The State of the Chemical Solutions Industry, Part 2

The chemical solutions industry is at the precipice of a transformation. In part one of our look at the state of the industry, we focused on the supply chain instability brought about by the global pandemic. Now, T&L Specialty’s leaders share their insights on ever-growing advancements and the relationship between environmental impact and government regulations. 

Technology’s Growing Role in Chemical Production

Technology’s rapid improvements are propelling progress in the chemical industry. For example, automation, which has played a part in chemical delivery for almost a decade, is commonplace. Though the price of the technology can be a significant obstacle for some, the advantages are undeniable. 

 “With automation, companies can remotely monitor chemical production with real-time assessment of usage,” Tim Overton, president of T&L Specialty, said. 

 The preciseness a machine can achieve is substantial, too. For companies working with metals, the process of flooding a part is virtually redundant, meaning less exposure and expenditure of chemicals.

This technology symbolizes a change in labor needs.

The need for an employee to check concentration levels may be eliminated, for example, but demand will increase for those trained in complex automated processes.

 However, the challenge for job-shop companies like T&L Specialty is that the complexity of their operations limits their automation options. Many will continue to rely on human work until they find the right automation.

 Environmental Safety & Government Regulations

The chemical industry is undeniably linked to natural resources, and yet, many materials needed in everyday life come from oil, which some in the industry believe requires radical renovation. 

 “Oil refineries are critical for what we do,” said Mike Amicone, lead chemist. “A lot of the products we come by start at that part of the string.”

With chemical companies beholden to changing government regulations, chemical production can be a balancing act. 

 However, technological advancements have led the charge in merging the chemical industry and sustainability. “Automation can help optimize formula ingredients, minimizing what you use and how much you use it,” Amicone explained. “It lessens waste, reduces byproducts, even lowering costs for the user.” 

 T&L has always gone above and beyond in following government policies. “Not only is it right, but from an engineering perspective, waste minimization and improving energy usage just makes sense,” Overton said. “You’re going to save money, and you’re going to make things better.” 

 The Future of the Industry

For Amicone, he’s inspired by the advances in chemicals. “Where I used to have five raw materials to make one product, now there’s just the need for one,” he said. These improvements will ripple through the industry, such as lower costs and less burden on suppliers.

The strength of the chemical industry remains necessary to meet the needs of our society. Despite the supply issues of the last few years, industry leaders forecast that 2023 will be a year of positive change.