Our industry is at a turning point: Start or end?

This year's EPCA in Berlin, Germany, was characterized by a focus on key issues affecting the petrochemical industry and its prospects for the future, all under the theme Thrive Through Turbulence.

With particular attention on Europe, the push toward decarbonization and sustainability, complex regulations, economic viability, and the broader energy trilemma make the prospect of Europe shifting from a producer to an importer a far less unlikely scenario.

This opens the door to fundamental questions.

What momentum will carry our industry forward? Will the next growth strategy for Europe's chemical industry be shaped by the new generations?

In the latest episode of the ICIS podcast Think Tank at EPCA '25, Morgan Condon, Europe News Editor at ICIS, along with Insight Editor Tom Brown and Market Development Director John Richardson, discusses critical concerns regarding the future of petrochemicals and the chemicals sector as a whole. She raises an important question: Simply put, is this the start or the end of something?

Within this segment, they highlighted the vital role new talent plays in maintaining continuity. This focus on talent is not merely about filling roles; it's about shaping a vision for a sustainable future where we thrive by leveraging the creativity and ambition of bright young minds in tackling complex issues.

At Rotterdam Chemicals Group, we believe in just that. We believe in making room for young professionals to carry forward the momentum that will define our industry's next chapter, and doing so in close collaboration with our seasoned leaders who paved the way ahead of us.

We draw from the teachings of Stephen Covey, renowned leadership expert and author of the international bestseller “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” By starting with the end in mind, we'll see through this downturn. As put on the table during this episode, these challenges may last longer than we hope, yet the next wave of opportunities may come quicker than we anticipate. And, when they don't, we will work closely alongside our peers to create them.

On that note, what do you think it will take to turn today’s trough into tomorrow’s peak?