WEBVTT NOTE This file was generated by Descript 00:00:04.272 --> 00:00:07.072 voiceover: A key component of the modern world economy, the chemical 00:00:07.072 --> 00:00:10.612 industry delivers products and innovations to enhance everyday life. 00:00:11.132 --> 00:00:15.572 It is also an industry in transformation where chemical executives and workers 00:00:15.592 --> 00:00:19.212 are delivering growth and industry changing advancements while responding 00:00:19.212 --> 00:00:23.742 to pressures from investors, regulators, and public opinion, discover how 00:00:23.742 --> 00:00:27.592 leading companies are approaching these challenges here on the chemical show. 00:00:28.062 --> 00:00:31.402 Join Victoria Meyer, president of Progressio Global and 00:00:31.412 --> 00:00:32.832 host of the chemical show. 00:00:33.107 --> 00:00:37.307 As she speaks with executives across the industry and learns how they are leading 00:00:37.307 --> 00:00:42.887 their companies to grow, transform, and push industry boundaries on all frontiers. 00:00:43.227 --> 00:00:45.477 Here's your host, Victoria Meyer. 00:00:48.385 --> 00:00:49.975 Victoria: Hi, this is Victoria Meyer. 00:00:50.005 --> 00:00:51.585 Welcome back to The Chemical Show. 00:00:52.265 --> 00:00:56.175 This is the first in a series of interviews that I recorded at ACC's 00:00:56.245 --> 00:00:59.645 Responsible Care and Sustainability conference, which was held in 00:00:59.645 --> 00:01:01.825 Miami on May 6th through 9th. 00:01:02.775 --> 00:01:06.805 In these interviews, we're discussing not just Responsible Care and 00:01:06.805 --> 00:01:08.815 Sustainability, but also careers, 00:01:09.330 --> 00:01:12.740 leadership, corporate priorities, and value creation. 00:01:13.310 --> 00:01:17.230 They're really special interviews, and I hope you listen to each and every one. 00:01:17.900 --> 00:01:20.680 During this series, you'll be hearing from some executives that 00:01:20.870 --> 00:01:26.160 spoke at ACC's recent Conference, including Chris Jahn, President and 00:01:26.160 --> 00:01:28.330 CEO of American Chemistry Council. 00:01:29.080 --> 00:01:34.675 Michael Heinz, Chairman and CEO of BASF corporation in North America. 00:01:35.245 --> 00:01:39.035 Bonnie Tully, president of Evonik in North America. 00:01:39.835 --> 00:01:45.395 Daryl Roberts, Chief Engineering and Operating officer for DuPont 00:01:45.795 --> 00:01:50.415 and and Kevin Norfleet, global sustainability director for Celanese. 00:01:50.945 --> 00:01:54.195 So, first of all, two thank yous, I want to give out on today's episode 00:01:54.385 --> 00:01:59.405 to Karen Kirchnick for the invitation and to Kelly Montez de Oca, who 00:01:59.405 --> 00:02:01.265 helped coordinate these interviews. 00:02:01.785 --> 00:02:07.395 This is really where I want to start this episode today is just the level 00:02:07.495 --> 00:02:13.435 of unwavering commitment to a better world that was exemplified through 00:02:13.435 --> 00:02:16.645 these executives and through the hundreds of people in attendance. 00:02:17.045 --> 00:02:20.185 Plus of course, the thousands of people across the chemical industry, 00:02:20.185 --> 00:02:24.085 you and I, um, and our peers and people we know that are working in 00:02:24.605 --> 00:02:26.085 and working for a better future. 00:02:26.535 --> 00:02:30.035 Um, one of my favorite sayings, and it has been for a long time is better 00:02:30.035 --> 00:02:34.155 living through chemistry, which as it turns out is a tagline that has 00:02:34.155 --> 00:02:35.935 been used by DuPont for decades. 00:02:36.505 --> 00:02:39.645 Um, until the mid eighties, when they stopped using it, I would love to see 00:02:39.645 --> 00:02:41.425 it refreshed because I think it's there. 00:02:41.705 --> 00:02:44.865 And I guess in many ways, ACC has refreshed this. 00:02:45.245 --> 00:02:49.325 Um, and with their first ever sustainability report, ACC is 00:02:49.375 --> 00:02:53.485 coining the phrase "Sustainability Starts With Chemistry'. 00:02:54.810 --> 00:02:58.100 Fundamentally, to get to the sustainable future that we want, we need to use 00:02:58.160 --> 00:03:03.070 chemistry and chemicals to innovate, create new products and more. 00:03:03.440 --> 00:03:07.390 So before I jump into my interview with Chris, I'd like to share a few things 00:03:07.390 --> 00:03:09.370 that stood out from the conference. 00:03:09.700 --> 00:03:15.840 And in his opening keynote, Chris Jahn noted that Responsible Care represents 00:03:15.840 --> 00:03:19.910 the industries license to operate, and that's maybe a bit of a paraphrase, 00:03:20.350 --> 00:03:22.490 but I think what's, what comes through 00:03:22.850 --> 00:03:25.890 from that conference as well as from the interviews that I did with these 00:03:25.890 --> 00:03:30.510 executives that you'll hear is that Responsible Care really provides 00:03:30.550 --> 00:03:34.770 strong foundational principles for companies across the industry. 00:03:34.770 --> 00:03:37.090 And that's something very well recognized, right? 00:03:37.120 --> 00:03:42.040 An emphasis on safety, environmental practices, and continuous improvement 00:03:42.040 --> 00:03:45.920 for employees, stakeholders, and the communities we operate in. 00:03:46.210 --> 00:03:49.330 And actually, as I discussed with Bonnie Tully, and you'll hear that 00:03:49.380 --> 00:03:53.140 In our interview I've always worked in an industry where Responsible 00:03:53.140 --> 00:03:54.980 Care principles were in place. 