The former Brenntag CEO believes the chemical industry can overcome current challenges once it takes some more bold steps.

- Industry emerged stronger from previous crises and can do so again

- Nascent recovery stifled by tariff war

- Overcapacity is hurting industry everywhere

- Europe closures mean distributors may adjust sourcing

- Distribution industry is ripe for more consolidation

- Leaders need a strong vision to attract the best talent

- Private equity, state-funded bodies could buy assets, create national champions

In this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Christian Kohlpaintner, former CEO of Brenntag.

European phthalic anhydride (PA) reporter Gabrielle Jordan and plasticizers reporter Marion Boakye discuss current market conditions ahead of the European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) annual meeting, taking place 22–25 September in Berlin, Germany.

Both markets are set to remain under pressure through 2025, with sellers facing headwinds from competitive import flows, ample domestic supply, and muted demand.

A meaningful rebound in consumption appears unlikely, as ongoing economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and fragile global trade continue to weigh on major downstream sectors, particularly automotive and construction.

Topics discussed include:

• Supply-demand dynamics
• Short-term outlooks
• Key themes ahead of EPCA

Podcast by Marion Boakye and Gabrielle Jordan

In an increasingly unstable world, chemicals executives need to be aware of the important issues which are likely to steer the global economy, and markets, for the rest of 2025.

• President Trump’s tariff trade war
• Russia’s war with Ukraine
• China’s property bubble
• Potential for another Asian financial crisis
• Crude oil market convulsions

In this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting.

The phosphates market has seen some activity recently, with China resuming phosphates exports and import demand from Ethiopia and Bangladesh. However, affordability remains an issue for the market, especially in India.

Meanwhile, ammonia availability continues to remain tight globally with planned and unplanned shutdowns.

Senior editors Chris Vlachopoulos and Sylvia Traganida discuss the latest developments in the markets and the short-term outlook.

Join Emily Friedman, ICIS US recycled plastics senior editor in Episode 5 of Sustainably Speaking alongside Arianne Perez, Asia recycled plastic senior editor, and Joshua Dill, Americas recycled plastic analyst, as they discuss the implications of weak domestic recycled polyethylene terephthalate (R-PET) markets between the US and Asia. Even as local feedstock markets tumble, both regions are seeing further downwards pressure from global trade.

Some questions answered during this episode:

• What is the current state of US and Asian R-PET markets? Are dropping US prices influencing Asian markets?
• How has the evolving tariff policy impacted US R-PET and PET imports via the 3907 HS code?
• What is the end of year outlook for US and Asian R-PET markets considering the weak environment at present?

LONDON (ICIS)--Europe oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets have seen lower level of activity in August with supply widely ample across derivative markets and demand subdued. Into September and for the remainder of the year, substantive changes to underlying demand are not widely expected and so the principle focus is still on supply changes and the impact of planned maintenances.

Glycol ethers editor Cameron Birch speaks to oxo-alcohols and butyl acetate editor Marion Boakye and acrylate esters editor Mat Jolin-Beech about conditions in these markets and expectations for the near future.

Chemical companies may see drastic AI-driven changes in sales, marketing, supply chain and product development but it will always augment, not replace humans.

- Companies need to work out their pain points and ambition

- Quantifying AI’s business value is a key challenge

- Companies often run siloed projects without a unified strategy

- Clean, trusted data is essential for AI success

- AI should augment, not replace, human decision-making

- Governance and ethical frameworks are critical safeguards

- AI can reshape supply chains and customer engagement

- Cultural change and workforce education are vital

- AI raises questions about intellectual property

- AI adoption in chemicals is still at an early stage

In this Think Tank podcast, ICIS journalist Will Beacham interviews AI entrepreneur and consultant Eleanor Manley, Sebastian Rau, director of advanced analytics for ICIS and Carlos Soares, senior vice president for data, analytics & AI at Brenntag.

LONDON (ICIS)--A mix of regulatory changes, market fundamentals and global economic factors is transforming the Asian biodiesel and glycerine markets.

In this latest podcast, Asia biodiesel editor Evangeline Cheung and glycerine senior editor Helen Yan joins their Europe counterpart Nazif Nazmul to share the latest developments and expectations for what lies ahead.

• Firm palm oil fundamentals and regulatory support strengthen biodiesel market despite mixed demand
• Recent drop in glycerine spot prices linked to a slump in China's epichlorohydrin (ECH) market
• Market awaits further clarification on EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), impact on US tariff-led oleochemical trade follow

Biodiesel, which can be derived from vegetable oils, animal fats and other waste-based bio-feedstocks, is used as fuel in diesel engines.

Glycerine is mainly used in personal and oral care products such as skincare creams, toothpaste and mouthwash. It is also used in food products, either as glycerine directly or one of its derivatives such as glycerol monostearate.