Tuesday: The focus will be on high-level discussions examining the environmental and social responsibilities of the petrochemical industry, exploring the challenges and opportunities it faces in the current uncertain times.
Wednesday: This day will revolve around supply chain topics.
Thursday: The spotlight will be on net-zero activities.
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Access to EPCA activities listed below will be allowed only to people wearing #EPCA59 Delegate badges. Our policy is not to reprint badges or replace lost badges. Further info: Badge Policy
| 14:00 - 16:30 |
EPCA Workshop |
17:00 - 18:30 | Cocktail Reception Separate RSVP required |
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organized by In a time of changing global dynamics and increasing regional complexity, our industry needs to evolve not only its operations but also its leadership. This workshop will explore how including a broader range of perspectives, skills and experiences can unleash innovation, improve decision-making, and build more resilient organizations. The session will challenge assumptions about modern leadership and examine how we can collectively overcome structural barriers without relying on quotas. Through strategic insights and peer-led dialogue, participants will leave with fresh ideas and personal commitments to foster more inclusive environments. |
hosted by Join Women in Chemicals and Brenntag at the emblematic Berlin Zoo for an exclusive cocktail reception. Come and enjoy a drink with our global community of women and allies as we pursue parity and opportunity in the chemical industry! ⚠ Note: Attendance is not included in EPCA registration and requires a separate RSVP - here. |
brought to you by Ovinto
Welcome by EPCA’s President
Keynotes & Debate (Leadership Forum)
Session description:
The global chemical industry stands at a crossroads. Long-standing certainties have given way to volatility, with geopolitical tensions, economic challenges, energy disruptions, regulatory shifts, and an urgent sustainability agenda reshaping the landscape. In this high-stakes environment, businesses must not only adapt but lead - turning challenges into catalysts for transformation.
The traditional planning horizon of 3 to 5 years is being compressed into a near-constant cycle of reassessment. Hear from leading experts how our industry can remain competitive, secure, and deeply rooted in Europe while embracing transformation at an unprecedented pace. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insight and network with your peers. Prepare to broaden your understanding of the complexities shaping our future.
Moderator:
Keynotes & Panel Debate:
- Noreena Hertz, Bestselling Author, Thought Leader, Economist, Professor, Board Member
- Thierry Breton, former European Commissioner for the Internal Market
As the global economy grapples with intensifying geopolitical tensions, shifting trade flows, and growing energy insecurity, the chemical and energy industries are being forced to rethink priorities. Sustainability, once the dominant pillar of the energy trilemma, is now being recalibrated against urgent imperatives of affordability and security.
In this session, we explore how rising instability is reshaping investment strategies, prompting restructuring across European industry clusters, and disrupting traditional centers of demand. With China accelerating its domestic capacity development and global prosperity still lingering beyond the trough, businesses face a fragile balancing act.
Where are the next growth centers and where is value migrating? Which disruptions are temporary, and which will redefine the value chain? Dive into the analysis to understand how to stay competitive in a volatile, uncertain, and increasingly fragmented world.
Presentations are followed by a roundup panel.
Speakers:
- Energy trilemma: Companies' focus swinging back towards security and affordability over sustainability
- Steve Lewandowski
- Rising geopolitical instability: Impact on trade and investment flows
- Raheel Shafi
- Beyond the trough: When will prosperity return?
- Nick Kovics
- Demand disruptors: Headwinds and growth areas
- Kaushik Mitra
- Europe rationalization: Industry cluster vulnerability and breakpoint
- Duncan Clark
- China's road to self-sufficiency: Global trade patterns evolving, rising competition and emerging demand centres
- Matthew Thoelke
brought to you by our Gold Sponsor
brought to you by Ovinto
Organized by 
EPCA's SCPC Committee
Session description:
Geopolitical volatility, shifting trade flows, and increasing strategic pressures are forcing Europe's petrochemical industry to rethink the fundamentals of its global supply chains. What once prioritized scale and efficiency must now be redesigned for resilience, agility and long-term competitiveness.
With this new format of lightning talks, we'll dive into practical insights and highlight real-world perspectives across the value chain. We will explore how companies can gain a strategic advantage from current developments, redesigning supply networks to better withstand shocks while staying competitive in a fast-changing world.
Moderator: Sanja C. Magdeburg, Chairperson SCPC at EPCA and Vice President Supply Chain EMEA, Brenntag Specialties
North Sea Port is one of Europe’s key industrial hubs where production, storage, logistics and energy are cleverly integrated across the entire chain. From refining to intermediates, from tank storage to distribution: the port offers a unique ecosystem where chemistry, innovation and circularity flow together seamlessly.
Join North Sea Port and its selected partners to explore cases on tackling market pressure and uncompetitive pricing, maintaining competitiveness in the face of soaring energy prices, views and regulations on CCS and circular feedstock, and innovation as a key success factor for start-ups.
Presentation & Moderator:
Maarten den Dekker, Chief Sustainability and Digital Officer/Board member, North Sea Port
Panelists & Keynotes:
- Armin Vogelaar, Business Manager BE & NL, SGS
- Dr. Kapil Shyam Lokare, Co-founder & CEO, Terra Mater
- Manon Bloemer, Director, VNCI
- Tine Cattoor, Director Product Policy and Secretary General LAB and Industrial Gases, Essenscia
brought to you by our Silver Sponsor
Session description:
As the global energy landscape continues to evolve, feedstock dynamics are being redefined by falling crude prices, shifting demand patterns, and continued geopolitical uncertainty. In this environment, understanding regional competitiveness and anticipating the movement of market fundamentals is more critical than ever.
Argus’ panel of experts will deliver a data-driven outlook on feedstocks, focusing on:
- The implications of sustained low crude oil prices, higher US Natural gas prices and what this means for European and Asian producers
- Trade policy developments, and how shifts in tariffs or regulations may impact global trade flows
- The strategic emergence of bio-feedstocks, and how sustainability targets are influencing procurement and investment decisions
- Key macroeconomic and geopolitical developments to watch, and why scenario-based planning is essential for long-term strategy
Speakers:
Join moderator Chuck Venezia and panellists Sarah Rae, Craig Barry, and Alan Williamson for a forward-looking discussion on how to turn uncertainty into strategic advantage amid today’s shifting market dynamics.
brought to you by our Silver Sponsor
brought to you by Gold Sponsor Ovinto
Organized by 
EPCA's Net-Zero Committee
Session description:
Moving towards Net Zero in a challenging environment, the petrochemical industry needs adaptive strategies that combine decarbonization with competitiveness. This session will explore how businesses are combining these through emerging technologies, collaboration and developing credible carbon accounting frameworks.
Join us for an interactive discussion on how to be successful in 2026. We’ll examine how companies can produce and position low-carbon, more sustainable products in a value-driven market. Discover how innovation and collaboration can turn the challenges of the Net Zero transition into long-term competitive advantage.