Chemicals & Energy

Floating Warehouse & Inventory Visibility Improves Customer Service in China

August 13, 2014

Challenge: A major chemicals company manufactures product in Brazil and ships globally, with its largest market in China. It takes 27 days on ship to deliver to China. Customers in China didn't want to wait 27 days to receive goods. The company didn't want to set up a DC in Asia.

Smart-Meter Manufacturers May Become Powerful Gatekeepers Between Retail Energy Companies, Customers

August 5, 2014

BCG Perspectives

For retail energy companies, managing data once meant nothing more complex than processing analog meter readings and customer billing information. However, the advent of the smart home, along with the wave of digitization sweeping the industry, is creating major opportunities to tap into an explosion of fast-moving, complex big data in compelling new ways.

Record Set Last Year for Solar Power Installations

August 1, 2014

Worldwatch Institute

The year 2013 saw record-breaking growth for solar electricity generation as the photovoltaic and concentrated solar thermal power markets continued to grow. With over 39 gigawatts installed worldwide, the PV solar market represented one third of all newly-added renewable energy capacity, according to Max Lander and Xiangyu Wu writing in the latest number of the Worldwatch Institute's Vital Signs Online publication.

Chemical Production in U.S. on the Rise

August 1, 2014

Industry Today

According to the American Chemistry Council, following an upwardly revised 0.5 percent gain in May, the U.S. Chemical Production Regional Index continued to expand, rising by 0.3 percent in June. Chemical output was higher in all regions.

Macy's Says Sustainability Efforts Have Vastly Reduced Electricity, Paper Usage

July 28, 2014

Macy's Inc.

Macy's Inc. has reported a series of initiatives from 2002 through 2013 have resulted in a 38-percent reduction in the company's electricity usage and a 95-percent adoption rate of recycled or certified paper used in the company's marketing materials.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics Opens Office in Myanmar

July 24, 2014

Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics

Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, a provider of services to manufacturers of cars, trucks, heavy equipment and specialized cargo, has opened a new office in Yangon, Myanmar.

Panjiva Expands Its Inventory of Chinese Trade Data

July 8, 2014

Panjiva

Panjiva has expanded its inventory of Chinese trade data within its platform.

Renewable Energy Accounts for 6.5 Million Jobs - and Growing, Report Suggests

July 8, 2014

Worldwatch Institute

There may now be as many as 6.5 million direct and indirect jobs in renewable energy, according to updated data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Earlier assessments had put the global estimate at 2.3 million jobs in 2008 (United Nations Environment Programme) and at 5 million jobs in 2012 (International Labour Organization).

Nanotechnology in Manufacturing: Is It Toxic?

July 3, 2014

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

Is the use of nanotechnology in manufacturing and poisoning workers?

Report Measures Use, Impact of Plastic in CPG Sector, Urges Sustainability Initiatives

June 26, 2014

Environmental Leader

The total natural capital cost of plastic in the consumer goods industry is more than $75bn per year, according to research released by the Plastic Disclosure Project, the UN Environment Programme and natural capital analysts Trucost.

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.