Lee Walko

Indiana's leadership in agbiosciences, along with the strong support from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and Lafayette, has been critical in bringing our first U.S. Bio-MEG production facility to life. The IEDC has committed with substantial incentive-based tax credits and training grants, empowering us to further drive innovation and sustainability. These performance-based incentives will help unlock more opportunities for growth in these communities. Also, a partnership between Sustainea, Primient, the state of Indiana and city of Lafayette will be key for an even further decarbonization of the different sectors and value chains that make the regional economy grow at twice the pace of the national average We are excited for this next chapter and to contribute to Indiana’s thriving ecosystem. 

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I am excited about the upcoming dialogue with Eric Byer, President of the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD). Our discussion will delve into various topics affecting the chemical distribution industry, ranging from the growing regulatory challenges to the potential benefits of digitalization. Don't miss out on this opportunity - secure your place by registering now! #chemicaldistribution, #chemicalindustry #plasticsindustry

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John Richardson's article on plastics use is of great interest https://lnkd.in/ep22FSJU, and includes passages from a recent speech by Jim Fitterling, CEO of Dow, but I particularly want to discuss the data presented on global polymer demand. At a time when the fight against plastic pollution has been transformed into a trendy anti-plastics lobby supported by major funding (and therefore a source of revenue), the data from the ICIS Supply & Demand Database https://lnkd.in/eE2-6aPM what we perceive: the amount of plastic needed is going to increase sharply. And the main reasons are the standard of living of the world's population, which has soared, and I would add a thirst for unbridled over-consumption that is spreading to the entire population. Plastics contribute to this over-consumption, and certainly help it, but are not responsible for it! That's why trying to reduce the amount of plastic we use is naive, unless we address the general problem of our global consumption through a systemic approach based on complex thinking. In short, focusing on plastics alone won't solve our planet's environmental problems - in some cases, we're already seeing the effect of certain policies which, by replacing plastics with other materials, increase greenhouse gas emissions. Let's take a simple example of the famous soft ice cream at Costco Wholesale between California and Quebec. In California, a plastic cup and spoon are used. In Quebec, a cardboard cup that looks plastic-coated with a wooden spoon. In both cases, the cup and spoon end up in the trash, before going to a landfill in the best case scenario. The change in materials in Canada has not been accompanied by different end-of-life arrangements, nor by a change in practices, so I believe that the Canadian alternative today has the effect of producing more GHGs. #plastics #plasticdemand #sustainability

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🚀 Exciting news in the chemical industry! 🌟 Mussel Polymers has been granted a significant new patent for Thin-Film Catechol Containing Materials. The publication number for this groundbreaking patent is 20220169759. This patent focuses on creating thin layers with catechol-containing polymers or oligomers, showcasing improved adhesion properties between materials without significant modification to the adhesive matrix. 🔬 This utility patent builds upon MPI's existing licensed patents and offers vital claims on the utilization of thin catechol-containing films. These films have a wide range of applications, from anticorrosion and adhesion promotion to composite strengthening and stem cell proliferation. Thin film catechols are proving to be formidable additions to the chemical toolkit. 🎉 A big congratulations to the entire team at Mussel Polymers, with special recognition to Jason Steig and David Schmidt for their inventive contributions to this groundbreaking patent! 🎉 #cathechol #adhesive #ChemicalIndustry #Innovation #PatentIssued

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#strategicmaterialsconference2024 organizing committee has done a wonderful job putting together a program relevant to current and future needs and approaches necessary to support the predicted growth to $1T industry. The unprecedented growth rate brings with it challenges as the industry moves to #newchemstries requiring #acceleratedmaterialsdiscovery . It is essentially a call for acceleration all around which is not possible without a closer #collaboration within the industry. I am looking forward to chairing a session on #MaterialScalingNeeds, #Yield, and #MetrologyChallenges and having a collaborative discussion on how we as an industry are going to address these challenges, each big in it's on way, an enable the next generation of growth. I invite you, my fellow industry colleagues, to join the discussion and make it even richer.