00:03:55.060 --> 00:04:00.780 You grow up in the industry and you accept and expect that these strong 00:04:00.980 --> 00:04:03.030 safety principles are in place. 00:04:03.060 --> 00:04:04.780 And so that's certainly what we're seeing. 00:04:05.170 --> 00:04:08.660 The 2nd thing that really came through in the conference is 00:04:08.660 --> 00:04:10.880 this commitment to collaboration. 00:04:11.615 --> 00:04:16.655 Across member companies across the ACC and other organizations and 00:04:16.665 --> 00:04:20.905 frankly, to create alignment on common frameworks and objectives. 00:04:21.305 --> 00:04:23.145 Responsible Care is a great example. 00:04:23.515 --> 00:04:26.765 The new sustainability report and sustainability targets and 00:04:26.765 --> 00:04:28.295 initiatives are great examples. 00:04:29.095 --> 00:04:33.575 The work that's going on to negotiate and develop the UN Plastics 00:04:33.595 --> 00:04:35.695 Treaty, which is ongoing currently. 00:04:35.695 --> 00:04:41.155 And Chris and I talk about is another great example of collaboration 00:04:41.665 --> 00:04:45.545 towards a common purpose with different approaches, right? 00:04:45.565 --> 00:04:49.005 Different companies have different approaches and different needs, but this 00:04:49.145 --> 00:04:55.155 underlying theme of we are going to figure this out together really comes through. 00:04:55.755 --> 00:04:59.445 The other aspect of this commitment to collaboration is the fact that, you 00:04:59.445 --> 00:05:01.255 know, sustainability is an evolution. 00:05:01.385 --> 00:05:01.725 Right. 00:05:01.725 --> 00:05:04.815 We're requiring new products and new chemistries. 00:05:04.985 --> 00:05:11.775 And a lot of this relies on getting EPA registrations, approvals and ensuring 00:05:11.785 --> 00:05:16.275 that we're able to use some of these new chemistries in our sustainable future, 00:05:16.315 --> 00:05:22.155 whether it be for semiconductors or for electric vehicles, or for bio based 00:05:22.155 --> 00:05:26.955 products that the chemical industry and the many scientists and Business 00:05:26.975 --> 00:05:29.525 people and engineers are developing. 00:05:29.555 --> 00:05:34.695 So a real great need to just step up that pace of approval, continuing 00:05:34.745 --> 00:05:39.475 to work for greater collaboration across the industry and its partners. 00:05:40.325 --> 00:05:43.615 The other thing that came through in the conference is this theme that 00:05:43.615 --> 00:05:48.235 sustainability is not just about big projects and big investments. 00:05:48.705 --> 00:05:54.915 That everyday behaviors and incremental improvements has a big impact. 00:05:54.915 --> 00:05:58.845 And that's something that Bonnie Tully noted during the executive panel 00:05:58.845 --> 00:06:02.175 at the event, and that Bonnie and I talked about during our conversation. 00:06:02.565 --> 00:06:08.205 But I think it's easy sometimes for us to think particularly in small companies that 00:06:08.205 --> 00:06:11.825 don't necessarily have the same reach that don't have the same footprint that, well, 00:06:11.845 --> 00:06:13.605 it's not as big of a priority for me. 00:06:14.175 --> 00:06:16.045 The reality is it is a big priority. 00:06:16.245 --> 00:06:18.405 The way to achieving results is different. 00:06:18.550 --> 00:06:21.690 And we can't lose sight of the fact that while there are some 00:06:21.990 --> 00:06:25.430 significant investments going on, there are significant new 00:06:25.430 --> 00:06:27.410 technologies coming to bear. 00:06:27.410 --> 00:06:31.440 And I think about the, the whole role of plastic circularity and the new 00:06:31.440 --> 00:06:36.760 technologies and the new companies that are really helping to drive that future. 00:06:37.250 --> 00:06:42.030 The reality is there's a lot of incremental steps across the industry 00:06:42.030 --> 00:06:46.820 that companies are continuing to take that makes significant improvement. 00:06:47.470 --> 00:06:51.870 And then the final thing on this is customers and business partners 00:06:51.900 --> 00:06:54.010 are seeking sustainability, right? 00:06:54.010 --> 00:06:59.270 And, and Daryl Roberts in the executive panel at the event talked about the fact 00:06:59.270 --> 00:07:03.400 that this is not just a conversation starter, but it is a requirement for 00:07:03.400 --> 00:07:05.500 doing business with many companies. 00:07:05.880 --> 00:07:08.940 And so this is an ongoing focus. 00:07:09.635 --> 00:07:12.655 Part of the conversations we're having here, part of the conversations you and 00:07:12.655 --> 00:07:16.025 I have on The Chemical Show regularly part of the conversation we'll be 00:07:16.025 --> 00:07:17.815 having at The Chemical Summit this year. 00:07:18.175 --> 00:07:22.625 And I think this whole aspect of these things, much of which was brought 00:07:22.625 --> 00:07:26.815 together at this conference, and much of which is brought together in ACC's 00:07:26.815 --> 00:07:31.575 first ever sustainability report which brings together a shared perspective 00:07:31.615 --> 00:07:36.555 across member companies, including data about the progress that we're making on 00:07:36.555 --> 00:07:41.215 sustainability and the theme that I think we're going to continue to hear, which 00:07:41.225 --> 00:07:43.905 is Sustainability Starts with Chemistry. 