Is China’s strategic push for chemical self-sufficiency reshaping the global petrochemical landscape? John Richardson, senior consultant at ICIS, joins The Chemical Show to share insights on how misjudged growth expectations for China, shifting demographics, and the rise of state-driven capacity expansions have led to the deepest, longest downturn in industry history. John and host Victoria Meyer examine why capacity was built around hopes for perpetual strong Chinese demand, only for real estate and demographic headwinds to alter the trajectory—creating a world of oversupply, negative margins, and mounting uncertainty.

Their conversation covers the ongoing impact of trade tensions, the real drivers behind Chinese investment decisions, and why shutting down uneconomical assets is becoming a pressing necessity, especially in Europe and Asia. John and Victoria also weigh the challenges and promises of AI and data intelligence in a conservative, data-guarded sector, and offer advice for industry leaders navigating persistent market disruption. For chemical professionals, these perspectives highlight why adaptability, intelligence, and innovation will be critical in mastering both today’s volatility and tomorrow’s opportunities.

Discover more about the following topics:

• How China's pivot from growth to self-sufficiency is reshaping global petrochemicals.
• Why chemicals face their worst business cycle ever, with Asian producers bleeding money on polyethylene.
• How tariffs and shifting policies create constant uncertainty for chemical companies.
• Why China's government-backed enterprises compete on strategy, not just cost.
• How data and artificial intelligence will separate industry winners from losers.

00:00 Chemical Industry Insights by John

06:08 Domestic Chemical Manufacturing Expansion

08:48 Polyethylene Margins: China vs. Middle East

11:31 Tariffs and Global Business Perspectives

14:43 China's Trade Resilience Amid Challenges

20:23 Data Sharing's Impact on AI

23:50 Debating Productivity's True Impact

26:34 AI: Industrial Revolution or Renaissance?

30:49 Innovative Multi-Pane Glass Advancements

31:43 Innovative, Stronger Glass Advances

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Performance is taking center stage in the beauty and personal care ingredients sector, as revealed on the floor of NYSCC Suppliers Day 2025. Host Victoria Meyer explores the notable shift away from buzzwords like “sustainability” and “natural,” uncovering how companies are reframing their focus towards innovation, plant-based solutions, and advanced product performance.

Victoria is joined by John Harrold of Zinco Verde, who discusses novel, energy-efficient zinc oxide for sunscreens, and Christoph Krumm of Sironix Renewables, highlighting breakthroughs in bio-based surfactants derived from agricultural waste. The conversation unpacks how trends like neurocosmetics, microbiomes, and a pragmatic approach to environmental benefits are shaping the industry’s direction. Get a first-hand perspective on what’s driving R&D, purchasing, and consumer choices in today’s dynamic beauty ingredient market.

Gain insights on the following topics:

• Innovation Takes Center Stage: Companies are pivoting away from buzzwords like “sustainability” and “natural,” putting real innovation and performance at the heart of product development.
• Neurocosmetics and Microbiome Science and how new ingredients target mood and neurological benefits alongside appearance, while microbiome-friendly formulations gain traction.
• Sustainability Reconsidered: Companies shift from "sustainability" rhetoric to pragmatic solutions and value-driven innovation.
• Plant-Based Performance: Industry messaging replaces "natural" with "plant-based" and "performance”.
• Start-up leaders discuss bringing advanced technologies to market

Killer Quote: “If you had asked me this when we spun out as a company, I would have told you bio based is the innovation, right? That is the reason for existing. That's really not the case. As we found. Bio based ingredients matter. People still want them. The reason for existing for us is performance.” — Christoph Krumm, CEO of Sironix

0:00:24 Bonnie’s career in chemicals

0:02:51 Responsible Care principles at Evonik

0:04:20 Sustainability's growing importance.

0:05:13 Evonik's sustainability pillars: next-generation solutions, technology, and culture.

0:06:34 Customer demand for sustainable solutions

0:08:29 The importance of culture in driving change

0:13:49 Leadership and career lessons, women in leadership roles, Bonnie's career advice

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