Neil Burns

🚨 Boom! 8090 Industries portfolio company Circ® reaches a massive milestone with global copolyster producer Selenis Specialty Polyester Solutions - successfully making rPET chips from polycotton textile waste. This is a giant step toward an offtake partnership to support @Circ's industrial facility. Typical circular economy solutions are built predicated on the 'feel good', fluffiness and goodwill of customers or the government. At 8090 Industries, we knew that to truly build a dominant, scaled circular economy on a global basis we wanted to partner with the type of company exploiting the sheer greed of corporates. Put simply, if Rockefeller was alive today, how would he build the enduring textile recycling juggernaut? Peter Majeranowski Luke Henning Conor Hartman and the entire Circ® team are today's peerless Rockefeller like industrialists for textiles, fundamentally delivering materials using textile waste, cheaper than raw materials today. This sheer capitalistic approach is the reason they've galvanized not only Selenis Specialty Polyester Solutions but fashion giants like Inditex, Zara, Patagonia Far Eastern Group and many many more as customers, partners and investors. cc Kerem Ozmen Wes Mendenhall Filip Vurdelja Haluk Sabanci Dincer Grant Brown Ishan Meswani Garuth A. Andrew Irwin

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🚨 Big News: DuPont Splits into Three Companies! 🚨 DuPont's decision to split into three seperate companies has caused a stir within the industry as the news broke. What do you think about this topic? #DuPont #WaterTreatment #IndustryNews

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I had the pleasure of joining Carrie Hartford and Huda Ashfaq on the "Women Leading the Way in Processing" webinar yesterday, moderated by Kristen Kazarian, Managing Editor of Powder & Bulk Solids. We discussed critical industry trends and the unique experiences of women in process engineering. Here are some key takeaways: ✨Automation: Labor shortages are a major challenge across industries. It offers a solution by ensuring consistent, repeatable results and minimizing human error. Stakeholder buy-in is crucial for successful automation implementation, encompassing safety, clean-up, and regulatory considerations. In the food and beverage industry, for example, FDA regulations require detailed tracking of who handled each batch, making automation even more valuable. ✨Effective Communication: Authenticity and effective communication are essential for success. Take your ego out of the equation and focus on the end goal. Don't be afraid to ask for help – a communication coach or a tutor can be a valuable asset. ✨Curiosity: The industry is full of brilliant minds. Effective communication involves understanding their motivations and fostering a space for open dialogue. Embrace your strengths, and don't give up on yourself! This is just a glimpse of the insightful conversation we had. Stay tuned for more on the experiences and perspectives of women in process engineering! #ProcessingIndustry #PowderAndBulkSolids #Automation #Communication #Leadership #WomenInProcessing

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We recently announced our investment in Atomgrid, a B2B managed marketplace for specialty chemicals. Admittedly, the depths of specialty chemicals were once a mystery to me, until a crash course with the maestros Siddharth Gupta, Lakshit Bansal, and Pratik Chowdhury! Their insights were nothing short of a masterclass, pulling back the curtain on an industry that, according to a 2022 KPMG report, is pivotal to India’s economy. Projected to swell from $178 billion in 2021 to a robust $304 billion by 2025, this sector makes up 7% of India's GDP. Yet, impressive as these figures are, they weren’t the deciding factor in our decision to invest. Our conviction in Atomgrid stems from the exceptional people behind it - Siddharth, Lakshit, and Pratik. Their extensive research, integrity in acknowledging the industry's challenges, and the innovative solutions they propose are what truly set them apart. This team has demonstrated not only a deep understanding of the market but also the humility and courage to innovate and lead effectively. Their passion, resilience, and maturity convince us they’re equipped to navigate any challenge and steer their venture to success. I'm genuinely excited about what lies ahead for Atomgrid and look forward to celebrating each milestone we'll reach together. #VentureCapital #StartUps #Innovation #ChemicalIndustry #WeAreMerak https://lnkd.in/dc4HwbF4

