The chemical industry is the backbone of the entire manufacturing sector and has, through innovations, driven products and production processes forward. This backbone is robust but rarely the most proactive. At Sekab, we have observed this clearly in the sustainability area—while the chemical industry has been slow to transition, it now faces significant challenges.
Another area where the chemical industry is evidently falling behind is the adoption of AI, as highlighted in McKinsey’s latest study. There are some natural explanations for this—chemical plants are complex environments that already utilize digital tools, which, while not always labeled as AI, are innovative and propel development.
At the same time, it’s clear that much more can be done. Over the coming years, significant advancements will be made, particularly in the area of data-driven strategies. This is not merely about automation; it’s about fostering a deeper understanding of how data can unlock new efficiencies, innovations, and sustainability breakthroughs. This is especially true when implementing more sustainable practices where traceability and accountability are vital.
For Sekab, becoming smarter as a company is not just a matter of improving profitability; it’s a matter of aligning with our mission to offer fossil-free solutions to the global market. Smarter industries truly do lead to better businesses—both in terms of financial outcomes and environmental impact.
Sven Olsson
Head of Technology / IT / HSEQ
Sekab
This is the concluding comment of Sekab newsletter, this time by Sven Olsson, read all our newsletters here