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Karen Southern

Editor

Editor

Karen Southern karen.southern@distinctivegroup.co.uk

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Perfect storm lies ahead for industry

The problems highlighted in the introduction to our last issue unfortunately show no signs of diminishing.

Nearly a year into the post-Brexit regulatory regime, the UK REACH infrastructure is creaking under the strain. We look at the challenges and considerations that the chemicals industry continues to face in relation to complex new regulations on compliance and registrations. And sadly, the somewhat gloomy forecast is that once obligations start coming into force, these problems will inevitably increase.

And then there is – in the words of the Chemical Business Association (CBA) – the perfect storm facing the UK supply chain. While industry sensibly focuses on a longer-term structural strategy to help counter spiralling delivery delays, costs and staff shortages, the CBA is continuing to lobby the Government for ongoing support and increased investment in training, testing and HGV driver facilities. Thankfully, we have a lot of good news to report on too. The pace of innovation and investment –particularly in the fields of renewables and ‘green’ chemicals – shows no sign of losing momentum.

In the wake of COP26, we showcase the launch of Scotland’s first sustainable chemical plant, and take a look at an Icelandic / British collaboration on sustainable methanol solutions, which will help address the urgent need to remove carbon emissions in hard-todecarbonise sectors of the economy. If you have a business or industry-related news story that you think might be of interest to our dedicated audience, please drop me a line at karen.southern@distinctivegroup.co.uk. As the new year fast approaches, Chemical Industry Journal is happy to keep supporting our readership in any way we can.

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