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Our company started with just 5 Specialty Colors in 1981. Today, we offer a suite of over 120 products comprising pH Indicators, Life Science and Specialty Colors scaled by us over 4 decades. For those who do not know me, I'm Ankit Shah, CEO at GSP Chem. Decades of R&D, from Complexometric Indicators to designing their use in several applications, have shaped our dedication to precision chemistry. But our passion towards this began long before my role as Director at GSP Chem. From our early work developing specialty colors to my current focus on Life Science products and Halochromic Compounds, we have honed a unique understanding of the scientific and commercial sides of innovation. Fast forward to today, at GSP Chem, we are transforming the field of specialty chemicals and pH indicators in several industries. Most importantly, we have a vision. A vision to make GSP a global leader in next-gen solutions, that is– • Driven by innovation, • Fueled by precision • Guided by environmental sustainability and social responsibility. It is a journey that began with our first color-changing compound and continues with every breakthrough we make in our labs today. Lastly, we believe the future of this industry hinges on collaboration. Whether you're a researcher seeking new breakthroughs, a manufacturer or even a visionary, let's connect and explore how GSP Chem can support your next ground breaking innovation. Let's connect and build a future together! Visit Our Website: https://gspchem.com/ #GSPChem #chemicalindustry #innovation

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Biofuels remain central to transportation decarbonization By far most human global CO2 emissions are caused by burning fossil fuels. Scientifically accepted and more and more obvious to all of us, resulting climate change is finally top on UNs agenda. The transition away from fossil fuels is without alternative, luckily a growing number of potential technologies to achieve that transition are becoming available. One already available option today is bioethanol, first generation from corn, but increasingly from second generation, i.e., agricultural or household waste materials. A necessary increasing addition of that bioethanol to fossil fuel is technically feasible, as engine and car manufacturers work on delivering more and more solutions for the additional requirements of a blended fuel such as E30 or E85. Today, E15 is widely sold in the US, mandatory E25 and even E100 in Brazil. The goal is to achieve carbon neutral fuels, but to create the technical prerequisites, the involved industries require planning security. A simple ban of combustion engines is contra productive for further innovations, in addition is creates challenges in other areas. It becomes more and more clear, that pure electrical cars will not lead to net zero emissions over their lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Therefore, all technologies must be kept and developed further for a transition phase lasting definitely longer than the mid-2030s. A smart alternative may also be a Plug-In Hybrid Flex Fuel (E85) vehicle recently presented by RFA, showing overall lower emissions than e-cars. In addition to ground transportation fuels, bioethanol will play a crucial role in producing sufficient aircraft fuel – sustainable aviation fuel, SAF – as todays solutions based on waste oils will run into limitations in the next years. Especially mid-to-long distance flights will thereby dramatically reduce their emissions, another transport sector responsible for 2.5% global CO2 emissions. These  emissions are however produced in a climate sensitive environment, contributing over-proportionally to global warming. Our mid-term efforts to decarbonize transportation will remain dependent on all available technologies. https://lnkd.in/g86Ne3kt

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A question for businesses that cater to the US Chemicals + Energy industry: How closely are your monthly sales over the last year reflective of the performance of the S&P Chemicals Index that I have shown below? Please share thoughts in comments. Hopefully we can all glean some insights. #chemicals #energy #scientificequipment #laboratory #instruments

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The U.S. CPRI rose 0.6% in April, the third monthly gain in a row. The U.S. CPRI measures chemical production trends on a three-month moving average (3MMA) to smooth month-to-month volatility. Chemical production was higher across all regions in April. The strongest gains were in the Gulf Coast and Northeast regions. Compared to a year ago, the U.S. CPRI was up 0.5%, the fifth consecutive positive annual comparison. Compared to a year ago, chemical production was trending higher across all regions, except the Northeast which was still slightly lower than April 2023.

