Chemical Week
Podcasting about issues that impact the global chemical industry.
Tue, April 22, 2025
What were the key takeaways from WPC 2025?
Chemical Week editors Rob Westervelt, Mark Thomas and Clay Boswell join the podcast to discuss key takeaways from this year’s World Petrochemical Conference. Key themes include ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, including tariffs, the evolution of energy transition, European capacity rationalization, the long-term outlook for feedstocks. This episode was recorded on March 24, and references some recent events.
Tue, April 08, 2025
What is the early impact of Trump's tariffs on the petchems sector?
S&P Global Platts price reporters Mujidah Yahaya and Andre Mikhail join host Vincent Valk to discuss the impact and implications of the Trump administration's drastic new tariffs on the petrochemicals sector. Topics include the impact of rolling uncertainty on markets, the potential for major shifts in trade flows, and how tariffs could further weaken an already-soft demand environment.
Tue, March 25, 2025
WPC 2025: Dow CEO Fitterling and S&P Global's Eramo on the state of the industry
Dow CEO Jim Fitterling and S&P Global Commodity Insights co-president Mark Eramo chat with Chemical Week editor Rob Westervelt at 2025's World Petrochemical Conference. Topics include the market outlook, the role of energy transition in an era of geopolitical tension, and a glimpse of the chemical industry's long-term future.
Thu, March 13, 2025
WPC Preview: How will the petrochemical industry navigate the downturn and geopolitical tension?
Clay Boswell, Chemical Week’s Americas markets lead, and Mark Thomas, Chemical Week’s European markets lead, join the magazine’s editor-in-chief Rob Westervelt for a discussion on the state of the petrochemical industry ahead of the World Petrochemical Conference hosted by S&P Global Commodity Insights and held in Houston from March 17-21. Topics in this podcast include the significant downturn in global operating rates, geopolitical tensions due to US tariffs, and the need for capacity rationalization, particularly in Europe, as well as the long-term outlook for the sector, including anticipated capacity additions in China and the Middle East, and the implications of evolving trade policies and the push for sustainability in the industry. The Chemical Week podcast is the industry’s premier platform for wide-ranging discussion of issues impacting the global chemicals sector, hosted by the editors of Chemical Week and S&P Global Commodity Insights. Subscribe to the Chemical Week podcast on your favorite platform, or visit chemweek.com/podcast to view our episode archive.
Mon, March 10, 2025
When does advanced recycling commoditize?
Eric Appelman, Aduro Clean Technologies ’ chief revenue officer, joins S&P Global senior price reporter Daniel Pelosi and S&P Global chemicals market reporter Tareen Kazi for a discussion on circular recycling. Topics include advanced recycling challenges faced by region, how to improve economic scalability of advanced recycling, and the importance of creating incentives and a market for circular products. The Chemical Week podcast is the industry’s premier platform for wide-ranging discussion of issues impacting the global chemicals sector, hosted by the editors of Chemical Week and S&P Global Commodity Insights. Subscribe to the Chemical Week podcast on your favorite platform, or visit chemweek.com/podcast to view our episode archive. Learn more about Aduro Clean Technologies here .
Tue, February 11, 2025
Energy transition outlook for 2025 murky as crude oil demand grows
Chemical Week markets editor, Mark Thomas, sits down with Editor in Chief Rob Westervelt for a discussion around the evolving landscape of the petrochemical industry amid the energy transition. Topics include petrochemicals as a crude oil demand driver, technologies buildout needed for the energy transition, and how major chemical companies are planning to reduce emissions in the years ahead. The Chemical Week podcast is the industry’s premier platform for wide-ranging discussion of issues impacting the global chemicals sector, hosted by the editors of Chemical Week and S&P Global Commodity Insights. Subscribe to the Chemical Week podcast on your favorite platform, or visit chemweek.com/podcast to view our episode archive.
Tue, January 28, 2025
How can European chemical recycling scale up in 2025?
Valentijn De Neve, CEO of BlueAlp, a company specializing in pyrolysis and chemical recycling technology, joins the podcast with S&P Global Commodity Insights editors Daniel Pelosi and Dias Kazym for a discussion on the European chemical recycling landscape in 2025. Topics include technology advancements, advanced recycling competitiveness against virgin polymers and what is needed among stakeholders to drive the chemical recycling market forward.
Tue, January 14, 2025
Navigating the 2025 chemical landscape: growth, challenges, and future strategies in Europe and China
Chemical Week executive editor Ian Young and markets editor Mark Thomas join editor-in-chief Rob Westervelt to discuss the current state of the chemical sector in Europe and China and what both regions need to focus on as 2025 begins. Topics include Europe’s challenges of high energy costs, weak demand, and global overcapacity. In China, substantial government stimulus has spurred activity in construction and specialty chemicals, although trade tensions with the US and overcapacity in petrochemicals pose risks to recovery. The Chemical Week podcast is the industry’s premier platform for wide-ranging discussion of issues impacting the global chemicals sector, hosted by the editors of Chemical Week and S&P Global Commodity Insights. Subscribe to the Chemical Week podcast on your favorite platform, or visit chemweek.com/podcast to view our episode archive.
Tue, December 10, 2024
How Arkema is shaping the future of battery technology
Woldemar D'Ambrieres, Arkema’s global market manager for batteries, joins Chemical Week’s Vincent Valk for a discussion on the state of the battery sector. Topics include Arkema’s recent acquisitions, the challenges of the dynamic pace of technology developments, as well as the state of the battery market by the end of the decade. The Chemical Week podcast is the industry’s premier platform for wide-ranging discussion of issues impacting the global chemicals sector, hosted by the editors of Chemical Week and S&P Global Commodity Insights. Subscribe to the Chemical Week podcast on your favorite platform, or visit chemweek.com/podcast to view our episode archive.
Tue, November 26, 2024
What challenges lie ahead for Middle Eastern petrochemicals?
