Plasticizer Formulation Best Practices and Common Myths Cause Mistakes
From flexible vinyl flooring to durable automotive components, plasticizers are the additives that make modern polymers workable. Without the right plasticizer formulation, rigid materials like PVC remain too stiff for these applications. However, treating plasticizer selection as a simple commodity purchase can lead to costly product failures from migration, incompatibility, and regulatory issues. This guide […]
Operational Resilience, Structural Shifts
As the chemical industry enters 2026, companies face a volatile market shaped by persistent overcapacity, fluctuating demand, rising input costs, geopolitical uncertainty, and evolving regulatory and trade landscapes. The conditions that masked inefficiencies in recent years—such as strong post-pandemic pricing power—have diminished, exposing margin pressures and operational weaknesses. Against this backdrop, operational resilience and strategic […]
Q1 2026 Energy Update
Gasoline prices in the Houston area increased modestly in late January, reflecting broader national trends in the oil and gas market. Local pump prices rose for a second consecutive week, driven largely by a rebound in crude oil prices above $60 per barrel and ongoing geopolitical tensions that can tighten global supply. A major factor […]
Winter Storm Fern & Cold Weather Impacts
Winter Storm Fern was a historic, widespread winter event that slammed much of the U.S., stretching from the Gulf Coast through the Midwest and into the Northeast. It brought heavy snow, ice, and extreme cold to more than 30 states, creating dangerous travel conditions and hazardous roads. The storm caused major travel disruption, with thousands […]
Modest Growth Planned for 2026
The U.S. chemical industry is expected to experience only slow growth in 2026, reflecting broader economic weakness despite some structural advantages. Although the industry is performing better than chemical sectors in Europe and Asia, global oversupply and weak demand continue to suppress growth. Excess capacity worldwide has led to plant closures and production cuts, particularly […]
