Learn about the alcohol market's ups and downs and gain valuable insights into what's ahead for IPA and ethanol.

The Smart Acids hosts welcome Duane "Papa Z" Ziolkowski, Product Director, Solvents for Univar Solutions. Listen as he explores the industry's latest market trends, including:

• Pricing fluctuations
• Changing market
• End-use evolution

01:50 – Welcome back, Papa Z

02:12 – Quiz: inventions that didn't exist before Duane's 40-year career

04:40 – Fickle propylene, pricing roller coaster

07:20 – Forward-looking view on propylene and IPA through 2024

09:05 – Ethanol market dynamics

10:36 – Synthetic market flux

11:46 – End market applications, impact of weight-loss drug surge

12:28 – Clean label demands and the return of ethanol

Smart Acids™ is the source for product insights and current market moves related to chemical and specialty ingredient distribution—breaking it all down one boron at a time. Join hosts Andy Erickson and Chris Ernst for straightforward and honest chat that speaks to the why behind pricing and supply, delivered in a smart, fun and entertaining way. Smart Acids is the winner of a B2 Silver Award, a top national recognition among leading global brands and marketers in B2B.

About the hosts: Andy Erickson, senior director of product marketing for essential chemicals, and Chris Ernst, senior director of product marketing for solvents, converse with guests from chemistry and specialty ingredient backgrounds who are keyed in to manufacturing and markets across industries.

Univar Solutions is a leading global specialty chemical and ingredient distributor representing a premier portfolio from the world's leading producers, and helping to keep communities healthy, fed, clean and safe. With the industry's largest private transportation fleet and technical sales force, unparalleled logistics know-how, deep market and regulatory knowledge, formulation and recipe development, and leading digital tools, we offer tailored solutions and value-added services to a wide range of markets, industries and applications.

What’s the current state of our global supply chain and what’s driving costs, efficiencies and risk to the maritime shipping network?

The Smart Acids return to navigate what's happening at sea with Jeff “Starbuck” Dixon, Director of International Trade Services for Univar Solutions. Listen now as Dixon discusses how carriers are withstanding disruptions such as the Baltimore Key Bridge incident, how the supply chain is impacted by geopolitical factors, climate change and associated regulations, artificial intelligence, and more.

3:10 - Bonus game: Chris and Andy put Jeff to the test on all things related to ships!
5:46 - Baltimore Port recovery
6:50 - Geopolitical impacts on shipping
8:09 - "China Plus One" logistics and commodities
8:40 - Shifting sourcing in international supply chain
9:09 - Environmental and climate impacts + alternative fuels
10:38 - Regulatory perspective and carbon taxes
12:00 - Cybersecurity safety and risk + port automation

Smart Acids™ is the source for product insights and current market moves related to chemical and specialty ingredient distribution—breaking it all down one boron at a time. Join hosts Andy Erickson and Chris Ernst for straightforward and honest chat that speaks to the why behind pricing and supply, delivered in a smart, fun and entertaining way. Smart Acids is the winner of a B2 Silver Award, a top national recognition among leading global brands and marketers in B2B.

About the hosts: Andy Erickson, senior director of product marketing for essential chemicals, and Chris Ernst, senior director of product marketing for solvents, converse with guests from chemistry and specialty ingredient backgrounds who are keyed in to manufacturing and markets across industries.

Univar Solutions is a leading global specialty chemical and ingredient distributor representing a premier portfolio from the world's leading producers, and helping to keep communities healthy, fed, clean and safe. With the industry's largest private transportation fleet and technical sales force, unparalleled logistics know-how, deep market and regulatory knowledge, formulation and recipe development, and leading digital tools, we offer tailored solutions and value-added services to a wide range of markets, industries and applications.

What's shaping the future of food and beverage markets? Chef Mike Haracz brings his corporate chef expertise to the Smart Acids table to discuss the innovative landscape of the food industry and culinary product development. Let's dig into top food trends of 2024, including cost engineering, manufacturing better-for-you products, and reformulating with wholesome, healthier ingredients for health and nutrition. As Smart Acids host Andy Erickson says, "give it a tasty!

Bonus game: Do you know your dining table etiquette?

Chef Mike Haracz is an R&D professional with more than 18 years of experience working for a variety of food manufacturers and major restaurant chains, and as a consultant. He is currently the corporate chef and culinary development lead for Foodology by Univar Solutions and runs their culinary innovation center at The Hatchery Chicago.

Smart Acids™ is the source for product insights and current market moves related to chemical and specialty ingredient distribution—breaking it all down one boron at a time. Join hosts Andy Erickson and Chris Ernst for straightforward and honest chat that speaks to the why behind pricing and supply, delivered in a smart, fun and entertaining way. Smart Acids is the winner of a B2 Silver Award, a top national recognition among leading global brands and marketers in B2B.

About the hosts: Andy Erickson, senior director of product marketing for essential chemicals, and Chris Ernst, senior director of product marketing for solvents, converse with guests from chemistry and specialty ingredient backgrounds who are keyed in to manufacturing and markets across industries.

Univar Solutions is a leading global specialty chemical and ingredient distributor representing a premier portfolio from the world's leading producers, and helping to keep communities healthy, fed, clean and safe. With the industry's largest private transportation fleet and technical sales force, unparalleled logistics know-how, deep market and regulatory knowledge, formulation and recipe development, and leading digital tools, we offer tailored solutions and value-added services to a wide range of markets, industries and applications.