Jiryes Haddadin, S&P Global pricing specialist EMEA chemical and polymers, and Mark Thomas, Chemical Week’s markets editor, join with Abdulaziz Ehtaiba, S&P Global petrochemicals pricing manager, for a discussion ahead of the 18 th annual Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association Forum in Muscat, Oman. Topics centered around the challenges facing the Middle Eastern petrochemical market, which include increased competition from Asian producers, slowing global demand and continued inflationary pressures. The Chemical Week podcast is the industry’s premier platform for wide-ranging discussion of issues impacting the global chemicals sector, hosted by the editors of Chemical Week and S&P Global Commodity Insights. Subscribe to the Chemical Week podcast on your favorite platform, or visit chemweek.com/podcast to view our episode archive.
Mon, November 11, 2024
Is there a case for cautious optimism in 2025?
S&P Global market reporters Tara Olaleye, Paulina Wiener and Daniela Morales join Chemical Week’s Rob Westervelt to discuss the impact of recent Federal Reserve interest rate cuts on petrochemical and polymer markets, particularly in housing and construction; the cautious optimism for recovery in 2025; and the current levels of consumer confidence. The panel emphasizes that despite some positive indicators, significant market improvements are unlikely until mid-2025, as high inflation and ongoing economic pressures continue to challenge consumer spending. The Chemical Week podcast is the industry’s premier platform for wide-ranging discussion of issues impacting the global chemicals sector, hosted by the editors of Chemical Week and S&P Global Commodity Insights. Subscribe to the Chemical Week podcast on your favorite platform, or visit chemweek.com/podcast to view our episode archive.
Tue, October 22, 2024
What is the future of Europe’s Petrochemical industry?
S&P Global Commodity Insight’s Daniel Pelosi, EMEA chemicals editor; Aleksandra Zhagrina, EMEA petrochemicals associate editor; and Chemical Week’s executive editor Ian Young join Chemical Week’s Rob Westervelt for a discussion of the recent European Petrochemical Association annual meeting and the state of Europe’s chemical industry. Topics include the challenges facing the European petrochemicals, the need for industry restructuring and innovation, and the potential impacts of regulatory changes and competition from expanding capacities in China. The Chemical Week podcast is the industry’s premier platform for wide-ranging discussion of issues impacting the global chemicals sector, hosted by the editors of Chemical Week and S&P Global Commodity Insights. Subscribe to the Chemical Week podcast on your favorite platform, or visit chemweek.com/podcast to view our episode archive.
Mon, October 07, 2024
Scaling start-ups for renewables success
Corey Tyree, CEO of Trillium Renewable Chemicals, joins Chemical Week’s Vincent Valk for a discussion of on Trillium’s partnership with INEOS, the production methods behind Trillium’s new bioacrylonitrile, and how start-ups can scale successfully towards commercialization. The Chemical Week podcast is the industry’s premier platform for wide-ranging discussion of issues impacting the global chemicals sector, hosted by the editors of Chemical Week and S&P Global Commodity Insights. Subscribe to the Chemical Week podcast on your favorite platform, or visit chemweek.com/podcast to view our episode archive.
Tue, September 24, 2024
How can chemical distributors adapt to Europe’s unique challenges?
Dorothee Arns, director general of European Association of Chemical Distributors (FECC), joins S&P Global Commodity Insights’ senior commodities pricing specialist Abdulaziz Ehtaiba ahead of FECC’s annual congress for a discussion of the stat of European distribution. Topics include how disruptive geopolitical events exacerbated the industry’s weak demand and poor production margins, how distributors are focusing on improving their supply chain excellence to navigate these challenges, and how distributors can adapt to Europe’s increasing regulatory demands and consumer expectations for sustainable products. The Chemical Week podcast is the industry’s premier platform for wide-ranging discussion of issues impacting the global chemicals sector, hosted by the editors of Chemical Week and S&P Global Commodity Insights. Subscribe to the Chemical Week podcast on your favorite platform, or visit chemweek.com/podcast to view our episode archive.
Tue, September 10, 2024
How did a challenging 2023 shake up the Billion-Dollar Club?
Vincent Valk, senior editor at Chemical Week, joins the magazine’s Rob Westervelt for a discussion surrounding Chemical Week’s Billion Dollar Club 2023 rankings. Topics include a challenging year marked by double digit percentage drops in operating income and revenues, China’s continued position as the industry’s center of gravity, and how M&A and sustainability will play a role in rankings to come.
Tue, August 27, 2024
What can producers expect from the rest of 2024?
Chemical Week's Rob Westervelt and S&P Global Commodity Insights' Neirin Gray Desai and Mujidah Yahaya join the podcast to discuss key takeaways from second-quarter earnings season and read the tea leaves for the rest of the year. Key topics include the diminishing prospects for recovery in stalled demand, the coming of capacity rationalization in Europe, and the possible impact of a sluggish operating environment on industry's investment plans.
Tue, August 13, 2024
How can industry find its next generation of leaders?
Louis Besland, partner and head of chemicals practice at executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles, joins Chemical Week’s Rob Westervelt for a discussion of CEO succession and talent management in the industry. Topics include building a diverse talent pipeline, the evolution of skill sets needed for effective leaders, and the need for future-oriented thinking around CEO succession.
Tue, July 23, 2024
Where is the clean ammonia market headed?
S&P Global Commodity Insights reporters Mark Astley and James Burgess join Chemical Week's Mark Thomas and Jameson Croteau for a discussion of the clean ammonia market. Key themes include difficulties in getting projects off the ground, the role of regulatory uncertainty and financing incentives in developing the market, and the ambiguities around whether blue ammonia is truly 'clean.'
Tue, July 09, 2024
What do updated climate disclosure rules mean for industry?
Sophie Casenave, policy affairs manager at environmental trader and consultancy Strive by STX, joins the podcast to discuss the the latest alphabet-soup of climate regulations. These include the EU's new reporting directive, some new reporting rules in the US, and carbon border mechanisms in the EU. We discus what the different rules mean for industry, how reporting and regulatory requirements are changing, and the impact of new rules on chemical companies' decarbonization strategies.
Tue, June 25, 2024
Are PFAS critical for renewable energy?
