Inspiring Everyday: Alexis Chopin

February 22, 2025

Three decades of inspiring innovation

How does one end up as a globally recognized expert in compound plastics? For Alexis Chopin, it all started with a car crash.

When his older brother had a mishap in his prized Matra-Simca Bagheera sports car, a young Alexis did what he could to help.

"He was very young and unfortunately, crashed the car and he was just miserable," Alexis recalls. “The car had fiberglass-reinforced polyester panels, so I decided to help to repair it, which was the start of my interest in plastics.”

That interest led to formal education, with Alexis earning an engineering degree in polymer chemistry and a master's degree in material science and structure. His first job at an injection molding company laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable career spanning three decades with the same organization. His skills have now made him a globally recognized authority in the field.

"Alexis is recognized by our customers as one of the best flame-retardant technologists for compounds in the world," said Phil McDivitt, Ascend’s chief executive officer. "His scientific and creative expertise has been a huge contributor to our success and growth with many of our key customers."

Olivier Piernot, technology director and Alexis's manager, credits his success to a unique combination of technical knowledge and customer insight.

"Alexis' strength consists in providing the right innovative solution in a timely manner to overcome customer challenges," Olivier says. "He has an outstanding relationship with customers and provides strategic vision that helps them achieve their product goals."

This customer-focused approach has paid dividends with key accounts like Schneider Electric, where Alexis's contributions were instrumental in Ascend receiving recent recognition as a top supplier.

"Customer focus is my life. I love to share my knowledge, but I always try to listen to customers as well, because they teach us so many things," Alexis says.

As a pioneer in flame-retardant polyamides, his work has helped establish Ascend's reputation for excellence in this field. He is most proud of his work on Starflam®, the company’s world-class line of flame-retardant resins and compounds.

"I feel I have some responsibility for the Starflam brand as it was basically developed here," Alexis explains. "I'm very proud when I see Starflam appearing in new applications in China, Mexico and the U.S. I'm proud of having our materials recognized around the world as an excellent product."

Beyond his technical contributions, Alexis has also become a valued mentor to younger colleagues who have joined the technology team at his site in Fosses, France.

Away from work, Alexis enjoys riding his collection of mopeds with his wife – a collection he admits may have grown a bit too large. “We have a license to drive ten but we might own twenty,” he laughs. “I like to buy very rusty things then spend hours and days in the garage getting them to run again.”

It seems like a full-circle moment – the youngster who first dabbled in plastics when repairing his brother’s car is now back in the garage, tinkering again. But now, as a world-renowned designer of materials that keep millions of products operating safely in cars, homes, and appliances all around the world.

For his brilliance in technical work and his dedication to being customer-focused, Alexis Chopin is Inspiring Everyday.