Securing supply in a turbulent environment
From Chemical Week by Chemical Week
April 28, 2026 · 25 min · Episode 168
About this episode
Nick Powell discusses supply security and the chemical distribution industry's challenges and opportunities.
Nick Powell, CEO of Ingredients & Specialties from Univar Solutions, joins the podcast for a discussion about supply security and the state of the chemical distribution industry. Topics include the supply chain aftereffects of the war in the Middle East, the chemical end markets supporting growth in a low demand environment, and how AI use and careful M&A strategy can propel growth for distributors in 2026 and beyond.
People in this episode
Guest: Nick Powell
Topics covered
- supply security
- chemical distribution industry
- supply chain
- AI in business
- M&A strategy
- market growth
Keywords
- supply chain
- chemical distribution
- AI
- M&A
- market growth
- Middle East
- low demand
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Univar Solutions
Places: Middle East
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