Polyfluoroalklyl substances (PFAS) have been the subject of litigation and controversy due to mounting evidence of their long-term impact on human health. PFAS are, perhaps, most well-known for applications in films, packaging, and electronics - but they have also played a crucial role in the renewable energy sector. In this episode cross-posted with S&P Global Commodity Insights' Energy Evolution podcast, reporter Camilla Naschert takes a look at the role of PFAS in the renewable energy sector, talking with industry leaders and academics about what they do and whether it is possible to have a clean energy future without them.
Tue, June 11, 2024
BASF's view on the potential of chemical recycling
Christian Krueger, head of global sustainability and advocacy for chemical recycling at BASF, joins S&P Global Commodity Insights editors Abdulaziz Ehtaiba and Iris Poon for a conversation about chemical recycling. Topics include the key differences between chemical and mechanical recycling, the investment environment for chemical recycling in the US and Europe, and the role of legislation and governments to incentive a maturing industry.
Tue, May 28, 2024
How are high rates impacting industry?
Thomas Watters, managing director/oil, gas and chemicals at S&P Global Ratings, joins the podcast to discuss the intersection of credit conditions and the industry's outlook. Topics include the impact of 'higher-for-longer' interest rates, what Europe's weak operating environment means for credit, and the impact of China's relentless capacity additions.
Tue, May 14, 2024
Is the chemical industry progressing towards its climate goals?
CW editor Jameson Croteau joins the podcast to discuss Chemical Week's net zero tracker and the industry's so-far-fitful progress towards reaching its climate goals. Topics include regional differences in goal-setting and the gap between the targets and implementation. You can check out Chemical Week's net-zero tracker here: https://chemweek.com/document/show/phoenix/5077186/Push-for-net-zero-plateaus-in-2023-While-industry-makes-strides-to-curb-Scope-3-implementation-lags-behind-ambitions
Tue, April 23, 2024
Dow and Evonik on the market outlook, energy transition, key projects, and more
Dow CEO Jim Fitterling and Evonik deputy chairman Harald Schwager chat with Chemical Week editor-in-chief Rob Westervelt about their views on chemical markets for 2024, energy transition, European competitiveness, and Dow's net-zero cracker in Alberta. The interviews were recorded live at the 2024 World Petrochemical Conference in March.
Tue, April 09, 2024
What can WPC tell us about Q1?
Rob Westervelt, editor-in-chief of Chemical Week and Antionette Smith, senior editor/chemicals at S&P Global Commodity Insights, join podcast host Vincent Valk to discuss key takeaways from this year's World Petrochemical Conference and read some tea leaves on what to look out for in first- quarter earnings.
Tue, March 26, 2024
Neste's view on renewable chemicals and fuels markets
Katja Wodjereck, executive vice president/renewable products at Neste, is interviewed by S&P Global Commodity Insights editors Iris Poon and Dias Kazym on Neste's views on renewable fuels and chemicals. Topics include the company's strategy in renewables, the role of regulation, and whether renewable feedstocks are competitive in the market.
Mon, March 18, 2024
Bonus episode: What are the key themes for WPC 2024?
With the World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global getting underway in Houston, join Chemical Week editors Clay Boswell, Mark Thomas and Vincent Valk for a special episode on key trends for the petrochemicals sector in 2024 and what to watch out for at WPC. Topics the outlook for demand and margins, the diverging fortunes of the European and American industry, and why Asia can attract investment despite subpar economics.
Tue, March 12, 2024
How can the chemical industry attract and retain women?
Irene Tasi, senior vice president/global industrials at PPG, joins the podcast for a discussion of the evolving role of women and state of gender equality in the chemicals industry. Topics include what the industry can to do attract and retain women, how the industry can be a home for people with diverse personal and professional backgrounds, and what work still needs to be done to advance equality.
S115 Enull · Tue, February 27, 2024
What's in store for specialty chemicals?
Jennifer Abril, president and CEO of Socma, the US trade association for specialty and custom chemical makers, joins the podcast to discuss how the year is looking for companies in the sector. Topics include a topsy-turvy 2023, the likely end of destocking, interest in AI, and Socma's advocacy agenda for 2024. This episode was recorded live at the Socma Show 2024 in Nashville, Tenn. on February 20.
Tue, February 13, 2024
What can the chemical industry do to create more sustainable materials?
S&P Global Commodity Insights vice president Mark Morgan and executive director Karine Boccara, lead authors of recent report on sustainable chemicals, join the podcast to to discuss advances in sustainble chemicals. Topics include the role of chemical recycling in sustainability and the challenges - and opportunities - in creating chemical building blocks from renewable or biobased feedstocks. To learn more about S&P Global's Chemical Strategic Reports, including the report on sustainable chemicals, click or tap here . If you enjoyed this episode, we think you'll get a lot of out of the 2024 World Petrochemical Conference. Register here .
Mon, January 29, 2024
Ethanol industry wants more options to be part of US climate solution: ACE CEO
The ethanol industry is angling to be a bigger part of the US decarbonization strategy, but so far, the Biden Administration has sent some mixed signals on the issue. For instance, the Treasury Department has made some policy decisions that could provide some big opportunities for ethanol, but the Environmental Protection Agency is slow walking other policies the industry has called for. Brian Jennings, CEO of the American Coalition for Ethanol , joins the podcast to discuss the administration’s recent policy decisions, and outline additional actions the industry is seeking. Stick around after the interview for Jeff Mower with the Market Minute, a near-term look at oil market drivers.
Tue, January 23, 2024
Recycled polymers outlook
In the first episode of an occasional series on recycling and sustainability, S&P Global Commodity Insights global sustainable editor lead Heng Hui and European chemicals analyst Iris Poon join host Abdulaziz Ehtaiba to discuss the outlook for recycled polymer markets, with a particular focus on geographic differences, regulation, and price dynamics. If you enjoyed this episode, we think you'll get a lot out of the 2024 World Petrochemical Conference. Register here: https://bit.ly/WPC2024pod
Tue, January 09, 2024
2024 outlook
S&P Global Commodity Insights chemicals journalists Kristen Hays and Abdulaziz Ehtaiba, along with CW editor-in-chief Rob Westervelt, sit down with host Vincent Valk for a discussion of the 2024 outlook. Topics include the threat of petchems oversupply, what to expect in Europe and China, the impact of high interest rates, and where the energy transition goes from here.
