Curious about the booming potential of Alberta’s Industrial Heartland and its impact on the global petrochemical landscape? Join Victoria Meyer as she speaks with Mark Plamondon, Executive Director of the Alberta Industrial Heartland Association, to uncover the immense benefits of investing in this strategic region. From low-cost feedstocks and world-class carbon management systems to a robust infrastructure and skilled workforce, Mark highlights the unique advantages that have positioned Alberta’s Industrial Heartland as a premier destination for major capital projects.

Mark discusses significant developments, including Dow's groundbreaking net-zero ethylene manufacturing facility and Shell's advancements in carbon capture projects. The episode also touches on the role of logistical certainty, international investments, and the region's future growth prospects. Additionally, hear about the upcoming Canadian Petrochemical Summit in Lake Louise, which promises to be a vital platform for industry leaders navigating global markets and fostering meaningful connections.

Be sure to check out the full episode to learn more about:

• A look at the growth of Alberta's Industrial Heartland
• Breaking down the economics: How feedstock advantages shape petrochemical investment decisions
• The role of carbon capture in industrial development - from existing operations to future expansion plans and why timing matters
• How global supply chain dynamics and port strikes are affecting industrial development, plus insights on Asian investment trends in North America
• The challenges of navigating uncertainty in a changing political landscape - and how regions work to maintain stable investment environments
• A discussion on leadership - why stepping up to take clear positions matters and the importance of leading with integrity

Other links:

Mark Plamondon Episode 145 Alberta’s Industrial Heartland’s Competitive Edge in Petrochemicals

Register for the Canadian Petrochemical Summit this June 17-19 in Lake Louise, Alberta

Register for The 40th World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global this March 17 – 21 in Houston, Texas. The Chemical Show audience receives a special discount of 5%. Register today using code WPC2025ChemShow5%.

Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives

Download: 7 Trends Shaping the Future of the Chemical Industry

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Explore the intersection of performance and sustainability in the cleaning industry, as Victoria Meyer delves into the insights and innovations shared at the 2025 American Cleaning Institute (ACI) annual meeting. Joined by industry experts Jim Griffin from SCT and Ned Weintraub from Noble AI, this episode emphasizes the cautious optimism prevailing in the industry, driven by a renewed focus on smarter supply chains and the practical application of sustainability. Discover how the industry is navigating the decade of supply chain challenges and shifting trends towards consumer value-driven sustainability with a "small s."

Key takeaways from the convention emphasize a balance between innovation and market readiness, highlighted by advances in AI and the quest for multifunctional, sustainable ingredients. Victoria, Jim, and Ned discuss the delicate process of aligning corporate capabilities with consumer expectations while addressing regulatory hurdles and the industry's ongoing journey towards water conservation and innovative, eco-friendly practices. Dive into these transformative trends and prepare your business for the path ahead with insights from The Chemical Show's latest episode.

Learn more about the following topics this week:

• The cautious optimism of 2025: chemical industry pulse at ACI
• The 5 trends shaping cleaning and chemical industries in 2025
• Innovations driven by consumer archetypes and their needs like water protection, reduced waste, and performance
• The future of cleaning: water-free formulations with Jim Griffin of SCT
• AI's role in chemical innovation with Ned Weintraub of NobleAI

Other links:

Register for The 40th World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global this March 17 – 21 in Houston, Texas. The Chemical Show audience receives a special discount of 5%. Register today using code WPC2025ChemShow5%.

Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives

Download: 7 Trends Shaping the Future of the Chemical Industry

Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube

***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player.
***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review.
***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com

Navigating the shifting landscape of the chemical industry and the global economic climate, Tony Potter and Kurt Barrow from S&P Global join host Victoria Meyer to offer a comprehensive market update for 2025. They delve into the global supply and demand dynamics of feedstocks like oil and NGLs and unpack the impact of geopolitical changes, including the return of Donald Trump to the US presidency. Touching on the Chinese market’s massive capacity expansions and the European chemical industry’s crossroads, this episode provides an insightful analysis of how market forces are reshaping the industry.

