The Chemical Show: Where Leaders Talk Business

In collaboration with industry giants and support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Enko Chem is revolutionizing the agricultural industry by accelerating the development of safer and more effective herbicides, disease protection, insect control, and yield enhancement solutions. Tom Meade, Chief Science Officer at Enko Chem joins host Victoria Meyer on The Chemical Show to share insights on their target-based discovery platform, the importance of data in their research, and the challenges and advantages of integrating DNA and chemistry.Killer Quote: "In order to revolutionize crop protection chemistries, we need to embrace the power of data, technology, and collaboration. By combining these elements, we can accelerate the development of safe and effective solutions that address the challenges facing our agriculture industry." - Tom MeadeJoin us to learn more about the following this week:Chemistry's key role in global agricultural industry, food security, and crop protectionTarget based discovery in agricultural , leveraging techniques built in pharmaUtilizing data and AI in the agricultural industry The role of regulators including EPA and USDA in AgChemPrioritizing safety in agricultural innovationIn this episode, Victoria and Tom delve into Enko's mission to shorten the development timeline for crop protection chemistries while exploring the challenges and advantages of their target-based discovery platform, which aims to identify specific targets for herbicides and pesticides. Tom also shares the importance of data in Enko's research and development process, as well as their use of automated systems and machine learning models. This episode is sponsored by Clariant. Are you grappling with the lightning pace of regulatory and compliance changes in the printing inks industry? Do you want to know more about PFAS, supply chain transparency and extended producer responsibility? Check out Episode 137 of The Chemical Show to learn about PTFE-free solutions with Clariant and NAPIM. ***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review.***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at www.thechemicalshow.com. Wondering how we produce our podcast?Transistor.fm is our podcast publisher of choice. Try it for free here: https://transistor.fm/?via=victoriaWe use CastMagic.io to create ShowNotes, Newsletters, Social Media posts and more. Check it out here: https://get.castmagic.io/ean5etivmzi1We use Descript to edit and transcribe each podcast episode. Follow this link to learn more: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=DdZ2MA Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code CHEMSHOW5% at wpc.spglobal.com

Ep 138 Show NotesWeak demand, weak earnings, and a weak outlook were the resounding themes across the chemical companies' earnings reports in the third quarter, 2023. Inventory de-stocking and lower prices have continued to impact the industry, leading to challenging market conditions.In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer reflects on the third quarter 2023 earnings reports in the chemical industry. She discusses the challenges faced by companies, such as weak demand, lower earnings, and inventory de-stocking, as well as the actions they are taking to respond to the market conditions. Killer Quote: "2023 has been a challenging year, much more so than we expected at the beginning of the year.” Victoria MeyerJoin us to learn more about the following this week:Breaking down 3Q23 Earnings Reports How earnings reports are interpretedKeyword of third quarter earnings reports is “Weak”: weak demand, weak earnings, and weak outlookInventory and forecasting continue to be a challengeCompression in buy-sell cycleStrategies companies are using to manage their balance sheetsFocus on cash generation through commercial discipline Expectations for Q423Lessons learned from industry leadersVictoria highlights the importance of commercial discipline, continued investment in strategic projects, and the recognition and optimization of high-value products. She also touches on the need for better forecasting and communication between suppliers and customers. Additional Links:Episode 118: Unpacking 2Q23 Chemical Earnings: Sluggish Economies, Inventory Destocking, and Future OutlooksGrace Matthews Fall OutlookEp 120: Commercial Discipline: Unlocking Business Resilience in Challenging TimesThis episode is sponsored by Clariant. Are you grappling with the lightning pace of regulatory and compliance changes in the printing inks industry? Do you want to know more about PFAS, supply chain transparency and extended producer responsibility? Check out Episode 137 of The Chemical Show to learn about PTFE-free solutions with Clariant and NAPIM. ***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review.***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at www.thechemicalshow.com. Wondering how we produce our podcast?Transistor.fm is our podcast publisher of choice. Try it for free here: https://transistor.fm/?via=victoriaWe use CastMagic.io to create ShowNotes, Newsletters, Social Media posts and more. Check it out here: https://get.castmagic.io/ean5etivmzi1We use Descript to edit and transcribe each podcast episode. Follow this link to learn more: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=DdZ2MA Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code CHEMSHOW5% at wpc.spglobal.com

