anne opstad

Age: 53 
Position: Senior Engineer Cellulose Fibrils, Borregaard 
Studies: Biomedical Laboratory Science, Østfold University College 
From: Sarpsborg, Norway 

A varied and meaningful everyday life

A forward-thinking environment, diverse tasks, and continuous development have made Borregaard the dream workplace for Senior Engineer Anne Opstad. Throughout her career, she’s been involved in groundbreaking projects, followed innovations from idea to market – and continued to grow professionally along the way. 

– Borregaard is a workplace full of opportunities, says Anne with a smile. 

Anne moved from Oslo to Sarpsborg in 1998 to join the company. 
– I knew Borregaard was a forward-looking company with many exciting projects. That’s what made me apply, she explains. 

Variety, responsibility, and engaging projects 
Anne’s working days are far from routine. As a Senior Engineer, she leads projects and actively takes part in lab work, plant testing, and customer meetings. 

– What I enjoy most is the variety. I get to be involved all the way from idea to finished product, and that makes the job both meaningful and challenging. It feels great to know that my work actually makes a difference. 

A career highlight has been working on the innovation project Exilva, which Anne followed from early lab development through pilot processes to full-scale production. The product is pure, biodegradable, and enhances flow, strength, stability, and structure in everything from paint and varnish, to adhesives, agriculture, cosmetics, construction, and cleaning agents. 

– It was incredibly exciting to follow a product through all stages of innovation, while also developing a new market in parallel. Projects like that are rare – and very rewarding, she says. 

Lifelong learning and growth 
Anne also highlights the opportunities for professional development as a key aspect of working at Borregaard. Over the years, she’s completed several university courses and further education programmes, both internally and externally. 

– It can be challenging to find time for everything, but I’m very grateful that learning is encouraged. You never stop developing here. 

This ongoing development creates both job security and a healthy work–life balance – something Anne really values. Her advice to students, graduates, and others considering a future in research is clear: 
– Just apply! There are many exciting roles across departments – whether you enjoy theoretical work or prefer hands-on tasks. There’s truly something for everyone.