The third Lanxess Pigments Symposium took place in Las Vegas last month, the day before the World of Concrete 2017 opened. Under the “Trusted partnerships for sustainable growth” theme, the Lanxess Inorganic Pigments business unit provided 100-plus industry affiliates from around the globe a platform to discuss industry challenges.
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| In his “Supplier Relationship: Global Strategy – Local Execution” presentation, Oldcastle Architectural Vice President, Operations Performance Improvement Todd Brogan stressed how quality and trust are key factors in purchasing decisions, and sacrificing them can be costly. PHOTO: Concrete Products |
The National Association of Manufacturers’ Dr. Chad Moutray manufacturing dynamics and outlook from a macroeconomic view, noting that the U.S. continues to be an attractive place for business, especially for chemicals. The American Chemistry Council’s Deborah Phillips assessed the significant role chemistry plays in green building, despite often contradictory perceptions, and noted how consumer interest in materials is shifting toward health and wellness awareness. “What is going to be critical for the chemical industry is the need to come forward with openness and the ability to do risk assessments and facilitate science-based approaches,” she affirmed.
SCS Global Services’ Steve Kooy noted that green building is adopted globally, and developing countries’ strong projected growth in such practice will be driven by client demand, environmental regulations and social triggers. Dr. Daniel Pedersen of Green Seal reinforced the symposium theme, observing, “To move from a supply to a value chain, the key is in the personal relationships—engaging all stakeholders in a partnership for sustainable development.”
“What makes supplier relationships is people,” concluded Lanxess Inorganic Pigments Global Head Joerg Hellwig. “In the end, it is about people buying from people, and therefore trust is the most important thing. We feel responsible for all stakeholders in this connected value chain.” Like the 2013 and 2015 gatherings in China, he added, this year’s symposium had the character of a high-level scientific exchange, giving guests an opportunity to talk extensively with industry experts and colleagues specialized in various areas.