Can Profitability and Sustainability Coexist? Industry Trend #7

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 Celebrating 40 years, the World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global is the most prestigious global industry gathering for chemical innovation, insight, and collaboration. WPC has a rich history of providing unmatched market intelligence and convening top industry leaders and influential thinkers to discuss the solutions that will unlock pathways for growth and transformation. Join us in Houston, TX, March 17-21, 2025, to commemorate our 40th Anniversary!  Visit their website to learn more.