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I’m thrilled to share our recently published perspective paper, “Recent Advances in Biobased Materials and Value-Added Chemicals” (https://lnkd.in/ds2HszQb). This timely review underscores the immense potential of biobased materials and chemicals as we navigate toward a more sustainable future. By leveraging renewable biomass feedstocks, we can significantly reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and minimize environmental impact. The article offers a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in this critical field, encompassing: Sustainable conversion of bio-based chemicals and materials Promising bio-derived polymers with exceptional properties Catalytic and biochemical processes for achieving high-performance end products These advancements align perfectly with our strategic vision of pioneering sustainable solutions, strengthening and consolidating our leadership in the field. The adoption of biobased materials and chemicals presents a remarkable opportunity to enhance our environmental footprint while driving continued business success. I extend my sincere gratitude to the leadership team for their solid support and to my co-authors for their invaluable contributions. I’m confident that this formative work will serve as a valuable resource for our company’s continued leadership in sustainable practices. #SustainableFuture #BiomassToChemicals #GreenChemistry #Innovation #Biopolymers

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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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ACC partnered with The Washington Post Post this week to publish a high-level summary of the key lessons that policymakers should know from our “Chemistry Creates, America Competes” initiative. Take a look and feel free to share your thoughts and feedback in the comments. My quick take: No matter what happens in November, demand for chemicals will continue to grow, both at home and abroad. To meet that rising demand and protect America’s future, the White House and Congress must support growing domestic chemical production. From healthcare to clean energy, infrastructure to national defense, chemistry is vital to economic growth in the United States. The bottom line: For nearly four years, the United States has been on the wrong track, handicapping the ability to develop and make chemicals here in America with a massive surge in regulatory restrictions and a lack of coordination among branches of the federal government. And it’s a track that alarmingly mirrors the deindustrialization of Europe. Whoever takes office in January must learn from past missteps and put a regulatory framework in place that is fully aligned with national priorities—job creation, onshoring manufacturing, strong supply chains and economic leadership. Learn more: https://ow.ly/2XpW50TqQHS #ChemistryCreates #AmericaCompetes

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This is why I startup... This is Ernst Toussaint, P.E., MBA and Hani Taan inside a funeral home retort applying NanoTech Materials next-generation refractory material. Ernst is our VP for Thermal Management, responsible for our liquid applied insulation and next generation refractory. He has decades of leadership experience in some of the largest companies in the world. However, he possesses something incredibly rare in people transitioning from a big company to startup: → The startup mentality: do what it takes to get the job done. Startups expose people. You can hire a star from a Fortune 500 company who has had success all the way up, but when they get to a startup: They fail. → They lack the startup mentality, get lost on startup island, and ultimately don't work out. Startups are typically a technology trying to become a company. → They have limited resources. → They don't have an established brand or customer base. → There are not floors of people to bounce ideas off. → There are no playbooks or plans that have been proven to work. → There are no people to pass the work onto. For early startup key employees: → Find your own 'why.' → Tell your own story. → Build your own legacy that gets passed down. → View yourself as an entrepreneur. You took a risk and are just as much as an entrepreneur as the founders For startups hiring early key employees: → Try to talk them out of joining. I mean really try to talk them out of it. → Be brutally honest about the commitment required to succeed. → Value the startup mentality over all else - Passion, commitment, creativity, flexibility, resourcefulness, high 'get it' quotient, risk-taking, and resilience. Find employees who may want to be founders one day. Be a bridge between their first startup and the first company that they start. → If you would invest in their future startup because of who they are—you have a good shot at finding early key employees who don't get exposed on startup island. If Ernst decided to start his own company in the future, I would invest. He has the pedigree of a Fortune 500 and the startup mentality to get whatever is necessary done. Hani and I started in a garage. Ernst's startup story began in a retort. Why do you startup? #startup #entrepreneur #entrepreneurjourney #innovation

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Great piece by Amelia Greene and C&EN illustrating the opportunities and challenges facing the specialty materials and chemical manufacturing industries. https://lnkd.in/gbHWv2Wg   As manufacturers, scientists, and business leaders, we are making significant progress in reshaping our industries for the better. We are helping our customers be far more sustainable by developing materials that make their products stronger, longer lasting, more recyclable, and with reduced carbon footprint. This is an ongoing effort, but articles like these are important to start to communicate on these efforts. It's vital in educating the public about an often-misunderstood industry and to attract a highly-skilled and diverse workforce.   #Arkema #ArkemaAmericas #ChemicalIndustry

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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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If I had to describe the current state of resin production in one word: I'd say "Stagnant." Just look at many resin manufacturers, and you'll see: - Outdated production methods - Limited product varieties - Lack of innovation in formulations The industry seems stuck in the past, relying on decades-old techniques. Many producers are so focused on maintaining the status quo that they miss opportunities for advancement. This is why Iran Ketone Factories offers a different approach: - Advanced technology in resin production - Diverse range of high-quality resins - Continuous innovation since 1975 We're moving beyond stagnation so you can access cutting-edge resin solutions for your industry needs.