00:07:44.875 --> 00:07:48.985 So onto my conversation with Chris Jahn, I hope you enjoy it. 00:07:49.455 --> 00:07:50.865 Let me know what you think. 00:07:50.925 --> 00:07:53.605 And I hope to see you again soon. 00:07:53.605 --> 00:07:54.695 Victoria (2): This is Victoria Meyer. 00:07:54.705 --> 00:07:56.185 Welcome back to The Chemical Show. 00:07:56.265 --> 00:08:01.195 Today I am speaking with Chris Jahn, who is the president and CEO of 00:08:01.245 --> 00:08:03.735 ACC, the American Chemistry Council. 00:08:04.145 --> 00:08:09.435 We are at the ACC's Responsible Care and Sustainability Conference. 00:08:09.675 --> 00:08:12.955 So our Conversation today is going to focus in a little bit on that 00:08:13.005 --> 00:08:14.675 as well as on a few other things. 00:08:14.685 --> 00:08:16.765 So Chris Thanks for joining me today. 00:08:16.825 --> 00:08:17.605 Chris Jahn: Thank you for having me. 00:08:18.185 --> 00:08:22.245 Victoria (2): Excellent, so how did you get involved with the chemical industry? 00:08:22.245 --> 00:08:22.305 Yeah. 00:08:22.305 --> 00:08:26.425 So you came out of university as a political science major, if I'm correct. 00:08:26.425 --> 00:08:30.695 And you started in politics and then you moved quickly into chemicals, it seems. 00:08:30.695 --> 00:08:31.145 Chris Jahn: Indeed. 00:08:31.145 --> 00:08:33.670 So I've been in the industry now for about 00:08:33.670 --> 00:08:34.270 20 years. 00:08:34.850 --> 00:08:37.405 But, did not set out to on this path. 00:08:37.405 --> 00:08:39.805 And long story short is, as you said. 00:08:39.880 --> 00:08:41.480 Worked on Capitol Hill for 10 years. 00:08:41.950 --> 00:08:44.470 I worked for my home state congressman and then senator, 00:08:44.950 --> 00:08:49.150 and I worked on environmental issues health, transportation, 00:08:49.150 --> 00:08:50.160 safety issues. 00:08:50.630 --> 00:08:54.620 So the issues that I talked about on stage today, I've been working on for, 00:08:54.920 --> 00:08:56.810 I hate to admit this, over 30 years now. 00:08:57.035 --> 00:08:57.155 Yeah. 00:08:57.405 --> 00:09:02.745 And so, I like to say that my career was built on dumb blind luck and there's 00:09:02.745 --> 00:09:04.555 a lot of element of truth to that. 00:09:04.885 --> 00:09:07.945 The, story really is, is that working on these issues on the Hill, 00:09:08.245 --> 00:09:12.245 interacting on a variety of important issues that have impact on the world. 00:09:12.750 --> 00:09:14.150 Always open the next door. 00:09:14.180 --> 00:09:18.610 And so I've been very fortunate to work in the chemical space for the last 20 00:09:18.620 --> 00:09:22.750 years in a variety of different roles and sectors but all with the goal 00:09:22.750 --> 00:09:25.740 of helping our members be successful in interacting with the government. 00:09:25.790 --> 00:09:26.180 Victoria (2): Yeah. 00:09:26.480 --> 00:09:28.920 So when you started out working in politics, I'm going to, I'm going 00:09:28.920 --> 00:09:29.930 to take us astray a little bit. 00:09:29.930 --> 00:09:30.180 Sure. 00:09:30.625 --> 00:09:37.255 Did you think that you would end up in politics, in Congress or et cetera? 00:09:37.255 --> 00:09:41.605 Chris Jahn: No way, no how do I want to be a member of Congress or Senator 00:09:41.605 --> 00:09:46.355 or I've lived inside the belly of that beast and it is not something that is 00:09:46.355 --> 00:09:49.065 good for your family or your lifestyle. 00:09:49.455 --> 00:09:52.495 It's a very brutal and demanding job and I have a lot of respect 00:09:52.495 --> 00:09:53.295 for the people who do it. 00:09:53.745 --> 00:09:55.825 And for the people that we see on the news and we complain 00:09:55.825 --> 00:09:58.325 about every day, that's the 5%. 00:09:58.695 --> 00:10:02.795 The 95 percent of them, whether you agree with them or not, they're good 00:10:02.795 --> 00:10:07.215 people doing the right thing and doing what they think is the appropriate 00:10:07.215 --> 00:10:11.065 way to address the issues of the day, but just, it's really hard. 00:10:11.065 --> 00:10:12.505 You got to raise money all the time. 00:10:12.945 --> 00:10:14.295 And that's not for me. 00:10:14.700 --> 00:10:16.500 Victoria (2): Yeah, interesting. 00:10:16.880 --> 00:10:20.740 I when I was in business school, I took a class from a person who 00:10:20.740 --> 00:10:25.990 was the former Secretary of Labor and she would bring politicians in 00:10:25.990 --> 00:10:30.550 occasionally to do stuff and it was always like number one 95 percent of 00:10:30.550 --> 00:10:32.845 the politicians are Working people. 00:10:32.905 --> 00:10:33.155 Right. 00:10:33.155 --> 00:10:34.185 And they're really nice. 00:10:34.455 --> 00:10:37.235 And she's like, and you know, it's okay to like them even if 00:10:37.395 --> 00:10:38.675 the point of view is different. 00:10:38.675 --> 00:10:39.975 And so it was interesting. 00:10:39.985 --> 00:10:44.085 It was just a whole it was a short glimpse into the inside of that. 00:10:44.085 --> 00:10:48.145 And obviously you have a big glimpse into the inner workings of how this all works. 00:10:48.245 --> 00:10:48.575 Chris Jahn: Yeah. 00:10:48.775 --> 00:10:48.865 Yeah. 00:10:49.105 --> 00:10:53.885 It's like I said, it's it's fascinating there and there can come from all 00:10:53.915 --> 00:10:56.805 in all shapes and sizes from all different places in the world. 00:10:56.805 --> 00:10:59.995 And You know, it's really exciting to work with them on a daily basis. 