Resilience in a Time of Change
It is mid-July, and for soccer fans around the world, that means the end of more than a month of World Cup excitement, when matches dominated office conversations and televisions in bars and restaurants. For ASI, however, mid-July also signals that August is just around the corner—and with it, our annual Raw Materials and Chemicals Overview. Written this year by Todd Muhlman, director at The ChemQuest Group Inc., the article examines the state of the global economy and chemical industry, explores the key demand drivers for adhesives and sealants, and provides a comprehensive review of the major feedstocks used in adhesive and sealant formulations. It is one of our most valuable annual resources, and I encourage you to read it and share it with your colleagues.
Volatility continues to define the chemical industry as geopolitical conflicts disrupt supply chains, energy markets, and business confidence. While the war in Ukraine remains a factor, the conflict involving Iran has moved to the forefront. The American Chemistry Council's most recent economic outlook, released June 12, 2026, assumed the conflict would be resolved by the end of the second quarter, an expectation that had not been met at the time of writing. Analysts also caution that even after the fighting ends, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and regional chemical supply chains could take months to recover, prolonging disruptions to global markets. Whether on the soccer field or in the global chemicals market, success increasingly depends on the ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions.
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A 2026 chemicals market analysis from OPIS asserts that because of the disruptions experienced over the past five years, companies have been forced to “reassess their strategies, operating models, and investment priorities.”
An introduction to the report, published on the OPIS website, states, “Market conditions are unlikely to stabilize in the near term. Amidst this sustained volatility, one reality has become clear: the globalized world has gone, with no near-term reversal in sight. The industry now stands at a critical inflection point, one that raises fundamental questions about rising regionalization, the critical need for resilience, and shifting competitive advantages.”
Rather than predicting when markets will stabilize, an outlook report published by Oliver Wyman argues that companies should focus on preparing for prolonged uncertainty, suggesting four strategic priorities to remain competitive. These include disciplined capital allocation and AI-driven cost transformation; portfolio optimization through specialty chemicals, strategic acquisitions, and partnerships; more resilient, lower-carbon supply chains with diversified sourcing and digital management tools; and organizational agility through faster decision-making, workforce reskilling, and a stronger culture of innovation.
One lesson from this year's World Cup is that the best teams rarely win by standing still. They adjust their tactics as the match evolves. Industry analysts argue that chemical companies face a similar challenge: success will depend less on predicting the future than on building organizations capable of adapting to constant change.
That spirit of adaptation isn't limited to the companies we cover. This month's issue also marks an important change for ASI itself. I am sure you noticed when you opened the eMagazine that the ASI reader experience has changed. With the August edition, we are unveiling a new version of ASI that is designed to replicate the look and feel of a print magazine while adding the convenience and functionality of digital media. With the new design, you can flip through pages, zoom in for easier reading, search by keyword, and follow embedded links to related articles, company websites, and product information—all from your desktop, tablet, or smartphone.
As the adhesives and sealants industry continues to navigate economic uncertainty, geopolitical shifts, and rapid technological change, we hope this issue provides valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead. From raw materials and formulation technologies to processing equipment and broader market trends, this issue offers practical insights to help your company navigate an evolving business environment. Please email me at parkerk@bnpmedia.com with your comments.
