What can the industry's past tell us about its future?
Longtime Chemical Week editor Rob Westervelt joins podcast host Vincent Valk for a discussion of the chemical industry's competitive landscape after this week's publication of Chemical Week's annual Billion-Dollar Club ranking. Key topics include the implications of the rise of China, why the industry's leaderboard has been static in recent years, and whether equity markets have an appetite for diversified chemical manufacturers.
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19:49
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19:49
What are the big challenges for recycling in specialty plastics?
Torsten Heinemann, head of group innovation and sustainability at Covestro and member of the Global Impact Coalition's executive committee, joins the podcast to discuss the challenges inherent in using recycled material as a feedstock for specialty plastics. Key topics include why it's so difficult drop new raw materials into a process, bottlenecks to expanding recycling, Covestro's efforts to develop and scale technologies in this area, and the importance of cross-industry collaboration.
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28:26
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28:26
What are the key takeaways from Q2 earnings season?
Chemical Week's Ian Young and Vincent Valk join S&P Global Platts' Daniel Pelosi and host Jameson Croteau for a discussion of Q2 earnings season. Key topics include tariff impacts, the capacity overhang in petchems, what companies are saying about the outlook, and variations in end-market demand.
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26:50
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26:50
What are the major points of concern for US industry?
Chris Jahn, CEO and president of the American Chemistry Council, joins the podcast to discuss major issues facing the US chemicals sector and the outlook for the rest of the year. Key topics include the evolving role of industrial policy, Trump's tariffs and regulatory reforms, and producer sentiment for the rest of the year.
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27:02
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27:02
Can the chemicals sector truly move away from fossil-based carbon?
Christopher vom Berg, executive manager of the Renewable Carbon Initiative, a think tank and consultancy, joins the podcast to discuss a report on pathways for Europe's chemical industry to transition away from fossil-based carbon. Key topics include whether such a transition can actually boost Europe's competitiveness, the correct balance between incentives and regulation, and how to create markets for new products. The full report is available here: Policy Proposals for Facilitating the Transition to Renewable Carbon.
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