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ACC’s U.S. Chemical Production Regional Index (U.S. CPRI) rose 0.1% in March, following a revised 2.0% gain in February. Measured on a 3MMA basis, chemical output in the U.S. was higher for a second month in a row with continued gains across all regions. There were signs of recovery in the output volumes of basic industrial chemicals and consumer products that were offset by ongoing weakness in agricultural chemicals and specialty chemicals. Output of synthetic materials was essentially flat. Compared to last March, U.S. chemical production was off by 0.4%.

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Freeline and Swan to Spur new AAV Development... I couldn't resist. Syncona announced they are combining Freeline and Swan Bio to create Spur Therapeutics to advance the most viable components of the latter two companies' pipelines. That pipeline will be headlined by Freeline's Gaucher program (on the cusp of starting Ph3), and Swan's candidate in adrenomyeloneuropathy. Syncona previously took Freeline private to create new optionality for the company. This was after AAV headwinds had battered the stock and other candidates reached approval first in their prior lead therapies (hemophilia). This shows there's still interest in AAV and its proven delivery capability to diverse tissues and cells. But there is continuing culling in the industry's pipeline. Want to take a look at that pipeline? or think about how it impacts your own prioritization? Reach out and we can discuss! #venturecapital #genetherapy #pharma https://lnkd.in/g8-ZKp4C

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What does 40 years of innovation look like? Enter, GSP CHEM! In 1981, GSP CHEM began with a small lab and a grand ambition: To unlock the power of precision chemistry. From a handful of indicators to a comprehensive suite of over 100 products, we’ve come a long way. Each product innovation became a milestone, transforming industries and moving us forward. Here's a glimpse of our transformative journey: • 1981: Our foundation was built with Sulphonphthalein and Azo-based pH indicators. • 1987: We expanded into Bromosulfonphthalein indicators and Romanowsky Stains, empowering the diagnostic field. • 1994: Our portfolio grew, with new Phthalein indicators and specialized Azo compounds for diagnostics. • 1997: Our first successful commercial project with Unilever to use pH Indicators in Personal Care and Sanitation products. • 1999: Complexometric indicators joined our offerings, marking a leap into even more technical applications. • 2006: A milestone year! We ventured into custom pH indicators and vibrant specialty colors, opening new doors for our clients. • 2015: Our commitment to tailored solutions led to a further expansion in customized indicators and a strong specialty colors portfolio. Today, GSP CHEM stands as a global leader with over 100 precision products. But these numbers are just part of the story. Each product represents a breakthrough and a solution for our partners in research, manufacturing and creative industries. We are proud of this legacy of transformation, and the best is definitely yet to come. What innovation can we create for YOU? Let's envision the future together! Visit Our Website: https://gspchem.com/ #GSPCHEM #chemicalindustry #innovation

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We welcome Neel Malkani as managing director for private equity & industrials. Read the story in Consulting.us below and link to the press release here - https://lnkd.in/eRaZvKxp. #PrivateEquity #Industrials #WelcomeToTheTeam #TotalValueOptimization

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Raising funds 💰 in today's challenging capital market is no easy feat. With high Fed interest rates, it's sad to see promising biotech companies with strong IP and groundbreaking science facing stiff competition from passive treasury bonds. We should be striving to innovate and advance science, not competing with our own government for investment dollars. Despite these hurdles, I remain optimistic 🙌. Solving significant issues like aflatoxin contamination and insect invasions with cutting-edge peptide 🧬 technology will continue to attract interest and investment from forward-thinking stakeholders. Together, we are driving progress and bringing transformative solutions to the market. #Biotech 🌽 #Innovation #Investment #ScienceForGood 🥼

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𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: Chemical Industry Stocks * 𝐍𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐚 forecasted a $28 billion Q2 revenue, surpassing estimates, with an adjusted gross margin around 75.5%. * 𝐓𝐒𝐌𝐂'𝐬's April sales surged by nearly 60% to $7.3 billion, driven by strong demand for AI chips. * 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, under the leadership of Michael Burry, acquired stakes in 𝐁𝐏and 𝐂𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐚 * The 𝐔𝐒 𝐠𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 is doubling tariffs on $18 billion worth of Chinese goods, including semiconductor tariffs to 50% and electric car tariffs to 102.5%. Join the 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫, its 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄! https://lnkd.in/gJFb9U6k

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Following declines in March and April, chemical production rebounded in May, up by 1.7%. The gain reflected broad improvement across nearly all segments with the largest gains in organic chemicals, plastic resins, and fertilizers. Compared to a year ago, chemical production remained off by 0.4% Y/Y. Capacity utilization rose from 77.0% in April to 78.2% in May. Despite the gain, capacity was still lower than a year ago when it was 79.3%.