Wed, December 20, 2023
A platform for biomanufacturing
Karim Engelmark-Cassimjee, CEO and co-founder of green chemistry start-up EnginZyme, joins the podcast to discuss the promise and pitfalls of biomanufacturing processes, and the company’s advances in biobased catalysts and vaccine ingredients.
S110 Enull · Thu, December 14, 2023
Orbia's sustainable transition
Sameer Bharadwaj, CEO of Orbia, joind S&P Global Commodity Insights' polymers lead Kristen Hays to discuss Orbia's transition to a global player focused on sustainability, as well as the longer-term outlook for PVC markets.
Thu, November 30, 2023
Getting to circular
With growing demand for recycled plastics and investment in recycling ramping up, what does the future hold for plastics circularity? Bertan Enhos, exeuctive director/chemical consulting at S&P Global Commodity Insights and lead author of a recent report on plastics circularity, joins the podcast to discuss the state of plastic recycling, the promise of chemical recycling technology, and hurdles to developing a circular plastics supply chain. To learn more about S&P Global's Chemical Strategic Reports, including the report on plastics recycling, click or tap here .
Tue, November 21, 2023
Could demand turn a corner?
Chemical Week editor-in-chief Rob Westervelt and senior editor Vincent Valk discuss third quarter results and what they imply for the industry's outlook. Topics include whether destocking could be coming to an end, if demand is bottoming out, the operating environment in Europe and recovery in China.
Mon, October 30, 2023
Changes in China
Carmen Song, principal consultant at S&P Global Commodity Insights and lead author of a new report on the state of the chemicals sector in China, joins the podcast to discuss shifting currents in the Chinese industry. Topics include a capacity build-out amid oversupply, the impact of decoupling and trade restrictions, and China's energy transition. To learn more about S&P Global's Chemical Strategic Reports, including the report on China, click here .
Wed, October 11, 2023
Key takeaways from EPCA
Abdulaziz Ehtaiba, senior editor/EMEA chemicals with S&P Global Commodity Insights hosts a discussion with Sarah Trinder, managing editor/aromatics EMEA at S&P Global Commodity Insights and Chemical Week executive editor Ian Young on the key takeaways from last month's European Petrochemicals Association (EPCA) meeting. Topics include the dismal outlook for European petrochemicals, Europe's unique regulatory burdens, and how producers will meet the challenges of the energy transition. At the start of the episode, Chemical Week senior editor Vincent Valk gives an overview of some exciting changes coming to the Chemical Week Podcast!
Wed, September 20, 2023
Europe’s unique challenges
With the annual meeting of the European Petrochemical Association approaching from Sept. 25-28, Chemical Week editors Ian Young and Mark Thomas join the podcast to discuss the massive challenges facing the European industry, including high energy prices, regulatory burdens, and weak economic growth. The Chemical Week podcast is the industry’s premier platform for wide-ranging discussion of issues impacting the global chemicals sector, hosted by veteran industry journalist Vincent Valk and the editors of Chemical Week. Subscribe to the Chemical Week podcast on your favorite platform, or visit chemweek.com/podcast to view our episode archive.
Thu, September 07, 2023
Legal wrangling in the chlor-alkali industry
The chlor-alkali industry has seen an unusual number of lawsuits and contractual disputes in recent years, some of which have had a notable impact on market conditions. Kristen Hays, global market lead/polymers at S&P Global Commodity Insights, joins the podcast to help untangle the different legal actions and their implications.
Wed, August 23, 2023
Is the outlook dimming?
Antionette Smith, senior editor at S&P Global Commodity Insights, and Rob Westervelt, Chemical Week editor-in-chief, join Chemical Week senior editor Vincent Valk to discuss second quarter earnings. Topics inclue regional differences in the outlook, destocking and supply/demand, and what could be in store for the rest of the year.
Thu, July 27, 2023
BASF on open innovation
Benjamin Raerup Knudsen, vice president/research, North America at BASF, joins the podcast to discuss the company's open innovation initiatives. Topics include how BASF approaches partnerships in innovation, core areas of focus for research, and how to protect IP and trade secrets in an open innovation ecosystem.
S101 Enull · Thu, July 13, 2023
The future of low-carbon ammonia
Ryan Monis, director of chemical consulting with S&P Global Commodity Insights, joins the podcast to discuss a new report detailing the future for low-carbon ammonia, including rising demand and ammonia's potential uses as an energy carrier. Click here for more information about the report.
Tue, June 27, 2023
Making biochemicals at scale
Michael Deutsch, vice president/biochemicals at UPM, joins the podcast to discuss the company's plans to make biochemicals using wood as a feedstock.
Tue, June 06, 2023
What to make of first quarter earnings?
Antoinette Smith, senior editor/Americas Chemicals and Recycled Polymers at S&P Global Commodity Insights, joins CW editor in chief Rob Westervelt for a discussion of first quarter results in an environment of slowing demand and growing complexity.
Fri, March 17, 2023
Petrochemical challenges
Petrochemical challenges Rob Stier, senior lead/global petrochemical analytics at S&P Global Commodity Insights, joins CW editor Rob Westervelt for a look at how global petrochemical makers are coping with the downturn. Stier assesses the state of the sector, what is different about this downturn, the durability of US feedstock advantage, and what is needed to bring markets back into balance. Join us at the World Petrochemical Conference (WPC) for the latest on the industry outlook. And check out our recent cover story on the petrochemical outlook
Wed, March 15, 2023
The State of Petrochemical Markets
Chemical Week 's latest podcast is a collaboration with Platts Commodity Focus on the state of petrochemical markets. Kristen Hays, global market lead for polymers at S&P Global Commodity Insights, joins CW editor Rob Westervelt and CW markets editor Clay Boswell to assess the impacts of an economic slowdown, fallout from the Russia-Ukraine war, supply chain challenges, and volatile energy costs on supply and demand. Read CW 's recent cover story Shining through the night: Olefin shutdowns likely in Europe, Asia; low costs insulate North America and US polymer export logjams ease: Exports climbed sharply as domestic resin demand weakened in 2022.
