Industry: Specialty chemicals

The plastics processing industry is undergoing a profound transformation. As global markets demand more sustainable, efficient, and digitally integrated manufacturing, the machinery that powers this sector is evolving rapidly. From injection molding to 3D printing, each technology is being reshaped by innovation, regulation, and shifting customer expectations. Exhibit 1. Plastic machinery companies and strategic initiatives […]

The European chemical industry is in the midst of a significant transformation, driven by a perfect storm of weak demand, persistently high energy costs, lingering overcapacity, and the disruptive impact of geopolitical factors like new tariffs. These challenging conditions are forcing major players to make tough decisions, resulting in a wave of strategic divestitures and painful plant closures across the […]

Europe’s chemical industry is undergoing an unprecedented transformation, marked by a surge in divestitures and plant closures. This challenging environment, driven by weak demand, persistently high energy costs, lingering overcapacity, and geopolitical pressures, highlights the sector’s declining competitiveness. Indeed, a recent Cefic study revealed that in 2023 and 2024 alone, chemical companies announced the closure of over […]

The oil & gas and chemical industries are at an inflection point. For years, growth was a given, but a new era, one characterized by a structural decline in capital and operational spending, is starting to take shape. Recent trends of slowing oil demand growth, oversupplied markets, and shrinking chemical margins as shown in exhibit […]

Traditionally, hydrogen has been produced predominantly via steam methane reforming (SMR), a process in which methane in natural gas reacts with steam at high temperature, producing hydrogen, and carbon dioxide (CO2) as byproduct. Hydrogen produced via this method is commonly referred to as grey hydrogen. Although this method is cost-effective, it contributes significantly to greenhouse […]

In the May 2025 edition of the ADI chemicals newsletter, we spotlight LyondellBasell’s dual-track investments in mechanical and chemical recycling, as shared at the 2025 ADI Forum. This issue also features key project assessments—ranging from catalyst markets to oilfield chemicals—alongside major plant announcements, closures, M&A moves, and feedstock supply contracts shaping the global chemicals landscape. […]

In the April 2025 edition of the ADI chemicals newsletter, we discussed how the chemical industry is prioritizing sustainability, exploring seven renewable electricity options. Globally, there was a mix of plant expansions and closures from ExxonMobil, Dow, and Mitsubishi Chemicals. M&A activity included KPS Capital acquiring INEOS resins, Shell selling its Singapore park, and Hexpol […]

In the March 2025 edition of the ADI newsletter, we covered how refineries are under pressure to decarbonize. Despite a slowdown, shale consolidation was expected to attract investment, and the Middle East was experiencing a gas boom to meet rising demand. Additionally, the global chemical industry was projected to rebound in 2025, driven by specialty […]

Resilience through innovation and strategic restructuring is laying the groundwork for a recovery in the chemicals industry. As companies pivot toward high-growth markets and adapt to global challenges, 2025 is expected to bring renewed optimism. Key trends to watch in 2025 include: The rest of this article is available to ADI Plus Essential subscribers. ADI […]

At the 2025 ADI Forum, Rob Helwick, CEO & President, Meridian Chemicals, and Anahita Khanlari, Solution Marketing Director, AspenTech, joined moderator Panuswee Dwivedi, Project Manager, ADI Analytics. The group participated in the specialty chemicals panel. Key topics include the chemical industry’s focus on digitalization, efficiency, and sustainability, driven by market shifts and feedstock challenges. This […]

At the 2025 ADI Forum, Tom Ambrose, Co-Founder & Partner, Black Bay Partners, and Chris Hogan, MD, KeyBanc Capital Markets join Uday Turaga, CEO, ADI Analytics for the investor panel on chemicals day. Key topics include private equity’s robust capital but choppy deal activity due to high interest rates, leading to bifurcated valuations favoring top-tier […]

At the 2025 ADI Forum, Uday Turaga, CEO of ADI Analytics, shares his 2025 chemical industry outlook. Key challenges include low margins, overcapacity from China, and U.S. feedstock dynamics. He emphasizes the urgent need for restructuring, innovation, and new business models. U.S. innovation faces challenges, and virgin plastics remain cheaper. These and other issues are […]