00:10:59.995 --> 00:11:03.895 Victoria (2): Yeah, it's great Well, and obviously your experience has made 00:11:03.895 --> 00:11:09.875 you well suited to help navigate ACC and its interactions So when we think about 00:11:09.895 --> 00:11:12.785 ACC and just what are your priorities? 00:11:13.655 --> 00:11:17.925 Today, you know, 2024, which seems like we've gone through a lot of change 00:11:17.935 --> 00:11:21.995 in the industry in the past, just a couple of years, even what are the 00:11:21.995 --> 00:11:23.855 priorities that you are focusing on? 00:11:24.165 --> 00:11:24.375 Chris Jahn: Yeah. 00:11:24.375 --> 00:11:26.395 So Victoria, we're guided by 00:11:26.405 --> 00:11:29.045 four strategic pillars, that's what we call them. 00:11:29.345 --> 00:11:33.285 So it's advocacy, obviously based in Washington, DC, that drives all 00:11:33.295 --> 00:11:36.805 that, what we do, but responsible care, sustainability, which we're 00:11:36.845 --> 00:11:38.015 talking about here this week. 00:11:38.505 --> 00:11:40.275 And then industry reputation. 00:11:40.735 --> 00:11:43.555 And the idea behind that is those four things work together. 00:11:43.555 --> 00:11:47.455 Those pillars work together from this standpoint of, as 00:11:47.455 --> 00:11:49.535 our members take action through 00:11:49.535 --> 00:11:54.715 responsible care, through their sustainability agendas to make the world 00:11:54.725 --> 00:11:58.235 healthier, safer, more sustainable, more productive, that will improve 00:11:58.235 --> 00:11:59.765 the industry's reputation over time. 00:12:00.595 --> 00:12:04.775 And if we improve the industry's reputation over time, that then 00:12:04.775 --> 00:12:09.865 creates a better political playing field for us, reduces our policy risk, 00:12:09.905 --> 00:12:13.575 reduces our political risk, and then we can be more successful 00:12:13.585 --> 00:12:14.855 on our advocacy agenda. 00:12:15.425 --> 00:12:18.175 And so we're making some progress on there and we, you know, you 00:12:18.175 --> 00:12:19.255 were in the morning session. 00:12:19.295 --> 00:12:21.815 I saw you in the crowd and we talked about all the great things we're 00:12:21.815 --> 00:12:25.635 doing, just to summarize real quickly is, Air pollutants down greenhouse 00:12:25.635 --> 00:12:30.045 gas emission intensity better making progress on so many different areas 00:12:30.055 --> 00:12:31.745 in sustainability, Responsible Care. 00:12:31.745 --> 00:12:34.405 We're five times safer than all manufacturing, we're three 00:12:34.405 --> 00:12:36.975 times safer than other companies in the chemical industry. 00:12:37.385 --> 00:12:40.055 And that's only going to make us more effective advocates 00:12:40.065 --> 00:12:41.505 for our members going forward. 00:12:41.505 --> 00:12:43.025 So I'm really proud of that track record. 00:12:43.195 --> 00:12:44.175 Victoria (2): Yeah, I think it's great. 00:12:44.185 --> 00:12:48.635 And I think obviously it's everybody coming together in alignment 00:12:48.675 --> 00:12:50.665 collaborating to set that direction. 00:12:51.960 --> 00:12:53.800 So how do you guys make that happen, right? 00:12:53.800 --> 00:13:00.430 So, there is such diversity amongst the member companies of ACC, amongst the 00:13:00.590 --> 00:13:04.930 politicians and the nation, as well as the states that you're interacting with. 00:13:05.340 --> 00:13:07.800 How do you create that alignment? 00:13:08.010 --> 00:13:08.330 Chris Jahn: Yeah. 00:13:08.330 --> 00:13:12.690 So that's, that's the magic or the art of association leadership. 00:13:12.720 --> 00:13:16.710 And I didn't know that getting into this, but it's it's also what 00:13:16.710 --> 00:13:17.990 gets you out of bed in the morning. 00:13:17.990 --> 00:13:21.570 Cause it's really exciting to work for people who matter for an industry that 00:13:21.570 --> 00:13:26.440 matters, but also pull them all together so that they can row in the same direction 00:13:26.750 --> 00:13:28.080 for the betterment of the industry. 00:13:28.350 --> 00:13:31.500 So what we are at ACC is we're very member centric. 00:13:31.550 --> 00:13:33.890 So the members are at the center of everything we do. 00:13:34.610 --> 00:13:39.400 And they come in to the boardroom wearing the industry hat. 00:13:39.760 --> 00:13:43.920 So yes they compete in the marketplace and they want to be successful, but 00:13:43.920 --> 00:13:47.470 with their NACC, we're trying to move the whole industry forward. 00:13:47.780 --> 00:13:50.570 And so you may have an issue or a challenge that. 00:13:50.655 --> 00:13:51.555 that. 00:13:51.555 --> 00:13:57.805 is not specifically important to me from the chemical side of things, but the 00:13:57.805 --> 00:14:02.245 precedent that that regulation might set for you could impact me down the road. 00:14:02.515 --> 00:14:05.745 And so our members do, I think, a really great job of trying to find 00:14:05.745 --> 00:14:09.515 that alignment, something above least common denominator so that 00:14:09.515 --> 00:14:11.225 we can work together to achieve a 00:14:11.225 --> 00:14:15.795 successful policy outcome so that when the next issue comes up. 00:14:15.860 --> 00:14:17.450 We can be successful there too. 00:14:17.790 --> 00:14:20.970 So it all starts with our members and they really drive that going forward. 00:14:21.380 --> 00:14:25.200 And then we try to amplify and supplement those points of view so we 00:14:25.200 --> 00:14:27.020 can get successful efficacy outcomes. 