Chemicals & Energy

Solar Power in Africa's Supply Chain

June 28, 2013

In the developed world, electricity is cheap and as available as the nearest outlet. But in off-the-grid Africa, energy poverty is endemic. With national grid expansion lagging well behind growth in demand, increasingly Africans are looking not to centralized, fossil fuel-based solutions, but to the sun.

Four Critical Questions to Ask When Evaluating Your Customs Brokerage Partner

June 24, 2013

Livingston International

Not all service providers are created equal - and a less than optimal partnership can affect your bottom line.

Heightened Cyber Security in the Enterprise

June 24, 2013

Dirk Seewald, CEO, Innominate Security Technologies

Process Improvements in Chemicals and Utilities Industries

June 20, 2013

Dave Hokanson, Engineering Associate, ExxonMobil Chemical Company

Kenco Offers Dashboards to Measure Supply-Chain Sustainability

June 12, 2013

Kenco

Kenco, a third-party logistics services provider, has developed a set of dashboards to measure companies' sustainability efforts in their distribution, transportation and supply-chain activities.

Forward-Thinking Apparel Industry Supply Chains

June 12, 2013

GreenBiz

In 2004, a group of forward-thinking fashion and athletic brands with restricted substances lists (RSL), featuring such major players as Adidas, C&A, Gap, Levi's, Marks & Spencer and Nike, formed an industry working group with the aim of reducing the use and impact of harmful substances in the apparel and footwear supply chain.

U.S. Economy Continues Growth in May, But Manufacturing Takes a Step Back

June 7, 2013

Institute for Supply Management

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in May for the first time since November 2012, and the overall economy grew for the 48th consecutive month, say the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business.

Growth in Coal Market Has Been Boon to Dry Bulk Shipping Industry

June 6, 2013

Drewry's

Drewry's latest Dry Bulk Forecaster reports that coal has been the recent saviour of the dry bulk market. Global GDP grew by 3.2 percent in 2012, following growth of 5.2 percent and 4.0 percent in the post-recession years of 2010 and 2011. This slowdown blighted dry bulk cargo volumes and in turn tonnage demand. Global steel production, reflecting industrial and growth activity around the world, grew by only 1.3 percent in 2012, with a subsequent impact on iron ore and coking coal trade.

As Oil Interests Move Into West African Waters, So Do Growing Numbers of Pirates

June 4, 2013

Maritime Executive

While the frequency of pirate attacks off the Horn of Africa has fallen to its lowest level since 2009, this is no time to celebrate. Somali pirates still hold two vessels for ransom with 60 crew members as hostages. More alarming, however, is the increase in the capabilities of pirate groups in West Africa's Gulf of Guinea, now challenging Somalia as the world's most dangerous place to sail.

Keeping It Cool: Challenges in Temperature-Controlled Transportation

June 3, 2013

SupplyChainBrain

RWI, an asset-based 3PL specializing in temperature-controlled transportation, recently conducted a survey of shippers with cold supply chains to better understand their needs and challenges. Chris Taylor, director of sales and marketing, discusses the results.

Chemicals & Energy

The latest supply-chain news, analysis, trends and tools for executives in the chemicals and energy industries. Learn how chemical and energy companies and their suppliers around the world are managing the flow of products across all channels of the enterprise. Experts sound off on forecasting and demand planning, supply-chain visibility, logistics outsourcing, inventory optimization, transportation management, warehouse management, supply-chain security, corporate social responsibility and more.