Chemical Industry Brief: Supply Chain in the Boardroom

In the chemical industry, the consequences of a transport or storage accident are likely to be severe for the chemical company and its public image. When bad news hits, board executives are usually forced to turn their attention to logistics. But short of a major incident, logistics usually remains under the boardroom radar.

This paper argues that logistics – far more than a “necessary evil” – can, in fact, be a significant contributor to bottom-line results. With a more strategic approach to supply chain management, chemical companies can establish real competitive advantage.

Based on case-study analyses and interviews with chemical industry representatives, this paper examines the challenges of today’s chemical industry landscape and distils 5 levers for chemical company executives – five ways in which strategic supply chain management can turn challenges into opportunities and make a positive bottom-line contribution.