Session Details
Session 5: Sustainability & Innovation
Luis Garcia Pohlenz, Global Upstream and Circularity Lead, Heineken
James Byrne, Global Procurement Director, Ardagh Glass Packaging
David Schmidt, COO & Member of Management Board, Qemetica
Moderator: Nick Kovics, Vice President, Global Inorganics, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
This discussion examines how the soda ash industry is working to reduce carbon emissions throughout the beverage packaging value chain—from raw material production to end-of-life recycling. Experts will discuss innovations, circular strategies, partnerships that help close the carbon loop, and advancements in sustainability in packaging, along with current packaging trends.
Session 6: Sustainability & Innovation
Growing momentum in the lithium sector, fueled by electric vehicles and energy storage, is increasing demand for soda ash used in processing. This shift is influencing global supply chains, pricing dynamics, and strategic decisions across both industries
Carbon plays a growing role across the soda ash supply chain as environmental regulations and climate policies continue to evolve. This presentation will explore emission sources, the impact of carbon pricing and disclosure requirements, and how shifting policy landscapes are shaping decisions around production, trade, and investment in the industry.
Session 7: Market Drivers
Shipping is currently being hit by tariffs, trade and environmental shifts, war, and an over-capacity of ships and under-capacity in terminals. This session will explore the market outlook for shipping.
The soda ash route to the Southern Cone involves a complex journey from production to distribution, across multiple countries and modes of transport. Efficient logistics and coordination are crucial to ensure timely delivery to industries such as glass manufacturing, powder soap and mining. This presentation will focus on techniques and strategies to overcome regulatory and infrastructure challenges in an ever-evolving environment.
The detergents industry remains a key consumer of soda ash, but shifting formulations, sustainability pressures, and evolving consumer preferences are reshaping demand. This presentation will explore the challenges and opportunities these changes present for the soda ash market.
Session 8: Market Drivers
Flat and solar glass markets are experiencing rapid growth driven by urbanization, clean energy expansion, and technological innovation. Key applications include construction, automotive, and solar energy, with Asia-Pacific leading demand. Both segments rely heavily on soda ash, making supply, pricing, and quality critical. However, rising energy costs, emissions regulations, and supply chain volatility pose significant challenges to producers across these glass sectors.
Rising demand for solar glass is making solar energy a key driver of growth in the soda ash industry. As solar adoption accelerates worldwide, it is reshaping soda ash markets, influencing supply chains, and driving new investment across the sector.
This presentation incorporates an emissions Assessment of soda ash production, evaluating both natural and synthetic processes. The analysis considers environmental impacts from raw material extraction through to the production gate, emphasizing carbon emissions linked to energy use and raw material inputs. Key emissions drivers are identified, along with opportunities and challenges in balancing cost and sustainability.
James Bryne
Global Procurement Director Ardagh Glass Packaging
Read BioHasan Copur
Associate Director, Global Soda Ash Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Read BioBenita Dreesen
Senior Analyst Europe Renewable Energy OPIS a Dow Jones Company
Read BioArthur English
Chief Executive Officer G2 Ocean AS
Read BioMaria Laura Filippello
CEO Grupo Euroamérica
Read BioLuis Garcia Pohlenz
Global Upstream and Circularity Lead Heineken
Read BioJoel Geny
Global Head of Sales and Marketing Kandelium Care GmbH
Read BioVincent Godfrey
Chief Procurement Officer Ardagh
Read BioNick Kovics
Vice President, Global Inorganic Chemicals Team Lead Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Read BioAleksandra Krauze
Expert McKinsey & Company
Read BioGözde Morkoç
Sustainability Director Şişecam
Read BioMarguerite Morrin
Executive Director, Global Soda Ash Service Lead Chemical Market Analytics
Read BioHumberto J. Rocha
Carbon and Biodiversity Editor OPIS a Dow Jones Company
Read BioDavid Schmidt
COO & Member of Management Board Qemetica
Read BioRaheel Shafi
Vice President, Consulting Team Lead Chemical Market Analytics
Read BioJason Sutton
CEO Invica Industries
Read BioAashish Tyagi
Director Gold Plus Float Glass Pvt. Ltd
Read Bio