00:14:27.030 --> 00:14:27.380 Victoria (2): Yeah. 00:14:27.570 --> 00:14:27.900 That's great. 00:14:28.150 --> 00:14:32.450 It's maybe a great segue into the plastic treaty negotiations, right? 00:14:32.450 --> 00:14:37.670 So I know last week there was round four, I believe, of negotiations 00:14:37.710 --> 00:14:39.740 for the, the UN Plastics Treaty. 00:14:40.130 --> 00:14:41.170 Can you talk about that? 00:14:41.190 --> 00:14:44.615 So tell us about that, where we're at, what you see happening. 00:14:44.615 --> 00:14:44.900 Chris Jahn: Yeah. 00:14:44.980 --> 00:14:50.450 So, so Victoria, they're trying to do a global plastics agreement and 00:14:50.450 --> 00:14:52.390 plastic pollution in two years. 00:14:53.380 --> 00:14:56.470 The United Nations not known for getting anything done in two years, so 00:14:56.470 --> 00:15:00.490 believe it or not, most international agreements, including for example, 00:15:00.490 --> 00:15:02.070 climate take about a decade. 00:15:02.420 --> 00:15:05.220 So number one, they were trying to move really quickly. 00:15:05.400 --> 00:15:05.740 Yeah, 00:15:05.800 --> 00:15:06.390 at least for the U. 00:15:06.390 --> 00:15:06.570 N. 00:15:07.120 --> 00:15:12.430 Second, they are about we're more than 60 percent way through that time. 00:15:12.430 --> 00:15:14.610 And we've done probably 25 percent of that work. 00:15:15.280 --> 00:15:19.330 So it's going to be a challenge of laying this plane at the end of 00:15:19.330 --> 00:15:20.960 the year on a successful agreement. 00:15:20.970 --> 00:15:21.660 Having said that, we 00:15:21.660 --> 00:15:22.760 really want that to happen. 00:15:23.320 --> 00:15:26.420 We want an agreement that ends plastic pollution in the environment. 00:15:26.855 --> 00:15:30.175 But still takes advantage of the opportunities that plastic provides 00:15:30.175 --> 00:15:33.995 for health care, for automobiles, for carbon reductions, all the good 00:15:33.995 --> 00:15:37.605 things that plastics are responsible for, and that's driven by circularity. 00:15:38.415 --> 00:15:41.625 And so we're really excited about the opportunity to be able to do that. 00:15:42.075 --> 00:15:43.775 Now, the question is, can that happen? 00:15:43.795 --> 00:15:47.765 I think the positive outcome in Ottawa last week is that they did agree to. 00:15:48.125 --> 00:15:49.735 Work in between sessions. 00:15:49.735 --> 00:15:51.345 They call that intersessional work. 00:15:51.965 --> 00:15:56.565 And so be able to get a final agreement in Korea in November, they're gonna 00:15:56.565 --> 00:15:57.805 have to make a lot of progress. 00:15:58.425 --> 00:16:00.625 Two key issues that they're talking about right now 00:16:00.625 --> 00:16:01.685 is one is financing. 00:16:02.225 --> 00:16:06.875 So there's somewhere close to 3 billion people in the world who 00:16:06.885 --> 00:16:08.975 do not have access to modern waste management. 00:16:09.550 --> 00:16:13.760 Which is obviously what's part of driving the plastic waste in the environment. 00:16:13.770 --> 00:16:14.020 Right? 00:16:14.040 --> 00:16:14.320 Right. 00:16:14.590 --> 00:16:17.650 And that's not places like the EU or the United States. 00:16:17.890 --> 00:16:20.460 That's in Africa, that's Southeast Asia. 00:16:20.770 --> 00:16:23.630 And so how do we help finance modern waste management so that 00:16:23.630 --> 00:16:25.300 we can keep pollution from getting 00:16:25.300 --> 00:16:26.940 environment, including plastic pollution. 00:16:27.440 --> 00:16:29.800 And then the second big issue that's going to have to be addressed. 00:16:30.435 --> 00:16:32.485 Is what some are calling, you know, chemicals of 00:16:32.485 --> 00:16:34.605 concern or plastics of concern. 00:16:35.255 --> 00:16:38.775 And what we are saying at ACC is let's keep the main thing, the 00:16:38.775 --> 00:16:41.675 main thing, which is any plastic pollution in the environment. 00:16:42.255 --> 00:16:46.225 And, not unlike in Washington this is a a big year for the 00:16:46.225 --> 00:16:47.935 world in terms of elections. 00:16:47.935 --> 00:16:49.765 It's not just the United States. 00:16:49.905 --> 00:16:51.445 Yeah, so it's a lot of people are talking about that. 00:16:51.465 --> 00:16:53.005 And so in D. 00:16:53.005 --> 00:16:53.595 C. 00:16:53.645 --> 00:16:56.365 What we, sometimes you have what we call a Christmas tree. 00:16:56.375 --> 00:17:00.125 So it's the last bill that's moving out of Congress and everybody 00:17:00.125 --> 00:17:01.775 tries to attach their pet issue to it. 00:17:02.165 --> 00:17:04.345 Well, that's also happening in this plastic screen. 00:17:04.815 --> 00:17:06.555 So people want to address chemical issues. 00:17:06.555 --> 00:17:09.925 They want to address air issues and they're trying to attach that to the 00:17:09.925 --> 00:17:13.245 treaty and we're saying, Hey, wait a minute, we're trying to address 00:17:13.275 --> 00:17:14.395 plastic pollution in the environment. 00:17:14.855 --> 00:17:15.795 Let's focus on that. 00:17:15.995 --> 00:17:17.355 We can get an agreement on that. 00:17:17.405 --> 00:17:21.075 This is, you know, mission accomplished and we there's other places to address 00:17:21.075 --> 00:17:25.005 those issues, whether it's climate, there's a global framework on chemicals. 