Program

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Welcome by EPCA’s President - Richard Roudeix

Keynote on trends and business implications by Per Klevnäs

Panel Debate (Leadership/CEO Forum)

Session description:

In this session, we will explore some of the most serious risks we may face over the next decade, against a backdrop of enormous geopolitical tensions, rapid technological change, economic uncertainty and a warming planet. All of this has significant implications for us as we seek to overhaul our current system and adds to the complexity and uncertainty of doing business.
This session is designed to stimulate dialogue among thought leaders and provide a broader perspective on our ever-evolving world. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insight and network with your peers. Prepare to broaden your understanding of the complexities shaping our future.

Presentation & Moderator: Per Klevnäs, Partner, Material Economics 

Panelists:

• Ib Jensen, President & CEO, Perstorp Group
• Lauren Kjeldsen, President Smart Materials & Member of the Executive Board, Evonik
• Christian Kohlpaintner, CEO & Member of the Management Board,  Brenntag
• René Höhnlein, Managing Director, Head of Energy Germany, ING

Presentation: not yet available

Replay Link: https://youtu.be/Ao2iMZEJ6zM

Session description:

The energy and chemical sectors in Europe are experiencing unprecedented transformation amidst geopolitical shifts, climate imperatives, and technological advancements. This presentation explores how these dynamics are reshaping the energy and chemical market landscapes. Despite the longer-term focus on energy transition and climate mitigation efforts, immediate challenges such as economic volatility, elevated interest rates, and capacity surpluses must be overcome.

This session aims to provide valuable insights into current and anticipated market trends for key sectors including energy, olefins, polyolefins, aromatics, methanol and chlor-alkali, & vinyls. Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS experts will examine critical challenges and expectations for the next five years, stakeholders will gain strategic perspectives essential for navigating the evolving European market and positioning themselves for long-term success amidst ongoing global transformations.

Explore key issues:

• Energy Market Outlook: Understand potential disruptions and opportunities in the energy landscape impacting chemicals.
• Olefins & Polyolefins: Analyzing the effects of excess capacity on producers and consumers.
• Aromatics Market: Gain insights into the recovery path and potential challenges during the energy transition.
• Methanol Market: Explore the evolving demand landscape and the potential of green methanol and marine fuel.
• Chlor-alkali & Vinyls: Uncover near and mid-term projections for the industry’s rebound amidst changing trade flows in Asia.

Speakers:

• James Williamson, VP, Financial & Capital Markets    
• Carlo Barrasa, VP, Energy Markets
• Steve Lewandowski, VP, Global Olefins
• Kaushik Mitra, Executive Director Polyolefins, EMEA
• Duncan Clark, VP, Aromatics
• Mike Nash, VP, Syngas Chemicals
• Nick Kovics, VP, Inorganic Chemicals

Presentation: Request the presentation on this page.

Replay Link: https://youtube.com/live/h9dh2m0rt-s

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Session description: 

The chemical industry has withstood a challenging two years. The EU 2030 climate targets are looming on the horizon. How can the European chemical industry achieve these targets at a time when the global economy – and the European chemical industry – is under intense pressure? Global overcapacity, tepid demand growth, and a challenged cost position in Europe, means reaching the targets is uncertain.

Argus will discuss the future of the European – and global - chemical industry and prospects of achieving a low carbon world, including:

• The prospects of Europe reaching the 2030 climate targets
• Increased usage of low carbon feedstocks and energy
• Competing demands for limited “green” materials -- biofuels versus bio feedstocks
• Long term availability of US ethane
• Growth of Chinese capacity and over-build on supply-side

Speakers: 

• Christopher Flook, President, Expansion Markets
• Chuck Venezia, SVP, Chemicals

Panelists:

• Sarah Rae, VP, Olefins and Derivatives, Europe,
• Craig Barry, Lead Consultant, Ethylene & Derivatives, Americas
• Alan Williamson, Olefins Consultant - EMEA

Presentation: PDF

Replay Link: https://youtube.com/live/FcIeVD_HfSE

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Session description:
Rationalization, changing trade flows, circularity and decarbonization are all being tackled by chemical producers both in Europe and globally. However, the opportunities and challenges presented differ by market. In this session we will look at their impact across the chemical value chains, focusing on key commodities such as ethylene, benzene and methanol.

