Can Profitability and Sustainability Coexist? Industry Trend #7 - Ep 181

Join industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 29-30, 2026 in Houston, Texas.  Visit thechemicalsummit.comSustainability is a key trend influencing all industries.    Yet, can Profitability and Sustainability Coexist???   In this episode of The Chemical Show, host Victoria Meyer discusses the significant trend of sustainability in the chemical industry. She elaborates on the different facets of sustainability including clean air, water usage reduction, circularity, green hydrogen, green methanol, biotechnology, and sustainable supply chains. Victoria also  addresses the hurdles faced by the industry such as regulatory approvals, affordability, consumer behavior, and investor patience.Finally, we pose the critical question of whether sustainability and profitability can coexist, citing examples from various companies and noting the challenges and solutions needed for the future.00:00 Introduction to the Chemical Industry00:46 Host Introduction and Previous Episode Recap01:00 Unveiling the Missing Trend: Sustainability01:31 Exploring Sustainability in the Chemical Industry04:22 Challenges in Achieving Sustainability07:43 Affordability and Consumer Behavior11:25 Regulatory Hurdles and Investor Patience15:05 The Path Forward: Can Sustainability and Profitability Coexist?16:52 Conclusion and Call to ActionHBR Article:It's Time to Unbundle ESGOther episodes referenced: Kevin Norfleet, Celanese, Carbon CircularityJennifer Holmgren, LanzaTech, 20 Years to SuccessGaurab Chakrabarti, Solugen, A Green Chemistry UnicornCorey Tyree, Trillium, Scaling UpTom van Aken, Avantium, Commercializing New Technologies