00:17:25.085 --> 00:17:26.665 This is all a lot more than you wanted to know. 00:17:26.695 --> 00:17:27.285 Maybe it's not good. 00:17:27.285 --> 00:17:27.535 I love it. 00:17:27.955 --> 00:17:31.915 But there are places to address legitimate issues of concern and 00:17:31.915 --> 00:17:32.860 we should address them there. 00:17:33.300 --> 00:17:35.480 And the UN has forums in which to do that. 00:17:35.900 --> 00:17:36.820 So that's what we're pushing for. 00:17:36.830 --> 00:17:37.460 Victoria (2): Yeah, I agree. 00:17:37.460 --> 00:17:39.630 I mean, the whole aspect of scope creep, right? 00:17:39.860 --> 00:17:42.740 With every project, you know, it's always good to go back to, 00:17:43.010 --> 00:17:44.590 okay, what was our mission here? 00:17:44.590 --> 00:17:46.420 And let's not allow scope creep. 00:17:46.440 --> 00:17:50.100 And it sounds like just like the home renovation I did a few years ago. 00:17:50.935 --> 00:17:55.375 There was a lot, but you got a lot of scope creep with one of my friends calls 00:17:55.375 --> 00:17:58.735 it the, if you give a mouse a cookie problem, right, you do one thing and then 00:17:58.925 --> 00:18:00.395 you do the next thing and the next thing. 00:18:00.395 --> 00:18:03.715 So, and, and I guess navigating scope creep cause I Congress, 00:18:03.755 --> 00:18:09.455 everybody has their own pet project um, issue is, is challenging, right? 00:18:09.495 --> 00:18:10.455 Chris Jahn: Yep, absolutely. 00:18:10.515 --> 00:18:14.105 And so, there's a lot of pressure on world governments to take 00:18:14.105 --> 00:18:15.515 action on a variety of issues. 00:18:15.515 --> 00:18:15.595 Absolutely. 00:18:15.780 --> 00:18:18.580 And they're trying to sincerely and genuinely respond to that 00:18:18.580 --> 00:18:19.710 pressure, and I understand that. 00:18:20.010 --> 00:18:22.620 But at the same time, to your point, what are we here to do? 00:18:22.960 --> 00:18:26.160 Let's get it done, and then we can move on to those other issues and those other 00:18:26.160 --> 00:18:27.990 forms to address those legitimities. 00:18:28.830 --> 00:18:31.110 Victoria (2): What happens if it's not done by November? 00:18:31.670 --> 00:18:33.040 Chris Jahn: So they could just keep going. 00:18:33.100 --> 00:18:34.710 I mean, they can choose to keep negotiating. 00:18:34.710 --> 00:18:37.980 There's no they've set a goal, and we would like them to reach the 00:18:37.980 --> 00:18:40.900 goal so we can start implementation, because it'll take a while to 00:18:41.030 --> 00:18:42.180 address this issue over time. 00:18:42.180 --> 00:18:42.240 Right. 00:18:42.880 --> 00:18:45.850 But if they want to keep working on it, they can keep working on it. 00:18:45.900 --> 00:18:49.620 And, you know, now look, there's elections in the EU next month. 00:18:49.640 --> 00:18:51.690 There's elections in the United States in November. 00:18:51.700 --> 00:18:53.800 There's a lot of things that can happen internationally over time. 00:18:53.800 --> 00:18:56.480 And, you know, it gets harder the longer you take. 00:18:56.480 --> 00:18:59.420 So there'll be some pressure to, to get this done by the end of the year. 00:18:59.420 --> 00:19:01.380 But if we need to keep going, we keep going. 00:19:01.410 --> 00:19:04.470 I'd rather get it right the first time than do something that 00:19:04.470 --> 00:19:06.995 doesn't make sense and then try to fix it for the next 10 years. 00:19:07.225 --> 00:19:07.535 Victoria (2): Right. 00:19:07.635 --> 00:19:08.235 Absolutely. 00:19:08.235 --> 00:19:11.505 And, and as you know, everybody says, said, you say, I've heard you say 00:19:11.505 --> 00:19:12.635 this, I've heard others say this. 00:19:12.635 --> 00:19:17.595 We want any policy, any regulation that goes in, it's to be science 00:19:17.615 --> 00:19:22.415 based to be you know, I put it as you have to be able to operationalize it. 00:19:22.575 --> 00:19:24.895 You know, if you put something in place that you can't actually 00:19:24.895 --> 00:19:28.275 do, that's aspirational, but are you ever going to get there? 00:19:28.565 --> 00:19:31.015 So it has to be science based, risk based. 00:19:31.055 --> 00:19:31.485 Yeah. 00:19:31.565 --> 00:19:32.855 And able to be implemented. 00:19:32.925 --> 00:19:33.205 Yep. 00:19:33.285 --> 00:19:34.305 Yeah, absolutely. 00:19:34.545 --> 00:19:38.335 So speaking of implementation, you have ACC's just launched 00:19:38.595 --> 00:19:40.445 its first sustainability report. 00:19:40.945 --> 00:19:42.465 So what drove that? 00:19:42.990 --> 00:19:45.740 What did you learn along the way and how is it going to be used? 00:19:45.770 --> 00:19:49.780 Chris Jahn: So what drove that was a desire among ACC and its members 00:19:49.830 --> 00:19:51.160 to be able to tell our story. 00:19:51.160 --> 00:19:53.250 So I know you just had a podcast on storytelling. 00:19:53.270 --> 00:19:53.580 Yeah. 00:19:53.800 --> 00:19:59.560 So, kind of fitting with that same idea of we make modern life possible, 00:19:59.570 --> 00:20:02.710 we make the world healthier, safer, more sustainable, more productive. 00:20:03.020 --> 00:20:04.440 Most people don't actually know that. 00:20:04.770 --> 00:20:06.990 And so we want to start, you know, frankly. 00:20:07.260 --> 00:20:09.820 Being a little more proud of the industry and taking credit for that. 00:20:10.250 --> 00:20:13.130 Literally everything that's manufactured starts with chemistry. 00:20:13.460 --> 00:20:15.480 Chemistry is the science behind sustainability. 