The Chemical Show: Where Leaders Talk Business

Bringing Chemical Innovation to Market with Eric Appelman of Aduro Clean Technologies - Ep. 260

Scaling up chemical recycling technologies is transforming how the industry tackles plastics waste and circularity. Eric Appelman, Chief Revenue Officer of Aduro Clean Technologies, joins Victoria Meyer to discuss Aduro’s journey, from innovative pilot projects to a commercial demonstration plant in the Netherlands, following their NASDAQ listing. The conversation covers the challenges of commercializing and financing new technology, the crucial role of established partners, and the value of risk management in scaling sustainable solutions. Victoria and Eric also dig into how regulations, market expectations, and infrastructure are impacting the adoption of recycled plastics. Their discussion offers practical insights for business leaders looking to build resilient, growth-oriented companies in the evolving landscape of chemical recycling.  Additional Links:  How To Scale Sustainable TechnologySubscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube Listen in as Victoria and Eric discuss the following: Aduro’s breakthrough approach to plastics recycling    Moving from lab innovation to commercial plant   Market shifts: from promises to practicality   Regulation’s impact on plastics circularity   Leadership lessons for chemical industry startups Killer Quote: "You as a leader, are you able to take the blows? Because in the 10 to 15 years to market, the world is going to go through at least 3 radical changes… That ability, that agility is crucial.” - Eric Appelman 

How War with Iran Affects Chemicals | Insights from WPC and WCF 2026 - Ep. 259

Geopolitics, energy volatility, and persistent oversupply are reshaping the global chemical industry as 2025 draws to a close. Victoria Meyer sits down with Kurt Barrow and Andrew Neale from S&P Global to address the forces driving today’s market dynamics, the impact of government policies, and the shifting landscape heading into 2026. They break down how new sanctions, tariffs, and energy transition policies are influencing everything from oil prices and supply chains to chemical production strategies worldwide. Related episode: Strait of Hormuz Crisis - How Supply Chains Are Affected Globally - Ep 257The episode explores regional strengths and vulnerabilities, with North America, the Middle East, and China taking leading roles amid rationalization and capacity closures in Europe and South Korea. Kurt Barrow and Andrew Neale share insights on how chemical producers are responding to cost shifts, supply chain resets, and evolving consumer demand. The conversation also previewed the upcoming World Petrochemical Conference and CERAWeek, emphasizing the need for industry leaders to stay agile in response to accelerated change, emerging technologies, and global market imbalances.  Victoria, Kurt, and Andrew discuss the following this week:  Why government action, oversupply, and shifting demand are redefining 2025 in the chemical markets. How new sanctions, oil movements, and policy shifts impact feedstocks and chemical production. Real-world examples of how canal disruptions, freight rate swings, and tariffs are reshaping global sourcing. Regional winners and losers as energy prices, assets, and investments shift across Europe, China, and the US. Key strategies for chemical leaders navigating consolidation, energy transition, and market shifts ahead.  Killer Quote:  "We’ve gone from that globalization to regionalization—that almost helps some of your high cost players very short term...that’s a very near term. How long that lasts if we have another round of tariff movements—European, and we will, but European, I don’t know what it is, but we will in Q2."  —Andrew Neale ***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 https://www.thechemicalshow.com 

How AI is Shaping Energy & Petrochemical Landscape with Amy Jaffe of NYU - Ep. 258

AI’s rapid growth is transforming the energy landscape, sparking critical questions about grid reliability, electricity costs, and future solutions. Host Victoria Meyer talks with Amy Myers Jaffe of NYU to discuss how data centers are pressuring regional grids, why battery storage and grid flexibility matter, and what new market rules could mean for consumers and industry. The conversation highlights how AI can also drive innovation in materials and manufacturing for the chemical industry, pointing to both challenges and opportunities as energy demand and technology reshape the sector.  Additional Links:  Top Risk Trends for Chemicals, Energy, & Mining in 2026 Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube  Join Victoria and Julie this week as they explore the following topics:  Evolving from journalist to global energy thought leader. AI’s Energy Impact: increasing and shifting electricity demand Batteries and AI are enabling smarter, more flexible energy management. Rising electricity costs spark debate on fair pricing structures. AI fuels chemical innovation and advances sustainable manufacturing. Killer Quote: "Electricity is the new gasoline." - Amy Jaffe 

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: How Oil and Chemicals Are Affected Worldwide with Farid Tahvildari - Ep. 257

Stranded ships and blocked oil routes in the Strait of Hormuz are causing far-reaching disruptions across the global chemical industry. NUCO Logistics Managing Director Farid Tahvildari joins host Victoria Meyer to explain how the Iran war has sparked shipping delays, rising surcharges, and new uncertainties—impacting everything from inventory planning to supply chain strategy for chemical companies. Victoria and Farid cover practical actions businesses should take, including diversifying suppliers and preparing for shifting tariffs and paperwork challenges. The conversation also highlights the geopolitical implications for Asia and China, and Farid shares a personal leadership perspective on navigating ongoing crisis and change.  Additional Links:  Red Sea Shipping Issues and Resolutions Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube  Join Victoria and Farid this week as they explore the following topics:  Strait of Hormuz Crisis and shipping impact   Surging costs and supply chain Disruption   China, India, and Geopolitical oil shifts   Adapting: Diversified suppliers and crisis lessons   Leadership and navigating uncertainty in crisis Killer Quote:  "There is no such a thing as normal anymore, at least for foreseeable future." - Farid Tahvildari 

Digital First Customer Journey in Chemicals with Julie Roberts of ChemPoint - Ep. 256

ChemPoint’s digital-first model is reshaping the chemical distribution landscape by pairing technology-driven sales with a personal touch. Director of Supplier Growth Julie Roberts joins Victoria Meyer to discuss ChemPoint’s evolution from inside sales pioneers to leveraging AI and real-time data for specialty chemicals. Julie highlights the importance of meeting customers where they are—online and offline—while creating value through technical content and rapid response. Victoria and Julie touch on global industry trends, supply chain shifts, and the need for adaptive leadership in a changing market. Their conversation offers practical insight for industry professionals—whether you’re navigating digital transformation, strengthening customer relationships, or leading teams through uncertainty.  Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube  Join Victoria and Julie this week as they explore the following topics:  ChemPoint’s digital-first approach to chemical distribution How AI is transforming workflows and customer experiences Tackling market shifts and supply chain challenges   Global expansion and adapting to regional market changes   Leadership, diversity, and success for women in chemicals  Killer Quote:  "Don't be afraid to take risks. The answer is always going to be no if you don't ask the question." -Julie Roberts***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 https://www.thechemicalshow.com