The printing inks industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with a growing focus on environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance. In this Episode of The Chemical Show, Host Victoria Meyer welcomes Ray Gonzales, Global Head of Marketing and Business Development for Clariant and George Fuchs, Director of Regulatory Affairs for National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers, otherwise known as NAPIM to discuss these topics and more. Discover how Clariant and NAPIM are navigating the changing regulations in the printing inks market and exploring alternative solutions and the quest for transparency. Victoria, George, and Ray discuss the importance of achieving supply chain transparency and the collaborative efforts between companies like Clariant and industry associations like NAPIM to find safer and more sustainable solutions in the printing inks market. Killer Quote: "The ink industry is rapidly evolving, and it's crucial for us to find sustainable alternatives to PTFE. Our collaboration with companies like Clariant is instrumental in achieving this goal and ensuring the safety and environmental friendliness of our ink formulations." - George Fuchs, NAPIMJoin us to learn more about the following this week:The rapidly evolving printing inks marketHow regulation and customer demand influences the printing inks marketsReporting, transparency, and supply chain transparency in the printing inks industryR&D's role in material replacements for PFAS in ink systemsNavigating global regulations in the printing inks industryLooking forward in the printing inks industryVictoria, along with Ray and George, delve into the complex world of printing inks, exploring the challenges and opportunities of finding safer alternatives to chemicals like PTFE, navigating the ever-changing regulatory landscape, and striving for greater supply chain transparency. ***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review.***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at www.thechemicalshow.com. Wondering how we produce our podcast?Transistor.fm is our podcast publisher of choice. Try it here: https://transistor.fm/?via=victoriaWe use CastMagic.io to create ShowNotes, Newsletters, Social Media posts and more. Check it out here: https://get.castmagic.io/ean5etivmzi1We use Descript to edit and transcribe each podcast episode. Follow this link to learn more: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=DdZ2MA Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code CHEMSHOW5% at wpc.spglobal.com

Discover key insights and discussions on topics such as global economics, supply chain, digitization, and customer value.  Sharing insights from Day 2 of The Chemical Summit 2023, Victoria Meyer dives into topics that matter. We explore the expectation of a mild recession and its impact on different industries within the chemical sector, the long-term labor shortage and its resolution through immigration and automation, the critical role of data in business transformation, and the importance of upskilling existing talent. Some key points in today's episode:1. Understand the projected economic landscape and how it may impact the chemical industry.2. Gain insights into the labor shortage and explore potential solutions through immigration, automation, and upskilling.3. Recognize the significance of data in supporting supply chain, collaboration, and business differentiation.4. Explore strategies to upskill existing resources within the chemical industry to fill the demand for data analysis and digitization.5. Reflect on the importance of customer-centric approaches in creating value and driving sustainable growth in the chemical industry.Killer quote/insight: "Data is a differentiating factor in business transformation and is key to differentiate businesses to their customers and suppliers." - Pam Walker, UL SolutionsFollow The Chemical Summit on LinkedIn for updates about this year and next year’s events. https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-chemical-summit/ShowNotes created using CastMagic.io.  Check it out here: https://get.castmagic.io/ean5etivmzi1***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review.***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at www.thechemicalshow.com.  Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code CHEMSHOW5% at wpc.spglobal.com