Victoria, Tony, and Kurt explore critical topics such as decarbonization and sustainability, emphasizing the ongoing challenges and advancements in circularity, advanced recycling, and the integration of green technologies. They also discuss strategic responses to global market imbalances and the significance of staying prepared for future investments.

Learn more about the following topics this week:

• Navigating the chemical industry's perfect storm: massive overcapacity in China, European plants at a breaking point, and North American resilience
• The tension between sustainability goals and market reality.
• Changes in leadership and trade policies are reshaping the industry and what smart companies are doing to prepare.
• Who's actually paying for sustainability initiatives?
• Looking at Europe's aging chemical infrastructure and how some 50-year-old plants may get a new lease on life due to carbon border adjustments
• Why industry veterans advise looking past current market conditions and political uncertainties to prepare for growth in the 2030s

Other links:

Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives

Download: 7 Trends Shaping the Future of the Chemical Industry

Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube

When a cyberattack hits, can your company quickly identify if it’s mechanical mishap or malicious intervention? Join Victoria Meyer as she sits down with Robert Lee, CEO of renowned cybersecurity firm Dragos, to delve into the critical distinctions between IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology) cybersecurity. From safeguarding chemical facilities and power grids to the financial and national security risks tied to under-resourced OT security, Rob provides invaluable insights into the world of protective digital networks.

Rob shares his journey from the U.S. Air Force to establishing Dragos, including the pivotal moments and ethical stands that led him away from offensive cyber operations. Emphasizing the importance of scenario-based planning and risk assessment, this episode explores how companies can better prepare for potential cyber threats and the rising expectations from regulatory bodies.

Join us to learn more about these topics this week:

• Origin story of Rob Lee: US Airforce to National Security Agency to CEO of Dragos
• Cybersecurity: Information Technology (IT) versus Operation Technology (OT)
• Advising boardrooms about cyber security risks: Scenario-based approach in cybersecurity
• The role of executives and boards in cybersecurity
• Leadership as a young CEO

Other links:

Ep 34 Taking on 2021: Navigating a Cyber Attack, Acquisitions and More with Brad Beauchamp

Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives

Download: 7 Trends Shaping the Future of the Chemical Industry

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Navigating the complex regulatory landscape between China and the U.S., Peter Huntsman, CEO of Huntsman Corporation, sheds light on the critical challenges and opportunities within the global chemical industry. Host Victoria Meyer sits down with Peter to discuss the fast-paced approval processes in China compared to the stringent regulations in the U.S., the long-term perspective needed for investments in this industry, and the impact of public detachment from the industrial origins of chemical products.

Peter also delves into the intricacies of operating in the European market, influenced by anti-manufacturing policies and geopolitical tensions, and discusses the necessary transformation strategies Huntsman Corporation has adopted over the past two decades. From the Huntsman family legacy to the pivotal role of smart carbon utilization, this episode uncovers the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in the ever-evolving chemical industry.

Join us to learn more about these topics this week:

• Origin of Huntsman: From selling clam shell containers to supplying airplanes with materials
• The role of chemicals in the energy transition
• Regulatory challenges: chemical innovation approval delays
• Administration uncertainty, regulatory risk, and public perception of the chemical industry
• European regulation and impact
• Business Transformation: growing, selling, and changing businesses and aligning your organization
• Characteristics attributed to successful leadership

Other links:

Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives

Download: 7 Trends Shaping the Future of the Chemical Industry

Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube

***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player.
***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review.
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Discover how AI is becoming as essential as the internet or mobile phones in the chemical industry with guests Alan Spanos and Chad Macey from ICIS. Alan explains the vision of being a supportive sidekick to customers while discussing the main barriers to AI adoption, emphasizing the importance of trust and effective communication. Meanwhile, Chad highlights the significant role of AI tools in improving decision-making and productivity, and addresses the ethical considerations and potential risks associated with AI technology.

Victoria Meyer and her guests delve into personal anecdotes illustrating the rapid evolution of technology, comparing past skepticism about the internet to current acceptance. The conversation progresses to the innovative AI applications at ICIS, such as the ASK ICIS tool, designed to save users time by providing focused, reliable answers from vast data sets. Highlighting transparency, customer support, and continuous innovation, the episode underscores the transformative potential of AI in the chemical industry, all while ensuring ethical usage and customer trust.

