Most of the statistics bantered about right now are coronavirus-related, which means they are monotonous at best and heartbreaking at worst. Even New Zealand, which stood out as an example of how to handle the crisis, celebrated 100 days of no reported infections only to have four spring up a few days later, which spurred […]
Chemical Connections
Pandemic creating baby booms and busts – and challenges for the supply chain
The coronavirus pandemic is amplifying birth rate trends in many parts of the world, creating via procreation (or lack thereof) challenges and opportunities to the supply chains that serve families. Data points to increases in countries such as India and Indonesia, where birth rates already were high. Meanwhile, in Europe and the US, where birth […]
Data drives home life changes for Americans amid pandemic
Apparently, right now is a good time to take a walk or drive around that new house you’ve bought. Well, maybe not you or I, but a lot of Americans seem to be doing that according to the data. CNBC compiled into a short post five charts that tell a fascinating story about our behaviours […]
Narrow benzene spread displays level of downstream woes
What should purchasing managers of benzene derivatives look for when analysing its spread with crude oil? An argument can be made that no monomer chain has been thrust into the doldrums from the pandemic more than the benzene chain. Yes, there are pockets of demand for polycarbonate (PC) for use as a clear barrier and […]
Opportunity lies in recognising the next renaissance
Here’s a blasphemous statement: There really is no “new normal.” The only “new normal” is the “new normal” of calling current conditions the “new normal,” and today’s “new normal” is just replacing conditions that we had been calling the “new normal” since the US shale wave disrupted energy and chemical markets. Normalcy evolves with societal […]
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