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Chemicals & Specialty Materials Q1 2024 Earnings • Industry conditions remain challenging • Pricing was the primary factor contributing to poor performance, decreasing by (11.4%) year-over-year with declines across all sub-sectors - Price decreases were most prominent in Agchems & Fertilizers and Minerals & Inorganics as input costs continued to fall - Some players experienced less intense price declines compared to the previous quarter, hopefully indicating that unfavorable material cost pass-through has run its course (for some at least) • As for volumes, overall they showed modest improvement of 1.0% year-over-year, however, most of that growth was driven by recovery in TiO2 volumes

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Had an insightful conversation this week with Jennifer Holmgren and Alex Wood Morton during the #FortuneGlobalForum about how the private and public sectors can work together to accelerate the energy transition.     While Dow and LanzaTech represent different parts of the materials science industry, we both recognize the importance of advancing a transition that is reliable, affordable and secure.      During our time together, we discussed how:  ✔️ Creating a low-emissions future isn’t just possible, but profitable too. At Dow, we’ve outlined a clear path toward achieving both by focusing our strategy to decarbonize and grow, enabled by smart policies.     ✔️ An “all of the above” approach will meet increasing energy demands by utilizing both clean and traditional energy sources as well as new, innovative technologies.     ✔️ Accelerating decarbonization across the value chain requires cross-sector collaboration, like our partnership with LanzaTech, where we worked together to create cleaning solutions made from recycled carbon – delivering both sustainability and product quality.     Catch the full conversation here: https://dow.inc/4fMI9qz Video courtesy of Fortune.

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When they discuss the importance of plastics, especially single-use, non-recyclables and post-consumer recycled (PCR) content applications, being designed for Landfill Gas-to-Energy (LFGTE) recovery (ASTM D5526), to support the circular economy on a large scale, it really hit home. With millions of tons of plastic waste generated annually, this practice ensures these items are harnessed for energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By optimizing plastics for controlled biodegradation, we can improve landfill gas capture, convert waste into renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This approach delivers a significant return by turning waste management into a resource-efficient, climate-friendly process, while supporting sustainability goals globally. It’s good to hear technology is available and what waste system should be targeted. This shows well for APR and its commitment to a cleaner planet. Riveting!

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Arxada in Newsweek: Chemicals - The New Era It's great to be featured in this week's excellent Newsweek article titled, "Chemicals - The New Era." They state, "If chemicals were to disappear, our quality of life would suffer significantly." That's absolutely true for us at Arxada, where we protect you and the things around you from microbes. Anywhere there's water, there are microbes, and water is everywhere! So microbes and our products are everywhere… From the shampoo in your shower, to the food chain’s mighty power, to the ships crossing oceans wide, to paints in cans and walls worldwide; we preserve from rot, fences, decks, and power poles; and in oil and gas wells down holes; in hospitals, hotels and restaurants, too, Arxada’s products work for you. They make our lives more safe and bright, with solutions smart and future-sight. Remember COVID? It nearly wiped us out, but our products were pivotal in fighting it, no doubt. This summer, Arxada turns three years old! We started as a carveout from Swiss healthcare company Lonza, and have added other companies and technology solutions since. In many ways, we’re still a "startup," and we’re re-inventing how humanity deals with microbes in a more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective way so you can be safe. Thank you for being a customer of our products, even if you didn't know it! Read interview: https://lnkd.in/eKGVStrq Read article: https://lnkd.in/ev2_meGS

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Please check out our commercial describing Amindon's services for the specialty chemicals industry. You can contact us through LinkedIn or our website at Amindon.com🔬🧪⚛ #chemistry #chemical #science #synthesis #polymers #corrosioninhibitors #antioxidants #lubricants #laboratory #scientist #laboratory #lab #techinnovation #innovation #chemistryinnovation #manufacturing #cuttingedge #productdevelopment #highperformance #industrialinnovation #plasticsindustry #polymerengineering #specialtychemicals #coatings

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