Can Profitability and Sustainability Coexist? Industry Trend #7 - Ep 181

Sustainability is a key trend influencing all industries.    Yet, can Profitability and Sustainability Coexist???   

In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer discusses the significant trend of sustainability in the chemical industry. She elaborates on the different facets of sustainability including clean air, water usage reduction, circularity, green hydrogen, green methanol, biotechnology, and sustainable supply chains. 

Victoria also  addresses the hurdles faced by the industry such as regulatory approvals, affordability, consumer behavior, and investor patience.

Finally, we pose the critical question of whether sustainability and profitability can coexist, citing examples from various companies and noting the challenges and solutions needed for the future.

00:00 Introduction to the Chemical Industry

00:46 Host Introduction and Previous Episode Recap

01:00 Unveiling the Missing Trend: Sustainability

01:31 Exploring Sustainability in the Chemical Industry

04:22 Challenges in Achieving Sustainability

07:43 Affordability and Consumer Behavior

11:25 Regulatory Hurdles and Investor Patience

15:05 The Path Forward: Can Sustainability and Profitability Coexist?

16:52 Conclusion and Call to Action

HBR Article:
It's Time to Unbundle ESG

Other episodes referenced:
Kevin Norfleet, Celanese, Carbon Circularity
Jennifer Holmgren, LanzaTech, 20 Years to Success
Gaurab Chakrabarti, Solugen, A Green Chemistry Unicorn
Corey Tyree, Trillium, Scaling Up
Tom van Aken, Avantium, Commercializing New Technologies