until companies like reTyre started disrupting the norm. “The chance to be part of a company that’s pushing boundaries and creating fully sustainable tyres was incredibly exciting to me,” Nathalie shares. 

Nathalie’s academic background laid the groundwork for her current role. “I spent countless hours in the lab during my studies,” she recalls, “working on experiments that involved molecular-level problem-solving. It taught me the importance of persistence and attention to detail—skills I apply daily at reTyre.” This foundation, coupled with her master’s thesis in biotechnology, has allowed her to approach sustainable tyre materials development with a unique scientific lens. 

“Engineering taught me how to tackle complex problems,” Nathalie reflects. “It’s about diving deep, navigating obstacles, and finding solutions—even if it means a lot of trial and error. That persistence prepared me for what I do now at reTyre.” 

A Day in the Life of a Sustainable Materials Engineer

In Nathalie’s words, her role is about “finding the perfect balance.” She works with materials that define the performance, durability, and sustainability of reTyre’s products. 

“We’re constantly exploring new materials,” she explains. “Each material has its own properties, and finding the right combination is like solving a puzzle. And of course, our main mission is to lower the carbon footprint without compromising on quality or recyclability.” 

Her work involves a blend of research, collaboration with external partners, and hands-on testing. “It’s not just about identifying sustainable tyre materials,” Nathalie notes. “We’re working with suppliers to develop solutions that haven’t existed before. Tyres made with thermoplastic elastomers, for instance, are an entirely new territory.” 

Collaboration plays an important role in Nathalie’s work. She frequently partners with suppliers and industry experts to push the boundaries of material innovation. “We often rely on partnerships to explore new possibilities,” she explains.

“At the same time, we have to be a demanding customer— requiring detailed emissions and sustainability metrics data. Together, we test and refine materials to ensure they meet both performance standards and our ambitious sustainability goals”.

Challenges and Triumphs of Sustainable Tyre Materials

Navigating uncharted waters is no easy feat, but Nathalie sees every obstacle as an opportunity to grow. 

“The job has definitely taught me patience,” she admits. “Sometimes, it takes weeks to get a material ready for testing, and the results don’t always match expectations. But those setbacks teach us invaluable lessons. Even small improvements feel monumental because no one has done this before.” 

For Nathalie, the moments of triumph make the journey worthwhile. “We’re inching closer to materials that outperform traditional options in durability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Seeing that progress, however gradual, is incredibly rewarding.” 

A Supportive Work Environment

Nathalie credits much of her growth to the culture at reTyre. “This isn’t just a workplace; it’s a community of innovators,” she says. “The open-mindedness here is incredible. Whether it’s the CEO or a fellow engineer, everyone is approachable, and every idea gets a fair hearing. It’s a place where you’re encouraged to take responsibility and step outside your comfort zone.”

Inspiring Women in STEM

As a woman thriving in a field where diverse perspectives are increasingly vital, Nathalie is passionate about inspiring others to follow suit. 

“To anyone considering a career in this space, I’d say: be open to challenges,” she advises. “Don’t be afraid to tackle roles outside your comfort zone. This industry needs diverse perspectives, and every step you take—no matter how small—contributes to something greater.” 

“Every day here has been an opportunity to learn—whether it’s collaborating with suppliers, testing materials in-house, or understanding the mechanics of tyre production. It is an incredible journey of growth.” 

Life Beyond the Lab

Outside of work, Nathalie’s zest for life shines through. A lover of travel, food, and adventure, she thrives on new experiences and meeting people from all walks of life. “I’m always up for trying something different—whether it’s a new sport, a hike, or exploring a city I’ve never been to,” she shares. 

Looking Ahead

When asked about her guiding philosophy, Nathalie smiles and says, “Everything happens for a reason.” It’s a mantra that has shaped her journey—helping her embrace uncertainty, take calculated risks, and seize opportunities as they come. 

At reTyre, Nathalie has found not only a platform to innovate but also a space to grow, lead, and inspire. “This job challenges me every day. It pushes me to be better and reminds me that the work we do here matters—not just for the company but for the planet.” 

The Hashtag That Says It All

When asked to sum up her experience at reTyre in a single hashtag, Nathalie takes a moment and replies: #InnovatingForImpact. 

It’s a perfect reflection of her journey—a blend of ingenuity, persistence, and a deep commitment to making a difference.