Key topics:

• Ethylene and feedstocks
• Aromatics and gasoline
• Methanol and shipping
• Decarbonisation and technology

Speakers: 

• Andrew Neale – Executive Director, Aromatics
• Andy Orszynski – Director, Chemicals
• Katie Elliot – Aromatics Lead
• Yazmine Khan – Associate Director, Aromatics
• Aleksandra Zhagrina – Associate Editor, EMEA Chemical and Polymer Markets
• Olivier Maronneaud – Director, Chemicals
• Esther Beng Choo Ng – Senior Editor, Chemicals
• Luca Raffellini – Executive Director

Replay Link: https://youtu.be/Vg-HsrBB3NU

Presentation: Request the presentation on this page.

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Session description: 

In this session, Cedric will share his insights into how major organisations worldwide can grow leaders at all levels by doing things differently, showing that performance comes from purpose, passion and presence.

With a compelling mix of spectacular video footage and personal experience as an adventurer and High Performance Psychologist he will demonstrate that skills such as dealing with emotions like fear are very transferable to any kind of environment and most of the time, what lies between us and our dreams is that same fear.

Keynote: Dare to jump: Emerging trends in sustainable performance in times of disruption 

Speaker: Cedric Dumont, Pioneer in Wingsuit flying and BASE-jumping, Performance Psychologist and Author

Presentation: PDF

No replay: Sorry if you missed the session. Find out more about Cedric's work on his website www.cedricdumont.com or connect via LinkedIn.

Session description:
Join North Sea Port, one of Europe’s leading industrial and logistics hubs, on its path to energy transition. In this session, you will learn how the port and its diverse partners are innovating to transform the chemical and petrochemical sectors towards sustainability.

Explore case studies on circular projects, renewable energy, and cutting-edge infrastructure that are paving the way for a greener future in the port’s operations.

Presentation & Moderator: 

• Peter Geertse, Commercial Manager at North Sea Port

Panelists & Keynotes:

• How economic survival or growth can fit into sustainable goals: terminal of the future
        Martine Union, Key Account Manager - Gadot Belgium
• The Energy Transition: challenges and opportunities and how terminals can play a vital part 
        Jonathan Feys, Chief Commercial Officer - Ghent Transport & Storage 
• Alternative fuels in transport
        Kristof Demeulemeester, Business Development - Mervielde
• Sustainable fuel logistics
        Georges Leysen, Commercial Manager – SEA-Tank Terminal

Presentation: PDF

Replay Link: https://youtube.com/live/Qk7gjuD0Xuw

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Session description:

The session will explore the various challenges facing the global and European industry, and what industry needs to do to transform itself in the short and long term. It will cover:

• Outlook for energy costs and its impact on European production
• Chinese oversupply and the changes in global trade flows
• European capacity consolidation
• Chemical recycling outlook in Europe
• Roadblocks that need to be overcome to reach sustainability targets

Presenters:

• Nigel Davis, Editor, ICIS
• James Wilson, Senior Analyst (Olefins), ICIS
• Egor Dementev, EMEA Analyst Team Lead, Plastics Recycling, ICIS

Presentation: PDF

Replay Link: https://youtube.com/live/XVbawZ2pves

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• 08:00-09:30 Securing the Resilience of Supply Chains (Logistics & Supply Chain)
• 09:30 Closing by EPCA’s President - Richard Roudeix

Session description:

During this session, a star panel will explore how Europe can remain a leader in the global supply chain, and how it can maintain or even regain competitiveness against petrochemical players in other regions of the world. What changes are needed to help Europe evolve? What is the role of intermodality, collaboration and digitalisation in this change? 

Presentation & Moderator: Valerio Dilda, Senior Partner, McKinsey

Panelists:

• Virginie Delcroix, Executive Vice President, Sustainable Development, Geodis
• Yarellis Hernandez, Vice President Supply Chain Europe/AFMEI, LyondellBasell
• Roberta Chiesura, Global Procurement Manager, Infineum

Presentation: PDF

Replay Link: https://youtube.com/live/byxJEDQoTZs