Industry: Specialty chemicals

U.S. private equity (PE) deals declined in value by 30% in 2022 from the record high of 2021 but dry powder changed marginally. Materials and resources were hard hit and deal value and transactions both fell by ~70% and ~40%, respectively. (Exhibit 1) Exhibit 1: Private equity deals and assets Plastics M&A also fell from […]

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have gained significant attention due to their widespread use, persistence in the environment, and potential adverse health effects. A recent study on landfill leachate conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found PFAS in 95% of landfills. Based on these findings, in January 2023 the EPA announced that they […]

In 1987, the world collectively decided to ban chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) after discovering their devastating impact on the ozone layer. Despite the industry’s initial concerns about the economic implications, the ban was successful, and the ozone layer is now on the road to recovery. The ongoing debate around “forever chemicals” such as PFAS calls for a […]

At the 2023 FlexPO+ (now incorporated into the ADI Forum), Carlos Badiola, SVP of Engineering at Encina, discussed the company’s efforts to convert mixed plastic waste into basic chemical products, such as benzene, at its Pennsylvania facility. The discussion focused on Encina’s approach to advanced recycling, including its work in understanding different waste qualities and […]

At the 2023 FlexPO+ (now part of the ADI Forum), Uday Turaga, CEO, ADI Analytics, highlighted the pivotal role of innovation in the plastics and polymers industry. Key topics included the importance of innovation and R&D in the chemical industry, which consistently contribute to higher shareholder returns. The discussion emphasized how innovation drives growth, particularly […]

At the 2023 FlexPO+ (now incorporated into the ADI Forum), Steve Brown, CEO, Chemstations, joined the innovation panel, moderated by Uday Turaga, CEO, ADI Analytics. Brown said that chemists could significantly accelerate new material development by leveraging process simulation tools. This focus on the power of process modeling applied to real-world application in chemicals. The […]

At the 2023 FlexPO+ (now incorporated into the ADI Forum), Bob Maughon, EVP, Sustainability, SABIC, presented the keynote speech of the day, after an introduction by Uday Turaga, CEO, ADI Analytics. Key topics included the chemical industry’s dramatic transformation due to shifting competitive landscapes and new global players. Sustainability and energy transition were paramount, driving […]

At the 2023 FlexPO+ (now incorporated into the ADI Forum), Bob Maughon, EVP, Sustainability, Technology & Innovation and Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer, SABIC, had a fireside chat with Uday Turaga, CEO, ADI Analytics. Key topics included how asset location influenced sustainability and innovation, particularly with different industrial cracker types and alternative feedstocks. The discussion […]

At the 2023 FlexPO+ (now incorporated into the ADI Forum), Carlos Villa, R&D Fellow, Dow Chemical, and Matthew Seabaugh, VP, Product Launch, Nexceris LLC, joined moderator Uday Turaga, CEO, ADI Analytics for the decarbonizing chemicals panel. Key topics included demand for renewable/low-carbon power, nuclear small modular reactors (SMRs), and the integration of high-temperature heat with […]

At the 2023 FlexPO+ (now incorporated into the ADI Forum), Carlos Villa, R&D Fellow, Dow Chemical, joined moderator Uday Turaga, CEO, ADI Analytics during the decarbonizing chemicals panel. Key topics included the energy implications of decarbonizing the chemical industry. The speaker emphasized that transitioning to alternative feedstocks like carbon dioxide and water for chemical production […]

At the 2023 FlexPO+ (now incorporated into the ADI Forum), Uday Turaga, CEO, ADI Analytics provided an outlook of the commoditization of the specialty chemicals industry and the performance of various segments over the past decade. Key topics included the higher returns of specialty chemical segments despite a challenging H1 2022. There was a notable […]

At the 2023 FlexPO+ (now incorporated into the ADI Forum), Uday Turaga, CEO, ADI Analytics, spoke during the innovation panel, discussing how research investments and innovation were coming to chemicals. He said that companies spending heavily on R&D often leveraged external resources, but satisfaction with these engagements was declining. Technology vendors and licensors yielded only […]