Fri, February 03, 2023
Digital marketplaces
Knowde founder and CEO Ali Amin-Javaheri joins CW editor Rob Westervelt to discuss how digital marketplaces are gaining traction in the chemical sector, overcoming the barriers and reluctance on digital adoption from suppliers and buyers, Knowde's progress, and how venture capital views the chemical sector. Knowde's marketplace is online at www.knowde.com
Thu, December 29, 2022
Women in Chemicals: Empowering women in the chemical industry
Women in Chemicals co-founders Amelia Greene, of Wego Chemical Group, and Kylie Wittl, of 3M return to the podcast to talk about the mission and growth of Women in Chemicals, a network and community of females working in the chemical industry. The conversation also addresses how networking, mentorship, and learning programs work for women in the industry and what's ahead for Women in Chemicals' programs and offerings in 2023. To learn more visit: https://www.womeninchemicals.com/
Thu, December 22, 2022
CW forum: Eastman CEO Mark Costa on the path to a circular economy
Despite recent years being marked with the pandemic, trade wars, a supply chain crisis, and a possible manufacturing recession, the industry’s commitment to creating a circular economy has begun to solidify—albeit with the usual suspects of challenges in policy alignment and feedstock security. “We’ve dealt with a lot of chaos, but the momentum in seriousness around sustainability has been present throughout and I don’t see it changing,” Mark Costa, chairman and CEO of Eastman Chemical, told CW editor Rob Westervelt in the keynote session at Chemical Week's Financial Outlook & Sustainability Forum & Awards last month.
Tue, December 20, 2022
Assessing petrochemical prospects in the Middle East
Chemical Week markets editor Mark Thomas assesses the outlook and key strategic issues impacting petrochemical makers in the Middle East in a discussion with CW editor Rob Westervelt. The discussion follows the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association annual meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia earlier this month. Topics include crude-oil-to-chemicals investment, impacts of energy transition on Middle East producers and the near-term outlook. Read CW's latest Middle East coverage at https://chemweek.com/MidEast
Wed, November 02, 2022
What's on the horizon for M&A
Chemweek's editor-in-chief Rob Westervelt sits down with senior editor Vincent Valk to discuss M&A outlook for the rest of 2022 and beyond as the economy heads into a tougher environment.
Wed, October 19, 2022
Sustainability in transportation
Robert McRae, vice president of transportation at Univar, and Liam McCarroll, global director of sustainability at Univar, join the podcast to discuss sustainability in chemical transportation.
Tue, September 27, 2022
Sustainable Leadership
Clarke Murphy, partner and former CEO of executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates, joins the podcast to discuss his book Sustainable Leadership and the importance of developing executives, board effectiveness, and the nature of leadership as companies navigate the challenges around sustainability.
Thu, September 08, 2022
Data Quality and compliance
Jackie Velazquez, director of environmental compliance at software firm Encamp, joins the podcast to discuss the the importance of data quality in environmental, health and safety (EH&S) compliance for chemical makers.
Thu, August 25, 2022
Arkema on sustainability
Tony O'Donovan, regional head of Arkema in North America, joins the podcast to discuss the company's sustainability initiatives, including deals to buy clean electricity and a push to reduce Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions.
Thu, August 11, 2022
Europe's gas crisis and chemicals
Chemical Week executive editor Ian Young joins the podcast to discuss the impact of the natural gas crisis in Europe on the chemical industry, with a particular eye towards BASF. This episode was recorded on 1 August. Since then, Covestro, another major German chemicals producer, has flagged gas supply risks in its second-half outlook. For current updates on this evolving situation, visit chemweek.com.
Mon, July 25, 2022
What's in store for the second half?
Martha Moore, chief economist at the American Chemistry Council, joins the podcast to discuss the group's Mid-Year Situation and Outlook and what's in store for the second-half of 2022.
Thu, June 16, 2022
Sustainable API manufacturing
Girish Malhotra, industry veteran and president of consulting firm EPCOT International, joins the podcast to discuss challenges in sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions reduction in active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing.
Wed, May 25, 2022
First-quarter earnings recap
Chemical Week editor-in-chief Rob Westervelt joins the podcast to discuss an unusual first-quarter earnings season, and what it could mean for the year ahead.
Tue, May 10, 2022
How has the Russia-Ukraine war impacted polymer markets?
In this special episode of Chemical Week's podcast, Luke Milner, managing editor of the EMEA olefins and polymers team at S&P Global Commodity Insights, discusses the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on European polymer markets, with CW senior editor Vincent Valk. Topics include whether buyers in Europe are avoiding Russian material and the impact of the recent reduction in demand. This episode is being cross-posted with S&P Global's Commodities Focus podcast. For more Commodities Focus episodes, visit plattslive.com/media/podcasts.
Wed, April 27, 2022
Learning about supply chain sustainability
Henkel's Astrid Bosten joins the podcast to discuss Together for Sustainability (TfS), an industry initiative to help drive sustainability through the chemicals supply chain, and TfS' learning platform, TfS Academy.
Mon, April 04, 2022
Supply, and workforce, diversification
Megan Gluth-Bohan, CEO and owner of distributor TRI International, joins the podcast to discuss supply diversification efforts in the industry and her thoughts on gender diversity in the industry's workforce. This episode is sponsored by TRI International.
Thu, March 17, 2022
2022 WPC preview
Chem Week editor-in-chief Rob Westervelt joins the podcast to discuss key themes for this year's World Petrochemical Conference (WPC), which will be held in Houston from March 22 to 25.
Fri, March 04, 2022
The specialty chemicals industry gathers again
Jennifer Abril, president and CEO of specialty and fine chemicals trade group SOCMA, joins the podcast to discuss supply chain bottlenecks, demand outlook, and other key issues impacting specialties producers this year. This episode was recorded live at SOCMA's 2022 specialty and custom chemicals show in Forth Worth, Texas.