Our inaugural conference, The Chemical Summit occurred October 24th - 25th, 2023 in The Woodlands, Texas. In this special edition of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer shares highlights from the first day of the Summit which focused on thought leadership, building connections, and gaining insights in the chemical industry. Exploring the themes of transformation, sustainability, and ESG, speakers emphasized the need for personal and business transformation, the challenges of achieving sustainability goals, and the importance of continuous improvement in creating value. Join Victoria as she shares insights from industry leaders and encourages listeners to transform their businesses and embrace sustainability.Victoria Meyer shares more about the insights shared by industry leaders at The Chemical Summit, including: The biggest challenges chemical companies face todayIf you want your business to transform, YOU as a leader need to transform. (Megan Gluth-Bohan, CEO of TRInternational on transformational leadership)True change takes decades.  The chemical industry will success in sustainability by evolution not revolution. (Brad Beauchamp, CEO of Carpenter Co., Evolution not Revolution: The Path to Sustainability) The chemical industry is currently producing thousands of circular products, they’re just not marketing them as circular. (Kelly Gilroy of Univar Solutions in The Path to Sustainability is Not (Only) Circular panel discussion)ESG investing only works when companies are creating profits and value (Jonas Oxgaard of McKinsey in The Path to Sustainability is Not (Only) Circular panel discussion)ESG is all about culture and value – your company culture and values (Terry Hill of Barentz in a Fireside Chat about ESG).Follow The Chemical Summit on LinkedIn for updates about this year and next year’s events. https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-chemical-summit/***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review.***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at www.thechemicalshow.com.  Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code CHEMSHOW5% at wpc.spglobal.com

The housing market plays a crucial role in career moves. As it becomes more expensive to find affordable housing, employees are less likely to take on job changes or accept nominal raises. Companies are realizing the need to address this issue and its impact on talent retention.In this episode of The Chemical Show, we delve into the fascinating intersection between the chemical industry employment and housing costs. Join host Victoria Meyer as she interviews Adam Krueger, Vice President of Sun Recruiting, who provides invaluable insights and analysis. Discover how changes in the housing market impact job mobility, compensation trends, and talent retention in the chemical industry. Uncover the challenges faced by professionals and gain actionable strategies to navigate these complex dynamics. Join us to learn more about the following this week:"Weird" 4th Quarter job market in the chemical industryHow is the housing market affecting the chemical industry job marketKey trends in talent and recruiting in the chemical industryExpanding the chemical sector's talent poolThe cost of keeping employee verses replacing themHybrid work critical driver in employee decisions The rise of Gen Z in the workforceAdvice to chemical companies looking to fill rolesAdvice to candidates looking to land chemical company jobsVictoria and Adam also discuss the challenge of attracting and retaining talent in a talent war due to the retirement of experienced professionals. Additionally, Adam highlights the importance of salary competitiveness, remote work opportunities, and the evolving social skills of Gen Z employees. Whether you're a job seeker navigating the industry or an employer looking to adapt to changing trends, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the state of the chemical industry job market.Additional Links:https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/your-money-matters/how-mba-students-are-dealing-with-a-tighter-job-market/Salary Survey:  https://www.sunrecruiting.com/report-results23/***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. ***Like what you hear?   Leave a rating and review.***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at www.thechemicalshow.com.  Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code CHEMSHOW5% at wpc.spglobal.com

In a world where visual appeal of consumer products is critical, it's important for brands to prioritize product safety and ensure consumers of all ages understand these products are for using NOT consuming! Kristin Cordz, Vice President of Business Development for Market Actives, shares more about her work with Bitrex, focusing on making products taste aversive (bad!!) to prevent the accidental ingestion of harmful substances, including household items like dish tablets, batteries and more. Companies use Bitrex to add an extra layer of safety to their products and to build trust with consumers.In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer and Kristin, also known as “The Bitter Gal”, discuss working with major consumer brands to ensure their products are safe and effective. Through their conversation, Victoria and Kristin delve into the importance of transparency in product safety, the challenges faced in the industry, and the need for standardized information to empower consumers in making informed choiceJoin us to learn more about the following this week:Product safety through BitrexThe increasing demand for transparency and safety in productsGaining customer insights and meeting the needs of the marketWorking against commoditization to ensure valueGlobal safety standardsBitrex product tastingACI's Future Leaders ProgramStandardizing customer understanding Victoria and Kristin explore the challenges and importance of enhancing product safety and discuss how the manufacturing practices of global companies and the overflow of practices to other regions have led to varying levels of product safety discussion. They further emphasize the impact of transparency trends in consumer awareness and the need for standardized information to assist consumers in making informed decisions. Listen in as they share insights, real-life examples, and strategies to ensure product safety in an evolving consumer landscape.***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. ***Like what you hear?   Leave a rating and review.***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at www.thechemicalshow.com.  Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code CHEMSHOW5% at wpc.spglobal.com

