GCAV 2025 Day 2

Back to Agenda

Session Details

GCAV 2025 Day 2

Friday, May 16
Expand All Topics Close All Topics
Day 2 of GCAV 2025 starts with refreshments and networking before Session 5.

Session 5: Trends in Chlor-alkali and Chlor-vinyl Derivatives Part 1

Nick Kovics, Vice President, Global Inorganics, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Tobias Spyra, Executive Director Aromatics & Fibers, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
European polyurethane feedstocks, TDI, MDI and polyether polyols, are at a pivotal moment. Massive capacity expansions, in particular on the propylene oxide value chain, paired with soft demand have led to oversupply, while cash costs have eased but remain elevated versus history. Consequently, margins and operating rates are low, while other regions like mainland China or the Middle East are gearing up for growth. Regional disadvantages have become apparent and traditional trade flows are changing. The polyurethane industry, however, will remain a frontrunner as soon as the global economy picks up, particularly in reducing carbon footprint through demand for insulation, with a focus on the circular economy. This speech will address these and other polyurethane market dynamics to help you prepare you for success.

A global integrated chlor-vinyls producer will share their outlook and perspectives on chlor-vinyls markets.
Andrew Rock, Senior Research Analyst, OPIS a Dow Jones Company
In 2024, the global epichlorohydrin market experienced significant shifts in demand, supply, and sustainability pressures, challenging the adaptability of chlor-alkali producers and downstream consumers. Supply chain disruptions, energy cost volatility, and geopolitical trade tensions have transformed traditional market dynamics. This presentation will examine the future of the global epichlorohydrin market, highlighting key drivers such as regulatory changes, cost pressures, regional trade dynamics, and the growing importance of sustainability.
David McCoy, Executive Chairman, TZMI
The titanium dioxide industry could potentially experience market shifts due to technology changes and growing global demand for TiO2 pigment. China maintains its position as the dominant global supplier with the region adding two new globally-accepted product grades over the last decade, growing from one regional product grade to three. China’s role as the globe’s leading TiO2 supplier will be challenged, however, with antidumping duties already implemented in the United States and antidumping investigations currently being launched in the EU, India, Saudi Arabia and Brazil. What are the scenarios for TiO2 pigment supply and demand considering slowing domestic demand in China and potential duties for Chinese exporters?  Is a resurgence in the chloride route to manufacture TiO2 pigment likely after many years of sulfate technology domination? These and many other questions will be considered as we investigate the current and future state of the global TiO2 market.
Moderated by Brian Newsome, Vice President, Global Chlor-alkali, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Ask your questions to the panel of session presenters to delve deeper into the subject matter.
Connect and engage with industry peers, sessions resume at 1045 AM.  

Session 6: Trends in Chlor-alkali and Chlor-vinyl Derivatives Part 2

Craig Murphy, PhD, Associate Director, Global Bleaching, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
The pandemic highlighted the vital role of soaps and surfactants in supporting health and well-being. Chlor-alkali chemicals are essential ingredients in the production of soaps and detergents. This presentation will explore the various types of soaps and detergents that rely on chlor-alkali products and examine how this market has evolved—and is expected to develop—in the near future.
Paul Leclair, Vice President and Co-Founder, Numera Analytics

Cristian Triana, Senior Research Analyst, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Anti-dumping duties (ADD) are tariffs imposed to address price disparities between imported goods’ export value and their domestic market value, protecting industries from dumping—selling products abroad at lower prices than at home. This presentation explores ADD’s impact on the global chlor-alkali market, analyzing economic trends, political drivers, and industry implications. It provides context on the broader effects of these duties, examines past strategies used to manage them, and discusses alternative approaches to mitigate their impact.
Lina Suarez, Executive Director, North America Chlor-Alkali, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Rising electric vehicle sales are driving demand for battery materials, increasing the need for critical metals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt, alongside greater requirements for inorganic chemicals. However, in 2024, overcapacity in key minerals and growing competition have created challenges, leading industry participants to revise growth forecasts. This presentation explores the global battery market, focusing on trends in battery materials and their impact on chlor-alkali products. It examines supply-demand dynamics, market challenges, and projections, emphasizing the role of chlor-alkali chemicals in the evolving industry landscape.
Moderated by Nick Kovics, Vice President, Global Inorganics, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Ask your questions to the panel of session presenters to delve deeper into the subject matter.
Session Speakers

Paul Leclair Vice President and Co-Founder Numera Analytics

Paul Leclair is a pulp and paper market expert with 25 years of experience in the industry. As Vice President and co-founder of Numera Analytics, Paul oversees the operations of Numera’s sectoral and custom research services, which cover the entire range of pulp and paper products, including market pulp, specialty pulps, graphic papers, packaging grades, tissue, hygiene products and recycled fibres. Paul holds a Masters degree in Economics from the École des Hautes Études Commerciales (HEC).