00:20:15.770 --> 00:20:20.450 And so we wanted to drive that message home by giving concrete examples of that. 00:20:20.460 --> 00:20:23.820 So, just take for example, the Inflation Reduction Act. 00:20:23.940 --> 00:20:26.500 So my DC guys always come to this DC lens. 00:20:26.940 --> 00:20:30.300 But, if you're looking at alternative sources of energy, if you're looking 00:20:30.300 --> 00:20:34.020 at a lower carbon emissions future, our members are responsible for all of that. 00:20:34.330 --> 00:20:37.150 Carbon capture, Hydrogen, solar, wind. 00:20:37.440 --> 00:20:39.560 I mean, I could talk about this for on and on and on. 00:20:39.800 --> 00:20:42.350 But the point being, we are driving sustainability. 00:20:42.350 --> 00:20:43.740 You need us to get that done. 00:20:44.080 --> 00:20:46.390 And so we want to take some credit for it, quite honestly, where 00:20:46.390 --> 00:20:47.440 our members are very proud of it. 00:20:47.790 --> 00:20:51.330 And it's not just enabling sustainability for downstream industries, which is 00:20:51.330 --> 00:20:52.590 tremendously important, of course. 00:20:53.040 --> 00:20:56.140 But it's also our members are making progress on reducing emissions. 00:20:56.615 --> 00:21:01.595 And in their own facilities and driving technology as far as that goes as well. 00:21:01.595 --> 00:21:04.605 So really excited about where we are and where we're going, what the future 00:21:04.605 --> 00:21:06.575 looks like in the sustainability space. 00:21:06.575 --> 00:21:07.855 And we wanted to tell that story. 00:21:07.895 --> 00:21:08.365 Victoria (2): That's cool. 00:21:08.385 --> 00:21:12.455 And, and does this report include consolidated data from member companies? 00:21:12.515 --> 00:21:12.795 Chris Jahn: Yes. 00:21:12.805 --> 00:21:16.025 So we actually have tons of data about our members and the 00:21:16.025 --> 00:21:17.285 progress they've made over time. 00:21:17.885 --> 00:21:21.315 And you know, it's one of the, Both provide that as well. 00:21:21.315 --> 00:21:25.195 Some case studies about, you know, cool projects that are our members are pursuing 00:21:25.585 --> 00:21:28.405 and you know, under responsible care. 00:21:28.865 --> 00:21:30.155 Some of your listeners will know this. 00:21:30.155 --> 00:21:31.995 That's a mandatory program of membership. 00:21:32.315 --> 00:21:36.565 So it's third party audited and we are collecting now sustainability 00:21:36.575 --> 00:21:38.275 data that our members have to give us. 00:21:38.750 --> 00:21:41.340 Regards to air emissions and some other key topics. 00:21:41.350 --> 00:21:44.880 So yes, we'll, we'll be able to track our progress over time as 00:21:44.880 --> 00:21:48.090 the industry continues to get better and better and better. 00:21:48.320 --> 00:21:52.130 This is not your grandfather's chemical industry and really excited about 00:21:52.130 --> 00:21:53.350 where the future is going to take us. 00:21:53.960 --> 00:21:56.190 Victoria (2): And then I know one of the keynotes today was about. 00:21:56.320 --> 00:22:02.270 AI and use of AI in industry and really data and data analytics ties into that. 00:22:02.680 --> 00:22:04.420 How is ACC approaching that? 00:22:04.420 --> 00:22:08.590 Are you guys starting to use AI in, in your processes as 00:22:08.600 --> 00:22:10.940 you collect and analyze data? 00:22:10.970 --> 00:22:11.260 Chris Jahn: Yeah. 00:22:11.260 --> 00:22:14.760 So we're in terms of AI, that's, I think, a tremendous opportunity, both for the 00:22:14.760 --> 00:22:16.780 association itself and for our members. 00:22:16.790 --> 00:22:20.590 So you heard some examples during the session today about what our members are 00:22:20.590 --> 00:22:25.540 doing using AI to make their Production processes, for example, more efficient. 00:22:25.590 --> 00:22:29.260 I think as you look at R and D, there's another tremendous opportunity 00:22:29.560 --> 00:22:33.240 for our members to accelerate that progress and drive innovation. 00:22:33.520 --> 00:22:36.730 I think for ACC the way I look at is two different ways. 00:22:36.730 --> 00:22:40.270 One is both internally and how we can be more productive 00:22:40.270 --> 00:22:41.350 and efficient for ourselves. 00:22:41.350 --> 00:22:41.830 And we've got 00:22:41.830 --> 00:22:45.550 some projects in the queue, not quite ready for prime time yet, but we'll 00:22:45.550 --> 00:22:48.480 make our team more efficient on behalf of our members going forward 00:22:48.980 --> 00:22:52.960 and and then more kind of publicly I look at government regulations. 00:22:52.970 --> 00:22:55.640 So that's one of the things we're obviously focused on at ACC. 00:22:56.040 --> 00:23:00.590 And how can we help governments be more science and risk based going 00:23:00.590 --> 00:23:02.200 forward and move more quickly? 00:23:02.510 --> 00:23:02.710 So 00:23:02.710 --> 00:23:04.600 we've got a huge problem with EPA right now. 00:23:04.850 --> 00:23:08.230 We've got about the new chemicals program at EPA is about 400 00:23:08.250 --> 00:23:09.580 chemicals in the queue right now. 00:23:10.020 --> 00:23:13.670 They're supposed to be addressed no later than six months. 00:23:13.730 --> 00:23:15.230 You develop a a new chemical. 00:23:15.425 --> 00:23:15.995 Chemistry. 00:23:16.225 --> 00:23:17.495 It's going to solve all these problems. 