ICIS - chemical podcasts

Activity in the European oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets has slowed significantly in August, largely due to summer holidays and economic strains. Despite ample supply, demand remains weak, leading to slight price declines. Experts discuss the competitive pressures from Chinese imports and the strategic inventory maneuvers companies are employing. Additionally, recent tariff changes on US industrial goods entering the EU could reshape local production dynamics, while currency fluctuations add another layer of complexity to the market.

Join Eleanor Manley, an AI entrepreneur and consultant, Sebastian Rau, director of advanced analytics for ICIS, and Carlos Soares, senior VP for data, analytics & AI at Brenntag, as they navigate the transformative potential of AI in the chemical industry. They delve into how AI can enhance sales, marketing, and supply chain operations while emphasizing the necessity of human oversight. The discussion covers the challenges of integrating AI, the importance of clean data, and the ethical implications of automation, advocating for a balance between technology and human insight.

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.

Paul Hodges, Chairman of New Normal Consulting, shares his expertise on the chemical industry and global economy. He discusses how political factors are reshaping global trade, leading to disruptions in supply chains. Hodges highlights the implications of demographic shifts and the impact of aging populations on market demands. The conversation reveals concerns about the ongoing petrochemical downturn and overcapacity, suggesting that the current down-cycle in the chemicals sector could continue for years to come.

European methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) reporter; Gabrielle Jordan and methanol senior editor; Eashani Chavda discusses the supply and demand dynamics of each market as both face atypical, subdued demand in Q3, due to a subpar summer driving season.Topics discussed include: Supply and demand dynamics Increasing import reliance Potential US tariffs and their effects Podcast by Gabrielle Jordan and Eashani Chavda 

Join Richard Carter, a seasoned expert from Carter Consultancy with over 20 years at BASF, and Paul Hodges, Chairman of New Normal Consulting, as they dive into the evolving landscape of the chemical industry. They explore how AI can enhance efficiency even amidst structural challenges. The conversation covers the urgent need for mergers and acquisitions as local firms adapt to shifting demands. They also discuss unexpected opportunities in the defense sector and the crucial shift toward sustainable, low-carbon products to navigate high operational costs.

In this podcast, join the ICIS global base oils team as they discuss the key drivers impacting the market in H2. Weaker crude complex to weigh on costs Group II supply poised for length Demand weakness persists

Rising overcapacity, AI and protectionism may drive a swift transition in chemical production and markets in the next 5-10 years.-          Commodity chemicals may be produced mainly by large state-owned enterprises-          Smaller, privately-owned companies may switch to high value composites, specialties, low-carbon chemicals-          High-cost regions such as Europe could protect their essential commodity chemicals production-          Protective measures need to be taken in next 3-6 months to rescue EU commodity chemicals-          A lot more commodity capacity closures required to keep operating rates healthy-          AI will have a massive impact on chemical companies and markets-          AI will enable us to navigate and analyse increasingly chaotic markets-          AI could drive job losses, disrupt economies-          Climate change will alter seasonal and geographic demand patterns-          Electronics, property, auto markets are depressed-          Q2 chemicals results are very poor in all regionsIn this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews John Richardson from the ICIS market development team, ICIS Insight Editor Tom Brown and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting. 

Join John Richardson, ICIS senior executive, business solutions group, in Episode 4 of Sustainably Speaking along with Mark Victory and Matt Tudball, senior editors for recycling Europe, and Helen McGeough, global analyst team lead for plastic recycling as they discuss the European Commission's proposals to allow mass balance for chemical recycling using a fuel-exempt accounting approach under the Single Use Plastics Directive (SUPD), and what this means for the wider recycling world. Plus, how amendments in the draft Implementing Decision allow for recyclate from outside the EU to count towards the 25% recycled content for polyethylene terephthlate (PET) beverage bottles, as well as whats going on in the wider world of recycling. Some questions answered during this episode:  Why is this draft Implementing Decision on mass balance so important, and what does ‘fuel-exempt’ mean?  Will this increase investment in chemical recycling in Europe and what happens if other regions go for a ‘free allocation’ approach? What’s the impact on global operators working in different markets? Can recyclate made from post-consumer plastic waste placed on third country markets count towards recycled content targets? What does a ‘level playing field’ for Europe look like? Will there be a sudden acceleration of chemical recycling projects as Europe’s crackers close? Is chemical recycling the solution for mass-scale food contact for polyolefins in Europe by 2030?

From four-year lows for European polypropylene (PP) prices, Dow announcing the closure of its Bohlen cracker, ping-ponging crude oil prices, a key US and EU tariff deal, and some fresh anti-dumping duties in India – June and July have been action packed for PP and polyethylene (PE).ICIS senior editor manager Vicky Ellis and senior editor Ben Lake compare notes with ICIS market specialist Aswin Kondapally on how Europe and Indian markets match up in July, and what to expect in August.