Learn more about the following topics this week:

• The role of technology in chemicals today
• AI adoption and barriers and the future of work
• Client engagement with AI and technology tools today
• Ask ICIS: how are clients are engaging and getting value from ICIS' gen AI tool
• Trust and transparency in AI: concerns about AI "hallucinations" and ensuring reliable outputs

Other links:

Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives

Download: 7 Trends Shaping the Future of the Chemical Industry

Ask ICIS

John Richardson Episode 179: How the Global Chemical Market is Shifting with John Richardson of ICIS

John Richardson Episode 144: Petrochemicals in 2024: Capacity Overbuild and Codependent Markets with John Richardson of ICIS

John Richardson Episode 102: China’s Aging Demographics and the Future of the Chemical Industry with John Richardson

John Richardson Episode 79: How The China Market Affects Chemical Prices With John Richardson

John Richardson Episode 36: How China’s Response To Chemicals Is Affecting the World With John Richardson of ICIS

John Richardson Episode 22: Understanding Market Demand To Manage Your Business Amid Uncertainty With John Richardson

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Reflecting on the state of mergers and acquisitions in the chemicals and materials industries for 2024 and looking ahead to 2025, Kevin Yttre, President and Managing Director at Grace Matthews, joins host Victoria Meyer on The Chemical Show. Following recent supply chain disruptions and unpredictable business performance, Kevin shares his insights on the improved conditions that have led to increased deal activity and optimism for the future. Emphasizing the importance of steady-state performance for valuation, they discuss the evolving competitive landscape, including heightened interest from private equity and international firms.

Victoria and Kevin discuss the increasing sophistication of M&A processes, underscoring the necessity for thorough due diligence and strategic preparation. They explore the ongoing interest from international companies, the influence of private equity in driving competition, and the external factors impacting market stability. Kevin also provides career advice on transitioning into investment banking, highlighting the pivotal role of an MBA and other pathways within the industry. This episode offers valuable insights into the current and future trends in the chemicals and materials sector's mergers and acquisitions landscape, setting the stage for what's to come in 2025.

Join us to learn more about the following topics this week:

• Observations and assessments on chemicals and materials M&A activity in 2024
• Valuation trends in 2024: The current methodologies and commonly used markers for chemical businesses
• Analyzing the current competitive landscape through private equity activity and the availability of capital
• Critical factors in M&A in 2025
• Leadership and career pathways in M&A

Other links:

Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives

Download: 7 Trends Shaping the Future of the Chemical Industry

Ep 106: Insights to M&A in Chemical and Materials Industry with Kevin Yttre

Grace Matthews Newsletter: Momentum Building into 2025: Strategies for M&A Success (Winter 2024)

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Discover how microscopic quantities of ingredients can make a monumental difference in everyday products. Victoria Meyer talks with Greg Adamson, Senior VP at Givaudan, about the world of fragrances and flavors. Greg brings insights from his journey as a toxicologist, touching on his experiences in both biotech and the household and consumer products industry. They dive into Givaudan’s crucial role in creating tastes and scents that are ever-present in our daily lives, and the complex regulations that ensure their safety and efficacy.

Greg and Victoria explore the intricate dance between innovation and regulation. From influencing global chemical policies to ensuring that industry practices align with stringent safety standards, Greg discusses how Givaudan navigates these challenges. They also address the critical distinction between hazard and risk, and the pursuit of standardized regulations to simplify global operations. For those in the chemical industry or simply curious about the science behind everyday smells and tastes, this episode sheds light on the innovative and regulatory landscape of flavors and fragrances.

Join us to learn more about the following topics this week:

• Greg's career moves from Australian toxicologist to leading global regulatory
• Givaudan's presence in consumer products and the importance of HCPA
• Regulatory priorities and challenges: striving for national standardized regulations to increase innovation in chemicals
• The importance of educating regulators and stakeholders on hazards versus risks
• The importance of leading with passion

Other links:

Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives

Download: 7 Trends Shaping the Future of the Chemical Industry

Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube.

***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player.
***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review.
***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com