00:23:17.585 --> 00:23:17.795 It's going to 00:23:17.805 --> 00:23:21.795 be more sustainable and EPA has got 180 days to decide if I want to 00:23:21.795 --> 00:23:22.425 approve it or not. 00:23:23.195 --> 00:23:24.985 Right now, it's taking about an average of two years. 00:23:24.985 --> 00:23:28.665 We've got members who got products are waiting five years for approval. 00:23:28.975 --> 00:23:30.345 That's unacceptable to us. 00:23:30.615 --> 00:23:34.020 So what we want to do is talk with the agency about how can we leverage 00:23:34.020 --> 00:23:37.605 AI to move that process more forward more quickly. 00:23:37.965 --> 00:23:42.315 So we think that the technology has got tremendous application in a government 00:23:42.315 --> 00:23:45.995 space that can help us have more effective science based regulation going forward. 00:23:45.995 --> 00:23:46.385 Victoria (2): Smart. 00:23:46.405 --> 00:23:46.915 Makes sense. 00:23:47.305 --> 00:23:48.535 So final question here. 00:23:48.535 --> 00:23:49.225 Leadership. 00:23:50.055 --> 00:23:54.725 You are a leader yourself, leading a organization, a big organization, 00:23:55.045 --> 00:23:59.705 and you interact with leaders across the industry on a daily basis. 00:23:59.735 --> 00:24:00.660 And, and. 00:24:00.970 --> 00:24:03.520 Leaders in politics on a daily and regular basis. 00:24:04.480 --> 00:24:09.440 What characteristics stand out for you when you think about, you know, is 00:24:09.440 --> 00:24:13.350 there, is there a few characteristics that really stand out in terms of these 00:24:13.350 --> 00:24:17.740 leaders and what has allowed them to be at such great levels of leadership? 00:24:17.770 --> 00:24:21.660 Chris Jahn: Yeah, so we're blessed at ACC to have tremendous leaders. 00:24:21.670 --> 00:24:24.840 Our board, our executive committee, our officers work 00:24:24.840 --> 00:24:26.210 with them on a regular basis. 00:24:26.490 --> 00:24:26.830 You know, the 00:24:26.830 --> 00:24:28.330 smartest people you ever, ever met. 00:24:28.580 --> 00:24:30.750 But that's not what necessarily jumps out to me. 00:24:30.750 --> 00:24:32.420 What jumps out to me is number one integrity. 00:24:33.260 --> 00:24:35.740 And you don't always hear that in Washington, right? 00:24:36.270 --> 00:24:40.970 But the idea is that you can count on me to deliver on what I say I would do. 00:24:41.280 --> 00:24:43.120 That's an ethos of responsible care. 00:24:43.140 --> 00:24:45.600 We're accountable for our actions and we track our actions. 00:24:46.210 --> 00:24:49.070 But it's also integrity in terms of. 00:24:49.670 --> 00:24:53.780 Making sure that the industry is doing the right thing the right way. 00:24:53.780 --> 00:24:55.200 And that really drives us. 00:24:55.200 --> 00:24:58.650 And I know perhaps that's not the perception of people outside the 00:24:58.650 --> 00:25:01.190 industry, but we take that very seriously. 00:25:01.560 --> 00:25:05.610 And so that's something I'm proud to work with people who integrity comes first. 00:25:06.085 --> 00:25:10.075 I think that the second thing then and it goes hand in hand with that is really 00:25:10.075 --> 00:25:12.725 this idea of continual improvement. 00:25:12.785 --> 00:25:15.595 And that's an ethos of responsible care as well. 00:25:15.595 --> 00:25:18.965 And I just said before, you know, it's, this is not your 00:25:18.965 --> 00:25:20.435 grandfather's chemical industry. 00:25:20.765 --> 00:25:22.995 We are making tremendous progress in our industry. 00:25:23.005 --> 00:25:23.825 Really proud of that. 00:25:23.835 --> 00:25:25.625 And we're going to continue to do that going forward. 00:25:25.885 --> 00:25:28.705 It's important to do that cause it's the right thing to do, but it's important 00:25:28.705 --> 00:25:30.455 to do that to help advance humanity. 00:25:30.715 --> 00:25:31.655 So here's the thing. 00:25:31.935 --> 00:25:35.085 We're going to solve tremendous global challenges. 00:25:35.410 --> 00:25:36.520 From the chemical industry. 00:25:36.540 --> 00:25:40.620 So take, for example, we talked about climate change, Our members drive all that 00:25:40.620 --> 00:25:44.380 technology, all the progress that's being made in a lower carbon emissions future. 00:25:45.250 --> 00:25:50.680 It is not some entrepreneur with a crazy app that's going to solve that problem. 00:25:50.940 --> 00:25:54.700 It's engineers and scientists solving problems at scale. 00:25:54.750 --> 00:25:56.520 That's what's going to address climate change. 00:25:57.120 --> 00:26:02.040 And it's really cool to work with people who are driven every day to wake up and 00:26:02.040 --> 00:26:03.490 solve the world's biggest challenges. 00:26:03.895 --> 00:26:05.175 That's really exciting, and that's 00:26:05.185 --> 00:26:06.845 what I think of when I think of our members. 00:26:07.175 --> 00:26:07.545 Victoria (2): Awesome. 00:26:07.725 --> 00:26:08.045 Thanks. 00:26:08.295 --> 00:26:09.685 Well, Chris, thank you for joining me today. 00:26:09.685 --> 00:26:10.675 I really appreciate it. 00:26:10.755 --> 00:26:11.565 Chris Jahn: Thank you for having me. 00:26:11.655 --> 00:26:12.145 That was fun. 00:26:15.806 --> 00:26:17.586 voiceover: We've come to the end of today's podcast. 00:26:17.996 --> 00:26:20.546 We hope you enjoyed your time with us and want to learn more. 00:26:20.955 --> 00:26:23.215 Simply visit TheChemicalShow. 00:26:23.225 --> 00:26:25.975 com for additional information and helpful resources. 00:26:26.665 --> 00:26:30.715 Join us again next time here on The Chemical Show with Victoria Meyer.