David McCoy Executive Chairman TZMI

David McCoy is the Executive Chairman of TZMI, a globally recognized consulting firm that supports the world's opaque minerals and metals industries, particularly in the titanium value chain. David has worked for clients in over 70 countries. He is a Chartered Professional Engineer (Chemical Engineering) and has a Master of Engineering Management (International Finance major) and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Craig Murphy, PhD Associate Director, Global Bleaching Service Lead Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Dr. Craig Murphy is an Associate Director of Global Bleaching Chemicals Service at Chemical Market Analytics. Craig Murphy serves as the Global Service Lead for Bleaching Chemicals and holds the position of Associate Director within the Chemical Market Analytics group. With extensive experience in the chemistries of oil and gas development, pulp and paper, chlor-alkali, and advanced manufacturing, Craig is a pivotal resource within the business for managing and developing chemical market intelligence. In addition to spearheading the global bleaching team, Craig also provides regional market coverage for potassium hydroxide, alumina, aluminium, and pulp and paper. With global responsibilities, he collaborates closely with clients across all regions and the financial sector to offer support and guidance on the inorganics chain. Craig brings expertise across various industries and markets. He previously served as a technical expert in chlor-alkali applications associated with oil and gas at Canexus Corporation, aiding clients to succeed in participating in O&G. He honed his oil and gas proficiency while developing hydraulic fracturing fluid systems for the global service provider Calfrac Well Services. As the Director of Product Development at Cascades, Craig played a key role in creating new products to support vinyl construction materials. Dr. Murphy holds a PhD in Chemistry from McGill University, where he conducted research on oxidative processes in pulp and paper. Later, he earned an MBA from the University of Calgary, focusing on logistics and supply chain management.

Andrew Rock Senior Research Analyst Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Andrew Rock pursued his undergraduate studies in Chemistry and Psychology at the University of Alberta, graduating in 2018. Andrew then relocated to London to pursue a master's degree in digital innovation and analytics, specializing in the applications of disruptive innovation in technology. For the past four years, Andrew has been a pivotal member of the Strategy team at Newscorp, the parent company of Dow Jones, where he has been instrumental in identifying innovative opportunities for new business ventures and diversifying advertising opportunities. Andrew recently transitioned to Chemical Market Analytics, assuming the role of senior research analyst on the chlor-alkali team. In this capacity, he looks after the European market for Chlorine and Hydrochloric Acid.

Tobias Spyra Director, EMEA Styrenics & Polyurethane Feedstocks Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Tobias Spyra is the Director for EMEA Styrenics & Polyurethane Feedstocks at Chemical Market Analytics. Mr. Spyra joined the European aromatics and fibers team in 2016 and his current role in Chemical Market Analytics is as Director of Styrenics and Polyurethane Feedstocks in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa region. As a key resource within Chemical Market Analytics for understanding and providing insight into the Aromatics sector of the petrochemical industry, he works closely with the petrochemical, oil, and financial industries. He specializes in cumene, phenol, acetone, AMS, BPA, solvents, styrene monomer, and its derivatives as well as the in the isocyanates, polyether, and polyester polyols markets. Prior to joining Chemical Market Analytics, he worked in the chemical and petrochemical industries in various Sales, Marketing, and Global Business Management roles at Ineos, Innovene, and BP. Fluent in English, Spanish, and German.

Lina Suarez Executive Director, North America Chlor-alkali Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Lina Suarez is the Executive Director of North America Chlor-alkali Research at Chemical Market Analytics. Ms. Suarez is the Executive Director of North America Chlorine and Hydrochloric Acid. Over her tenure with CMA, she has held various roles, including Americas caustic soda market coverages. With over 25 years of extensive experience in integrated chlor-alkali, ethylene, and vinyls production chains, as well as other petrochemicals, Ms. Suarez is a crucial contributor to Chemical Market Analytics’ industry-leading expertise. Ms. Suarez currently focuses on the North America region, conducting research, analyzing, and reporting on the chlorine and hydrochloric acid markets. Lina works closely with clients in all regions and the financial sector to provide support and guidance on chlor-alkali chemicals. Before joining Chemical Market Analytics, Lina worked as a sales executive and product manager in multiple Latin American countries. Her experience includes positions as Commercial Director for PMV / Vestolit Mexico, guiding chlor-alkali, ethylene and VCM business strategies and commercial operations, and expertise defining new business models and executing sales programs in Mexico, Colombia and Brazil for chemical and oil companies, including 3M Colombia, DuPont México, Chevron México and BP México. Ms. Suarez holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia,  an MBA in Finance from the Universidad Externado de Colombia, and a Marketing Degree from the Universidad Iberoamericana de Mexico. Lina has resided in Houston, TX, since joining Chemical Market Analytics in 2019.

Cristian Triana Senior Research Analyst Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Cristian Triana joined Chemical Market Analytics in September 2023. He focuses on caustic soda and potassium hydroxide market discovery and analysis in the expansive EMEA region, employing rigorous assessment and industry expertise to drive insights. Cristian Triana conducts market research through direct and indirect client interactions, delivering presentations, and assessing market dynamics for caustic soda and KOH in Southern Europe, Turkey, and Africa. He manages the World Analysis responsibilities, econometrics, and supply/demand dynamics and develops unique analytical approaches that benefit clients. For almost seven years, Cristian held the position of Senior Applications Engineer within the Energy and Chemicals Business Unit at Siemens Digital Industries Software. In this capacity, he provided technical guidance and solutions to clients throughout the EMEA region, assisting them in crafting robust flowsheet simulations. These simulations were designed to boost profitability, lower energy usage, and address gas emissions, in line with Net Zero objectives. Dr. Triana earned a Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from The National University of Colombia, followed by a Master's degree focusing on ethanol production. He then pursued a PhD at University College London, specializing in the simulation and optimization of ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass using computer-aided process engineering tools such as gPROMS Process.
TALK TO AN EXPERT

Talk To An Expert

These offers include recommended content or information on upcoming events. I can unsubscribe at any time.*