Tue, February 01, 2022
Differences in digital channels
Jay Bhatia, founder and CEO of Agilis Chemicals, joins the podcast to discuss differing attitudes and methods towards digital commerce in the industry.
Wed, January 12, 2022
2022 outlook
CW editor-in-chief Rob Westervelt joins the podcast to discuss the 2022 chemical industry outlook, including the demand outlook, supply chain issues, and the industry's decarbonization efforts.
Thu, December 16, 2021
Collaborations in water resilience
Emilio Tenuta, chief sustainability officer at Ecolab, and Todd Reeve, CEO about Bonneville Environmental Foundation, join the podcast to discuss joint initiatives addressing water scarcity in the western US, as well as the importance of collaboration.
Thu, December 09, 2021
The case for Asset Performance Management
Honeywell's Mukesh Kumar and Rahul Chillar join the podcast to discuss the company's Asset Performance Management (APM) system, how it interacts with workers, and why APM is important for chemical businesses. This episode is sponsored by Honeywell. To learn more about APM, register for our webinar on 14 December by clicking here: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3530231/8D02D1F78D95B0DEBB77398F7405059F
Wed, November 17, 2021
Accelerating circular economy
Joshua Baca, vice president of plastics at the American Chemistry Council, joins the podcast in to discuss the group's plan to accelerate a circular economy for plastics. This episode is sponsored by the American Chemistry Council.
Wed, October 27, 2021
A look back
Former ACC chief economist Kevin Swift joins the podcast to discuss his decades-long career covering the industry from an economist's perspective. This episode was recorded in late September.
Wed, October 13, 2021
The Billion-Dollar Club and a year of change
CW editior-in-chief Rob Westervelt joins the podcast to discuss CW's Billion-Dollar Club issue, released last month, and the big changes the industry has seen since 2020.
Thu, September 23, 2021
A distributor-friendly digital platform
Eric Byer, president of the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) and Scott Barrows, CEO of digital marketplace start-up Bluepallet, join the podcast to discuss their partnership and building a digital platform that works for distributors.
Tue, August 24, 2021
The modern digital twin
Mohamed Zied-Ouertani of ABB Energy joins the podcast to discuss the future of the digital twin concept, a digital reproduction of a facility, and how it can help organizations further sustainability goals.
Tue, August 10, 2021
The imperative of sustainability
Jorge Soto, sustainable development director at Braskem, joins the podcast to discuss the company's philosophy and initiatives around sustainability. This episode is sponsored by Braskem.
Thu, July 22, 2021
Women in Chemicals
Kylie Wittl of 3M and Amelia Greene of Wego Chemical join the podcast to discuss Women in Chemicals, a new nonprofit dedicated to advancing women in the chemicals industry.
Mon, July 12, 2021
Mid-year economic outlook
Kevin Swift, chief economist at the American Chemistry Council, joins the podcast to discuss the economic outlook at the mid-point of 2021.
Thu, June 17, 2021
Kurita America's digital journey
Kevin Milici, executive vice president with Kurita America, joins the podcast to discuss the company's approach to digitalization in water treatment, and its role in reuse and recycle of water.
Wed, May 26, 2021
Going modular
Brian Loftus, vice president with Koch Modular, joins the podcast to discuss the benefits and challenges of modular construction for chemical facilities, with a particular eye towards sustainability.
Mon, May 03, 2021
The journey to digital
Erik Viens, director with digital platform start-up ChemVM, joins the podcast to discuss the long, and often surprising, history of efforts to bring the chemical industry into the digital world.
Thu, April 22, 2021
New developments in climate policy
Anne Kolton, executive vice president/sustainability, market outreach and communications at the American Chemistry Council (ACC), and Ross Eisenberg, vice president/federal affairs at ACC, join the podcast to discuss climate policy in the Biden administration and ACC's climate priorities.
Thu, April 08, 2021
Embedding sustainability into R&D
In this sponsored episode, Natalia Scherbakoff, global director/technology and innovation at Trinseo, discusses how to embed sustainability into the operations of an R&D organization at a major chemical maker, including challenges, opportunities, and best practices for agenda-setting. This episode is sponsored by Trinseo. To hear more from Natalia Scherbakoff and other leaders in specialty chemicals, register for Chemical Week's Specialty Strategies Forum on April 14. To learn more click here: https://chemweek.com/specialtychemicalsforum
Wed, March 24, 2021
Dan Yergin and The New Map
Dan Yergin, IHS Markit vice chairman, chats with Chem Week publisher and IHS Markit vice president Lyn Tattum about his latest book, The New Map. Live from the 2021 World Petrochemical Conference. To access session from this year's WPC on-demand, go to wpc.ihsmarkit.com.
Tue, March 16, 2021
The post-COVID economic outlook
Nariman Behravesh, senior economic advisor with IHS Markit, joins the podcast to discuss the economic outlook as vaccines start to blunt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and stimulus boosts sentiment.
Fri, February 26, 2021
Machine learning and chemicals production
Berk Birand, CEO of machine learning software firm Fero Labs, joins the podcast to discuss what this emerging technology can do for chemical production, including key applications in sustainability and circular economy.
Thu, February 11, 2021
New digital tools in water treatment
Greg Bock, vice president and general manager at Anue Water Technologies, joins the podcast to discuss how digital tools underpin the company's technology.
Wed, January 13, 2021
2021 outlook
CW editors Rob Westervelt and Vincent Valk discuss the outlook for 2021, a year that should see a rebound in demand as the COVID-19 pandemic fades, but with significant uncertainty around that. Sustainability, the energy transition, and geopolitical instability remain major longer-term themes.
Wed, December 16, 2020
Lummus and TCG go digital
Leon de Bruyn, CEO of Lummus Technology, and Debdas Sen, CEO of TCG Digital, join the podcast to discuss their new joint venture, Lummus Digital. They also discuss some of the challenges faced by chemical companies in digitalization, and the practical meaning of some digital-adjacent buzzwords.