Delving into the challenges and opportunities in the chemical industry, the importance of building strong relationships and value propositions, and the impact of sustainability on business decision-making, Chad Hall, Vice President of Energy at Integrity BioChem, discusses insights into coaching, leadership, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of the chemical industry with host Victoria Meyer. In this episode of The Chemical Show, Victoria and Chad discuss the concept of coaching and its application in the business world. Chad shares his perspective on how coaching can be effective regardless of team or company size. According to Chad, anyone in a managerial role can become a coach, regardless of job title. This thought-provoking perspective invites us to reimagine a world where the word "manager" is replaced with "coach."Join us to learn more about the following this week:Integrity Biochem's take on the markets in 2023 and going into 2024Your customer's business decisions and how it drives business valueHow to create customer "stickiness" - keeping business versus winning it The tug of war between corporate control and procurement control - uncovering value and ROISustainability and ESG in oil and gasScaling products to take on aggressive sustainability goalsCoaching versus managing With years of experience in executive coaching and a passion for helping others succeed, Chad brings a unique perspective to his conversation about coaching, the power of building strong relationships, and the importance of delivering on promises in the chemical industry with Victoria. Join us this week to learn more. ***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. ***Like what you hear?   Leave a rating and review.***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at www.thechemicalshow.com. Additional Links:Michael Suver Ep13: Bio-Based Chemistry: The Rise Of A Green Chemical Industry With Michael SuverMichael Suver Ep 44: How The Chemical Industry Is Becoming Sustainable With Cameron Whaley And Michael SuverThe Wall Street Journal: Companies Stall Climate Action Despite Earlier Promises Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code CHEMSHOW5% at wpc.spglobal.com

Our inaugural conference, The Chemical Summit, is happening October 24-25 in The Woodlands, Texas. Our exciting agenda features many guests from The Chemical Show podcast.Victoria Meyer shares more about connection and what to expect at The Chemical Summit, including: The importance of connection and communityHow business connections provide context and insightsFostering connection and community at The Chemical SummitRelaunching The Chemical Community as an online platformLearn more and register for The Chemical Summit at www.thechemicalsummit.com***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review.***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at www.thechemicalshow.com.  Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code CHEMSHOW5% at wpc.spglobal.com

Have you ever wondered how companies are repurposing carbon dioxide emissions and turning them into valuable raw materials? In this episode of The Chemical Show, we dive into the world of carbon capture and utilization with our guest, Keith Wiggins, CEO of Econic Technologies. Econic is a company focused on repurposing carbon dioxide emissions into valuable carbon-based raw materials. In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer and Keith discuss the different brackets of technologies for repurposing CO2 and the challenges they have faced in terms of stability and cost. He highlights the significant amount of CO2 emissions produced globally each year and the need to do something with this captured carbon. Keith shares his insights and experiences in developing technologies that repurpose CO2, the challenges faced in gaining market acceptance, and the potential for creating a circular economy in industries such as polyurethanes and surfactants.Join us to learn more about the following this week:Hitting chemical industry glass ceilingsThe origin story of Econic TechnologiesDefining what "good" looks like through working with the world's largest chemical companiesEconic's focus on commercializing technology"Pioneered Licensees" with Econic TechnologiesCritical attributes in chemical industry business partnershipsWorking with customers' resistance to new technologyOpportunities in the renewable carbon initiative, sustainability in the chemical industryChina's influence on the chemical industryWhat's next for Econic?In this episode, Victoria and Keith delve into the exciting world of carbon capture and utilization. Keith discusses the challenges faced in repurposing CO2 emissions, the need to create a market and demand for such technologies, and the importance of collaboration with partners and understanding the value chain. We explore the global push for sustainability and how the chemical industry can play a pivotal role in driving innovation and efficiency. Join us as we uncover the potential for creating a circular economy and turning carbon dioxide into a valuable resource for industry.***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. ***Like what you hear?   Leave a rating and review.***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at www.thechemicalshow.com.  Sponsored by:World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global on March 23-27, 2026.Use the code CHEMSHOW5% at wpc.spglobal.com