Sean Bernhardt is the Senior Research and Development Manager for Avient Corporation’s Color, Additives & Inks division in the Americas region. Avient is a leading provider of sustainable solutions and services. With more than 20 years of experience in the functional additive and polymer industry, Sean started his career as a Development Chemist at Milliken Chemical.

Over his 10 years with Milliken, Sean progressed through various roles, eventually becoming the Regional Product Manager for Polymeric Colorants. In 2011, he joined Avient and has since held several roles, including Application Development, where he supported various end markets such as packaging, medical, and automotive. He has also explored commercial roles before transitioning into management of the Application Development and Technical Service team. In 2020, Sean took on the opportunity of creating a regional Research & Development team within Avient's Color and Additives business. This globally aligned team is focused on developing and delivering innovative solutions to customers and addressing the industry's most challenging needs.

Sean earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA, and a Master of Business Administration from Pamplin College of Business.