The chemical distribution business is a diverse industry that provides customized solutions for important sectors such as pharmaceuticals, paints & coatings, agriculture, cosmetics, food & feed, and automotive. At the center of the supply chains of these sectors, distributors are critical partners for global corporations as well as for SMEs. But distributors also face many challenges in the current political and economic environment.

A recent BCG survey of companies operating in this sector revealed the need for adaptable chemical distributors (cf. pages 12/13). By enhancing offerings, ensuring performance, managing costs, and embracing sustainability, distributors prove as essential partners for long-term success amidst evolving challenges.

CHEManager asked executives and industry experts from a broad range of chemical distributors to share their views on how their companies are dealing with this changing economic environment and the resulting opportunities and challenges. We proposed to discuss the following aspects:

• Which developments, both among your customers and the distributors themselves, do you see as challenges for the sector—and which as opportunities?
• Amid economic and geopolitical challenges, chemical distributors face investment uncertainties. In which areas do you think investment is nevertheless essential?
• Innovation is a key growth driver in the specialty chemicals market. How can distributors effectively support innovation on both the supplier and the customer side?

Read the insightful answers of the chemical distribution industry’s experts:

Deep Expertise Drives Innovation
Michael Friede, CEO,Brenntag Specialties

Digitalization Boosts Demand for Distributors
Lars Wallstein, Managing Director, IMCD Germany

Agility Key to Success in Distribution
Stephan Glander, CEO, Biesterfeld

Investing in Digital Connectivity
Ewout van Jarwaarde, CEO, Brenntag Essentials

Overcoming Recession through Customer Focus
Mehmet Tolga Tuncel, Managing Director, Ataman Chemicals

Sustainability Fuels Green Innovation
Laurens Muijs van de Moer, Managing Director, BÜFA Chemicals

Opportunities in Circular Economy Transition
Robert Spaeth, Managing Partner, CSC Jaeklechemie

Empowering Innovation in Specialty Chemicals Distribution
Lars Schneider, EMEA CEO, Barentz

Chemical Sector Navigates Turbulent Waters
Thomas Dassler, CEO, Häffner

Driving Sustainability through Innovation Together
Rolf Kuropka, CEO, Krahn Chemie Group

Investing in Innovation and Sustainability for Growth
Pia Berghaus, Vice President, Möller Chemie

Eco-Friendly Demand Drives Opportunity
Gerd Bergmann, Managing Director, Nordmann

Seizing Growth through Digital Transformation
Dany Njeim, CEO, RN Chemicals

Optimism and Growth Amid Economic Challenges
Arthur Jaunich, CEO, Stockmeier Chemicals