Statement: Gerd Bergmann, Managing Director, Nordmann

The chemical industry currently faces numerous, partly unprecedented challenges, including high energy and fluctuating raw material prices, regulatory burdens and geopolitical tensions. These factors impact customers in the manufacturing industry and thus also distributors, resulting in a weaker demand.

New technologies, which are rapidly evolving, offer many opportunities for increasing efficiency and developing products. Mastering (master) data and external market knowledge is a decisive factor for future success. We are heavily investing in the digitalization of processes to make faster, success-oriented, data-based decisions.  

The demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products offers opportunities for visionary companies investing in green technologies, recycling processes and sustainable practices but is often still too price driven.

Sustainability is crucial for environmental and climate protection. Nordmann has made it a central element of its strategy. In future years more products will be banned or replaced by sustainable ones. Looking just at scope 1 and scope 2 emission will no longer be enough, the CO₂-equivalent will become important as a currency. Governments must reduce rampant bureaucracy and regulatory frenzy to avoid excessive burden on companies, as is currently the case, while continuing to protect the general public.

Additionally, our colleagues are essential for us. The growth of an individual will always be at the center of our undertaking, and we will continue to attract and develop the best talents from inside and outside the chemical industry. More than ever, distributors have the task of acting as a strong link between customers and suppliers, for example, to drive forward the above-mentioned development of innovative, sustainable products. Strategic partnerships with authorities can also be an advantage in this respect and investing in our own laboratories, as Nordmann steadily does, will support as well.