Chemicals

The chemicals sector is under pressure with rising costs and higher demand. With stricter regulations and the need for circular business models. Cleaner production processes, advanced recycling and bio-based materials are no longer optional—they’re essential.

As demand continues to rise, companies can meet heightened expectations by adopting innovative strategies, cutting emissions and enhancing energy efficiency. Through reimagining supply chains, your business can become a leader in the industry.

Collaboration and innovation will define the winners. You need smart, tailored solutions that drive innovation, enhance operational efficiency and unlock sustainable growth.

Key trends impacting chemicals

Data-driven innovation

Data is the fuel for innovation. Chemical companies now have deep insights into supply chains, customers and sustainability. You can now use AI and analytics to optimise operations, decarbonise and drive smarter decisions. Data is about more than tracking—it’s about creating value, spotting trends and responding to them with more sustainable materials and processes.

Green hydrogen

Sustainable hydrogen could be a game changer—if the industry can crack the cost challenge. Developing a hydrogen-based economy will bring new opportunities across the sector. Today, almost all hydrogen is ‘grey,’ made from fossil fuels. But the race is on. Innovating green hydrogen tech can slash emissions, transform supply chains and open new revenue streams. Collaboration and investment are key.

Cross-industry collaboration

The future isn’t built in silos. Chemical companies can supercharge innovation by teaming up—across industries, with governments, even with competitors. Funding is available and regulators are pushing for joint sustainability efforts. Net zero isn’t a solo mission. Smart collaborations unlock bigger breakthroughs, better products and stronger industry influence.

ESG-driven innovation

The chemicals sector is in a strong position to drive sustainability across the global supply chain. From cutting waste to reinventing materials, ESG-led innovation can drive massive change—for consumers and businesses. The outcomes will be enhanced product durability, reduced need for repurchases and more opportunities for repair and reuse. Compliance can also be improved with evolving regulations on carbon and waste, and integrated sustainability reporting.

Sustainability-focused deals

Net zero is reshaping product portfolios. Smart chemical companies are looking at mergers, acquisitions and corporate ventures. New strategies harness new technologies and capabilities, expand business models and unlock opportunities for growth. At the same time, carbon-heavy assets are being sold off fast. Companies are shrinking their carbon emissions and reducing exposure to climate and regulatory risks.

Growth in Asia

Asia-Pacific plays a critical role in the future of chemicals. It’s a booming market—and a fiercely competitive one. Companies that establish a local foothold, tailor offerings and build strategic alliances will thrive. But rapid growth comes with risks: market volatility, local environmental hazards, regulatory updates and intellectual property rights. The key is to move fast and stay agile.

How we can help

We bring deep expertise in M&A, sustainability and digital transformation—and we know how they can be tailored for your sector. You need to navigate shifting regulations as you drive operational efficiency. You need to adopt sustainable practices as you deliver the high-quality products people and businesses rely on. From circular economy strategies to advanced production technologies, we position you to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.

Decarbonise production
Leverage circular thinking
Transform to lead
Shift focus to the customer
Digitise to compete

Decarbonise production

Chemicals are energy intensive. Fossil fuel dependence is high. That needs to change—fast. Companies have to develop a balanced approach across various types of fuels.

Ninety-five percent of industry feedstocks currently come from fossil fuels. We can help you implement sustainable ‘defossilisation’ processes and circular economy strategies, powered by the leading tech that will drive the transition.

We can also support you in overhauling your energy usage. Cutting your consumption. Boosting your efficiency. Switching to renewables. And recovering energy from end-of-life products. Our specialists understand your customers’ expectations. And we can help you unlock this opportunity for lower-carbon products, greener supply chains and better recyclability.

Leverage circular thinking

Circular economy strategies demand radical shifts. New materials. New recycling methods. New collaborations—across supply chains and with competitors. We can help you power innovative strategies and new ways of working. And see the value you can create and deliver—not just for your company but for users downstream.

Transform to lead

Regulations are getting stricter. Customers have higher sustainability expectations. Using the right technology will position you to advance both.

Tech-driven efficiencies will slash emissions and cut costs. Smarter operations will boost competitiveness. The companies that move now will set the new industry standard. Staying ahead means leading the transformation—not reacting to it. Our specialists can help you harness digitisation to drive decarbonisation.

Shift focus to the customer

You need to become more customer––and application––centric. Unlock the value of sustainable production. Leverage processes that optimise your digital and sustainability initiatives. Overcome challenges and redefine value creation by collaborating across your supply chain to find new solutions. Our professionals show you how to adapt to thrive.

Digitise to compete

The chemicals industry has lagged in digital transformation. That slower pace is no longer an option. Early efforts focused on supply chains and cost-cutting. But the future demands more. We can help you digitise every aspect of your business—from customer interactions and supply chain through to production and risk mitigation.

Your customers expect instant service, fast deliveries and seamless digital experiences. AI and analytics are game changers—driving smarter decisions, optimising operations and boosting retention. Transformation isn’t optional. It’s what it takes to stay relevant.

Explore the domains of growth

Industries are reshaping around fundamental human needs, creating value through collaboration across interconnected domains that now replace traditional value chains. Explore the domains relevant to your sector.