Mon, November 16, 2020
Waste to plastics
In this sponsored episode, UBQ Materials' Sophie Tuviahu and Mainetti's Jeffrey Hsu join the podcast to discuss a partnership that's turning household waste into useful everyday products. This episode is sponsored by UBQ Materials, a start-up that has found a way to transform unsorted household waste into a bio-based thermoplastic. To learn more, visit www.ubqmaterials.com.
Fri, November 06, 2020
BASF's green bonds
Dirk Elvermann, president/corporate finance at BASF, joins the podcast to discuss the company's green bond issue this past spring, a first for the industry.
Fri, October 16, 2020
Digital distribution
Christophe Cabarry, CEO of SpecialChem, joins the podcast to discuss digitalization's promise and pitfalls for the chemical distribution sector.
Wed, September 16, 2020
Overview of specialty chemicals
Aida Jebens, Associate Director/Specialty Chemicals Insights at IHS Markit joins the podcast to discuss the latest Overview of the Specialty Chemicals Industry report. Key topics include the growth outlook for specialty chemicals, the impact of COVID-19, and which market sectors have the best prospects. To learn more about the report, visit: https://ihsmarkit.com/products/specialty-chemicals-update-program.html
Tue, September 01, 2020
Genomatica's sustainability survey
Christophe Schilling, CEO and co-founder of biochems firm Genomatica, joins the podcast to discuss the results of the company's recent survey on public attitudes towards sustainability in the US. Key findings include that the public, especially younger generations, considers sustainability important even in the midst of a global pandemic.
Thu, August 06, 2020
Coatings and the future of mobility
PPG's Rebecca Liebert and Peter Votruba-Drzal joint the podcast to discuss the company's initiatives in coatings for electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous vehicles.
Mon, June 22, 2020
Re-imagining customer engagement in specialties
Joe Lupia, head of technology and product stewardship at Elementis, joins the podcast to discuss how the company engaging with customers and employees in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Thu, May 28, 2020
The outlook after earnings season
CW editors Rob Westervelt and Vincent Valk chat about the recently-concluded earnings season, with an eye towards the uncertain outlook for the second half of 2020.
Fri, May 08, 2020
A conversation with Frank Bergonzi of Azelis
Azelis Americas CEO Frank Bergonzi joins the podcast for a wide-ranging discussion about his career, the company's rapid growth, and what Covid-19 means for chemicals distribution.
Wed, April 22, 2020
Digitalization in the time of Covid-19
Manish Chawla, global managing director/energy and natural resources at IBM, joins CW's Rob Westervelt to discuss the industry's progress in digitalization, and what the Covid-19 pandemic means for the future of digital tools in industry.
Wed, April 01, 2020
The Covid-19 pandemic hits industry
CW editors Rob Westervelt and Vincent Valk chat about what we've seen so far from the chemical industry's response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and what could happen going forward.
Wed, March 04, 2020
Socma's Jennifer Abril
Socma president Jennifer Abril joins the podcast to discuss her career and the progression of women in the specialty chemicals industry. Live from Specialty & Custom Chemicals America in Fort Worth, Texas.
Wed, February 05, 2020
ChemChina-Sinochem and the future of ag
Sanjiv Rana, editor-in-chief of Agrow, joins the podcast to discuss the ChemChina-Sinochem ag merger and its implications for the agchems industry.
Fri, January 17, 2020
2020 Outlook
In our third annual outlook podcast, CW editors Rob Westervelt and Vincent Valk chat about what's in store for the industry in 2020.
Tue, December 31, 2019
"Dark Waters" and industry's reputation
In CW's first-ever movie review podcast, Rob Westervelt and Vincent Valk chat about the recent film "Dark Waters," which takes an often-scathing look at one of the largest environmental cases in the industry's history.
Thu, December 19, 2019
Moody's on 2020 and credit markets
John Rogers, senior vice president at Moody's Investors Service, joins the podcast to discuss Moody's view on chemicals and credit markets in 2020.
Tue, November 26, 2019
Innovation at PPG
David Bem, chief technology officer at PPG Industries, joins the podcast to discuss the R&D function at PPG.
Wed, November 06, 2019
Earnings so far
CW editors Rob Westervelt and Vincent Valk sit down to discuss third-quarter 2019 earnings so far, with a focus on the softening economy and the 2020 outlook.
Wed, September 18, 2019
The shaky economy
ACC chief economist Kevin Swift joins the podcast to discuss the mixed signals emanating from a soft economy.
Tue, September 10, 2019
2019 Billion-Dollar Club
CW editor-in-chief Rob Westervelt joins the podcast to discuss the 2019 Billion-Dollar Club and the future of the industry's leaderboard.
Wed, August 21, 2019
Developments in lithium and battery materials
Nell Agate Tsui and Luke Bednarksi from the Global Battery Materials team at IHS Markit discuss the important role lithium plays in the electric vehicle market, supply-demand dynamics, and technology developments, with CW's Vincent Valk.
Thu, August 08, 2019
Trade wars reignite
Socma's Robert Helminiak and Matt Moedritzer join the podcast to discuss the latest developments in the escalating trade spat between the US and China.
Thu, June 27, 2019
Genomatica & biobased chemicals
Damien Perriman, senior vice president/specialty chemicals at Genomatica, discusses the company's technology, and the role of biochemicals within the circular economy and the specialty chemicals industry.
Tue, June 11, 2019
First-quarter earnings in Europe
IHS Markit VP Lyn Tattum and CW's Ian Young discuss first-quarter earnings, with a focus on Europe. Both Chemical Week and IHS Markit's Company Strategies and Performance provide in-depth coverage of quarterly earnings trends.
Thu, May 30, 2019
Solvay's circular economy
Isabelle Gubelmann-Bonneau, senior vice president and circular economy head at Solvay, chats with CW about the circular economy in specialty chemicals and Solvay's initiatives in that area.
Mon, May 06, 2019
AI's role in pharma
Brendan Allgood, chief technology officer of AI-driven drug discovery firm Numerate, chats with CW's Vincent Valk about AI's role in pharma and pharma ingredients, including how AI can complement chemistry and what AI can't do. Live from CPhI North America in Chicago.
