Both the distribution and logistics sectors within the chemicals industry are having to make sustainability a number one priority. “Today, sustainability is a crucial aspect of our operations, influencing our strategies and partnerships across the industry,” notes Anne Marie Infilise, president and CEO of Quadra. Distributors are incorporating sustainability frameworks as a norm. That includes Univar’s, which includes six characteristics: “Natural or bio-based, carbon footprinting, safer substitutes, circular materials, social impact, and environmental accreditation,” highlights Liam McCarroll, global director of sustainability, Univar Solutions.

Across logistics in the chemicals space, sustainability and safety are the most important topics of conversation. Joe Hinrichs, president and CEO of CSX Transportation, underlines this by stating: "Safety is our paramount concern. Incidents like the East Palestine, Ohio, derailment highlight the critical importance of safety for rail. This focus is not just about compliance or avoiding negative attention—it's about the profound responsibility we carry every day."

The emphasis on safety is complemented by a push toward more sustainable logistics opera- tions. Randy Strutz, president of Quality Carriers, outlines the challenges and opportunities: “Initially, there is the continuous push to enhance the efficiency of existing technologies, such as diesel trucks. Despite advancements, there are limits to how far efficiencies can extend without impacting other operational aspects like payload capacities. The aspiration for a shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) as a more sustainable option faces practicality issues, including significant payload reduction due to the heavy weight of batteries, potentially necessitating an increase in the number of trucks on the road to maintain current freight volumes."

The path forward will likely involve a blend of incremental improvements and more innovative changes, ensuring that the chemicals industry's logistics and distribution sectors continue to advance toward a more sustainable future.