Chemical Processing Distilled

In this episode of Distilled, CP’s Editor Traci Purdum chats with David Strobhar,  founder and principal human factors engineer for Beville Engineering. Dave is also the founder of the Center for Operator Performance. The two discuss Instructional System Design, a systematic training approach developed by the Air Force to create efficient, measurable, and effective training programs across diverse industrial workforces.

In today’s episode, Chemical Processing’s Editor-in-Chief, Traci Purdum, will be reading this year’s Chemical Industry Outlook, written by Martha Gilchrist Moore, chief economist and managing director of the American Chemistry Council, Washington, D.C. 

Martha and the ACC have been offering Chemical Processing a glimpse into their economic crystal ball for several years. Here is what’s in store for 2025.

Welcome to our first episode of Chemical Processing's Distilled podcast in 2025. This podcast and its transcript can be found at chemicalprocessing.com. I'm Traci Purdum, editor-in-chief of CP.

I, like many folks, use the new year to reflect on the past year and find inspiration for the next 365 days during the “Bermuda Triangle” time between the holidays and New Year. You know those days that all mesh together, and you don't know whether it's Tuesday or Saturday, and you've just had a handful of cookies for breakfast? Well, I decided to listen to past episodes of Distilled. I came across many auditory pearls of wisdom, and I whittled them down to four things I plan to work on this year. Maybe you'd like to join me.

In his final news roundup of the year, Executive Editor Jon Katz highlights: Global plastic pollution treaty stalls amid negotiations. DuPont loses lawsuit secrecy bid. EPA closes PFAS chemical review loopholes. Bhopal lessons persist. Chemical facilities warned about winter safety risks.

As a technical expert in a chemical facility, your knowledge is the backbone of operations. However, as your responsibilities increase, transitioning from a purely technical role to one in leadership can be challenging. Developing an inclusive approach not only strengthens team cohesion but also boosts overall performance.

Here are five tips for how to evolve from a technical expert into an inclusive leader.

Based on a column from Lauren Neal “Technical Expert to Inclusive Leader: How to Evolve Your Leadership Style”

Read by Traci Purdum, editor-in-chief, Chemical Processing

Her journey exemplifies professional growth through curiosity, adaptability and seizing unexpected opportunities.

Anne Berg, vice president of Manufacturing, Agricultural Solutions Americas at BASF, was recently inducted into the Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame. Her remarkable 28-year career spans multiple countries and roles. Starting as a process development engineer in Germany in 1996, she has worked in manufacturing leadership positions in Germany, Belgium, Spain, and the United States.

Grab a cup of coffee and spend a few minutes going over the top news in the chemical industry with CP’s Executive Editor, Jonathan Katz.

Election 2024 Recap: Chemical Industry Sees Regulatory Relief in Trump's Return

As manufacturers welcome a potential rollback of Biden-era rules, experts warn companies must still answer to shareholders and customers on environmental commitments.

 

Trump Selects Zeldin to Lead the EPA

Former New York congressman is expected to play a role in industrial deregulation, which could have a major impact on the process industries.

 

Trump Names Liberty Energy CEO Chris Wright as Next Energy Secretary

President-elect selects shale industry leader to head energy department, promising a new era of American energy innovation and global influence.

 

Chemical Processing Reveals 2024 Job Satisfaction and Salary Survey Results

Annual survey continues to highlight a healthy industry outlook among chemical engineering professionals.

 

CSB Is Like a Dog with a Bone Investigating Safety Cases

Chemical Safety Board clears backlog, tackles eight new hazardous incident investigations.

 

In the fast-paced world of chemical processing and operations, effective time management is not just a luxury — it’s a necessity. Engineers and operators often face complex tasks, tight deadlines and high-stakes environments with an extremely limited margin for error.

Implementing effective time-management strategies can significantly enhance productivity, reduce stress and improve overall job satisfaction, but how do you do it? 

Written by Lauren Neal, Founder of Valued at Work 

Read by Traci Purdum, editor-in-chief

Column can be found here.

As manufacturers welcome a potential rollback of Biden-era rules, experts warn companies must still answer to shareholders and customers on environmental commitments.

The chemical industry has been yearning for the Trump administration’s hands-off approach to regulations ever since Jan. 20, 2021, the day President Joe Biden took office. For chemical manufacturers, the return of Donald J. Trump to the White House symbolizes a momentous shift toward less regulation and bureaucratic oversight.

In Case You Missed It brings the written word to life. In today’s episode, I will be reading a column from editor at large Seán Ottewell – “Chemistry History Lesson: From Anti-Plague Elixirs to a Precious Nose That Wasn’t.”

Danish scientist Tycho Brahe took many of his experiments to his grave. However, researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have found clues that shed light on his mysterious work.

Read the column, which was posted on our site Sept. 6, 2024.

Read by: Traci Purdum, editor-in-chief

Written by: Seán Ottewell