Wed, April 24, 2019
Battery materials
Stefan Schlag of IHS Markit chats with CW about the outlook for battery materials, including lithium supply ramp-ups, issues with cobalt supply, and confidence in aggressive demand growth forecasts for lithium-ion batteries.
Tue, April 16, 2019
Equate Petrochemical
Equate Petrochemical CEO Ramesh Ramachandran talks with CW about the company's growth and investment plans, as well as its' outlook for the coming year. Live from the 2019 World Petrochemical Conference in San Antonio, Texas.
Tue, April 16, 2019
ACC's Cal Dooley
ACC president Cal Dooley chats with CW about the industry's sustainability efforts and regulatory priorities for 2019. Live from the World Petrochemical Conference in San Antonio, Texas.
Wed, April 10, 2019
Sasol ramps up
Sasol's Steve Cornell chats with CW about the ramp-up of the company's massive petchems project at Lake Charles, Louisiana, and whether market sentiment has stabilized in early 2019. Live from the 2019 World Petrochemical Conference in San Antonio, Texas.
Wed, April 10, 2019
Feedstocks outlook
IHS Markit's Kurt Barrow chats with CW about the outlook for petrochemical feedstocks, and other refining-related topics. Live from the 2019 World Petrochemical Conference in San Antonio, Texas.
Thu, April 04, 2019
China Outbound M&A
IHS Markit VP Roger Green chats with CW about China's outbound acquisition efforts, a key part of the country's downstream push. Live from the 2019 World Petrochemical Conference in San Antonio, Texas.
Thu, April 04, 2019
Bob Patel
Bob Patel, CEO of LyondellBasell, chats with CW about the outlook for petrochemicals and the company's sustainability and plastics waste efforts. Live from the 2019 World Petrochemical Conference in San Antonio.
Fri, March 22, 2019
WPC recap
CW editors discuss key takeaways from the 2019 IHS Markit World Petrochemical Conference, including sustainability issues, the role of geopolitics in industry, and a shift in the outlook.
Wed, March 20, 2019
Global macroeconomic outlook
Nariman Behravesh, Chief Economist at IHS Markit, discusses the global macroeconomic outlook, including the causes of the Chinese slowdown, geopolitical risks, and what could prevent a recession.
Wed, February 20, 2019
Combating plastics waste
CW's Vincent Valk chats with Jim Seward, vice president of sustainability and technology with LyondellBasell, about the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (of which LyondellBasell is a founding member) and the global challenge of fighting plastic waste.
Wed, January 30, 2019
Research and innovation at FMC
CW's Vincent Valk talks to Kathy Shelton, chief technology officer at FMC, about her career and how the R&D process works at FMC.
Thu, January 10, 2019
2019 Outlook
CW editors Vincent Valk and Rob Westervelt chat about the industry's outlook for 2019. Political and economic uncertainty, slowing growth in China, and plastics waste are expected to be key themes in a year that already looks set for turmoil.
Tue, December 18, 2018
Chemicals & Investors
CW's Vincent Valk chats with Mike Sison of KeyBanc about a volatile year on Wall Street and what it means for chemical-industry equities in 2019.
Mon, November 26, 2018
Succession Planning
CW's Vincent Valk chats with Keith Arnold, CEO of MFG Chemical, and Paul Turgeon, board member at MFG, about succession planning and the challenges of growing a small business.
Tue, October 16, 2018
Third-quarter earnings preview
CW editors Rob Westervelt and Vincent Valk chat about the outlook for third-quarter earnings amid raw-material cost inflation and a recent stock-market swoon.
Fri, September 14, 2018
EPI shortage hits epoxy markets
Chem Week's Vincent Valk chats with Eric Linak, director for coatings and resins at IHS Markit Chemical, about a shortage in epichlorohydrin (EPI) and its' impact on epoxy markets.
Thu, August 16, 2018
Trade war and specialty chemicals
Chemical Week's Vincent Valk discusses tariffs, China, and the potential impact of a trade war with Robert Helminiak,vice president of legal and government relations with specialty chemicals association SOCMA.
Tue, July 31, 2018
What's next for M&A
CW's Vincent Valk discusses a white-hot chemicals M&A market with Roger Green of IHS Markit.
Thu, June 28, 2018
ACC's mid-year outlook
CW Senior Editor Vincent Valk chats with Kevin Swift, chief economist at the American Chemistry Council, about the group's mid-year situation and outlook.
Thu, June 07, 2018
AkzoNobel's Imagine Chemistry Challenge
CW Senior Editor Vincent Valk chats with Peter Nieuwenhuizen, chief technology officer at AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals, about the company's Imagine Chemistry challenge and open innovation in the chemical industry. Live from the Imagine Chemistry 2018 finals in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Thu, May 03, 2018
Frank Bergonzi of Azelis Americas
CW editor-in-chief Rob Westervelt chats with Frank Bergonzi, president of Azelis Americas, about the company's growth strategy, consolidation, and why suppliers are pushing more business to chemicals distribution.
Mon, March 26, 2018
Jim Fitterling & the Future of Dow
CW Editor-in-Chief Rob Westervelt interviews Jim Fitterling, COO of DowDuPont's materials science division and future CEO of Dow Chemical. Live from the 2018 World Petrochemical Conference in Houston.
Wed, March 21, 2018
Global Economic Situation
CW Senior Editor Vincent Valk chats with IHS Markit Chief Economist Nariman Behravesh about the global economy, live from the World Petrochemical Conference in Houston.
Tue, February 27, 2018
Digitization
CW Senior Editor Vincent Valk chats with SpecialChem founder and CEO Christophe Cabarry about digitization in chemicals, including why the industry has been slow to embrace digital, which areas have seen the most progress, and whether "Chemazon" is a realistic possibility.
Wed, February 14, 2018
Remembering Jon Huntsman
Chem Week editors remember Jon Huntsman, a true industry pioneer, who passed away on February 2 at age 80.
Thu, January 11, 2018
2018 Chemical Week outlook podcast
Chemical Week editors Vincent Valk and Rob Westervelt chat about the industry's mostly-positive outlook for 2018.
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