MARCH 20266 CHEMICAL INDUSTRY REVIEWBio-based chemical technology is moving from pilot ambition to industrial execution. As decarbonization pressures converge with supply chain resilience and cost discipline, the sector is being tested not by intent but by its ability to compete at scale.That test defines this edition's cover story. Kemvera (formerly New Iridium), recognized as Bio-Based Chemical Technology of the Year 2026, has chosen to commercialize bio-based acetic acid at industrial volumes rather than remain confined to specialty niches. Targeting a molecule produced globally at roughly twenty million metric tons per year, the company has developed a proprietary one-step thermocatalytic oxidation process that converts bioethanol directly into acetic acid and ethyl acetate. By consolidating conversion into a single reactor, Kemvera aims to reduce capital intensity, energy demand and yield loss while achieving selectivity exceeding ninety-five percent and first-pass conversion of at least ninety percent. Its staged scale-up from pilot to pre-commercial to planned fifty-thousand-metric-ton capacity reflects a deliberate approach to technical validation and risk management. The strategy is to deliver drop-in, cost-competitive alternatives that integrate seamlessly into existing supply chains.Leadership perspectives in this edition reinforce that disciplined alignment is as critical as technical innovation. Kelvin Roth, Vice President, Environment, Health, Safety and Quality at CF Industries (NYSE:CF), emphasizes that strategy must lead technology adoption, with culture and consistent systems forming the foundation of resilient industrial performance. Walter Bridgham, Senior Business Development Manager, Home and Interior at Lenzing Group (VIE:LNZ), highlights the operational value of precise, audience-centered communication that reduces friction across complex supply chains.Bio-based chemistry will be defined by execution, cost parity and cultural alignment. We invite you to examine the insights in this issue and engage with the leaders shaping a more resilient chemical industry.Building a Resilient Bio-Based Chemical EconomyCopyright © 2026 ValleyMedia, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photography or illustrations without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations. Views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the magazine and accordingly, no liability is assumed by the publisher thereof. Editor-in-ChiefAisha EdwardsEditorial StaffVisualizersHenry SmithKevin ParkerAva Gracia Peter ThomasClara MatthewRose DcruzAaron PaulCatalina Joesph*Some of the Insights are based on the interviews with respective CIOs and CXOs to our editorial staffEmail:sales@chemicalindustryreview.comeditor@chemicalindustryreview.commarketing@chemicalindustryreview.com MARCH 2026, Vol 06 - Issue 01 (ISSN 2837-2921) Published by ValleyMedia, Inc. To subscribe to Chemical Industry ReviewVisit www.chemicalindustryreview.com EDITORIALAisha EdwardsManaging Editoreditor@chemicalindustryreview.com600 S Andrews Ave Ste 405, Ft Lauderdale, Fl 33301EUROPEEUROPE
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