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Daily Chemical Reaction - April 19: 2H24 Improvement Expectations Now Look More Challenging For Some Than Implied By Early Year Views, Take Caution | https://lnkd.in/gumqYeEm 🔍 General Thoughts: We discuss PPG 1Q24 results and outlook commentary for 2024 that suggests a weaker 2Q24 but stronger 2H24 than Street EPS expectations, while we see more risk to its 2H24 views than at the start of 2024. 🔍 Supply Chain/Commodities: We discuss base and intermediate #chemical price volatility and why high oil price and reliability issues facing on-purpose production, such as propylene, are challenges for non-integrated buyers. 🔍 Energy/Upstream: We discuss recent crude oil and Ex-US naphtha price movements relative to US natural gas and USGC ethane, where higher ratios prove positive for the US ethylene advantage but favor tighter co-products. 🔍 Sustainability/Energy Transition: We discuss the rising project finance headwinds facing many #energy transition and clean product growth projects as higher interest rates, delays, and price and incentive uncertainties mount. 🔍 Downstream/Other Chemicals: We discuss shrinking #capital investment in German manufacturing, especially in energy-intensive industries, and highlight global #economic indicators painting a broadly mixed picture of health. Companies: Dow, NOVA Chemicals, Celanese, Braskem, BASF, bp, ExxonMobil, Petrobras, SLB, General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Umicore, Woodside Energy, ABB, CF Industries Commodities: #Propylene, #CrudeOil, #NaturalGas, #Ethylene, #NGL, #Ethane, #PDH, #PGP, #LNG, #Naphtha, #EVs

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"The chemical industry is an industry that's hiding in plain sight, but at the same time, it runs the entire world." -- Ali Amin-Javaheri, co-founder and CEO of Knowde Listen to Episode 140 of The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player to get more insights on digital transformation: https://lnkd.in/gvJsxJJf #digitaltransformation #chemicals #leadership #interview #podcast #thechemicalshow

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C&EN unveils the top 50 US chemical producers for 2024! It’s amazing to see the growth and innovation taking place amidst challenging market conditions. Sustainability is now more than just a buzzword; it's reflected in the initiatives and business strategies of many companies on this list. 🌿🌏 From advanced materials to specialty chemicals, the range is impressive. Leading firms are leveraging technology and strategic partnerships to stay ahead, ensuring that they meet consumer demands while also addressing environmental concerns. This proactive approach will likely set the stage for the next era of chemical manufacturing. It's particularly interesting to observe how companies are harnessing digital transformation to optimize production and supply chain management. As we move forward, these innovations could become industry standards that redefine operational efficiency. For those of us in the sector, this list serves as a benchmark and a source of inspiration. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, there's much to learn from the strategies of these top performers. 🧪📲Check out the list: https://loom.ly/6rGE_4I #ChemicalIndustry #Sustainability #Innovation #Top50 #USChemicalProducers #BusinessStrategy #DigitalTransformation

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The latest data on the plastics pileup from Crunchbase: as plastic waste soars, so does investment in solutions. Over $300 million has been invested in the last year in companies developing greener consumer products, alternative materials, and improved waste management techniques. Notable solutions include CA based ZenWTR (creating water bottles from recycled ocean-bound plastic), and with Travis Kelce as a lead #investor, Tel Aviv startup UBQ Materials (straddling both waste & alt. material categories), and Hamburg based traceless materials (creating plant based, plastic-free and home compostable materials from leftovers of ag food production). #Sustainability #Startup #Green

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