Can you introduce Brenntag Essentials in Canada? 

Brenntag Essentials in Canada consists of more than 20 sites across the country. We maintain an extensive industrial footprint from coast to coast, and we adapt our product portfolio to cater to different regional industry needs. Our goal is to get products as close to the application as possible, ensuring a competitive supply chain.

How important is mining to Brenntag Essentials in Canada?

Mining is a vital sector for Brenntag Essentials in Canada. We allocate dedicated resources, including product management, business management, sales, and operations to this industry. Over the past two decades we have strategically invested in building a professional team to serve the mining industry. We have account managers strategically positioned across various regions to ensure proximity to our mining clients. Our product offerings for the mining industry encompass dust control, flotation, solvent extraction, and water treatment solutions, among others.

Have you noticed any recent trends in the demand for your products from the local mining industry?

There has been a rising demand for rare earth metals, driven by emerging markets like EVs and electronics. Additionally, the demand for domestically produced products has surged in the wake of supply chain risks associated with imports from other countries. 

What is Brenntag Canada’s approach to ESG?

ESG is a critical aspect of our business strategy and we manage it through three key pillars. Firstly, on the supplier side, we have a stringent vetting process to ensure our suppliers align with our values concerning ESG. This includes considering geopolitical factors, geopolitical stability, and the potential involvement of stakeholders that do not align with our values. We have a dedicated team with boots on the ground that conducts thorough supplier audits around the world. Secondly, we engage closely with our customers to be able to offer them product alternatives and service solutions that align with our goals as well as theirs. This process often involves redirecting focus from pure financial benefits to values and sustainability. Lastly, we conduct internal audits to verify our compliance with ESG and sustainability goals. These efforts are closely linked to our broader goals surrounding sustainability and they form an integral part of our long-term strategic planning.

What are the current challenges that Brenntag faces in getting its chemical products to clients?

Supply chain challenges have become increasingly intricate in recent times, presenting a multitude of risks and uncertainties. Several critical issues impact our supply chain. For instance, there are constraints related to container shortages, often exacerbated by surges in global consumer consumption, notably through e-commerce giants like Amazon. Such supply chain disruptions put pressure on our access to essential raw materials and components, challenging us to leverage our sourcing, supply chain, and pricing expertise. Additionally, labor disputes within various sectors, such as port workers or truck drivers, can lead to bottlenecks in the supply chain. Social unrest and protests that disrupt transport routes or block critical infrastructure elements further exacerbate supply chain challenges. Finally, disruptions related to extreme environmental events such as hurricanes and storms also come into play when considering potential disruptions.

To address these challenges, we have embraced a comprehensive approach. We continue to focus on the "last mile" within our supply chain. This means concentrating on local representation, local customer service, and localized operations and logistics. This strategy minimizes inefficiencies and risks by bringing our products closer to end users. We have also adapted by increasing our working capital to account for potential supply chain disruptions. This includes maintaining larger inventories and resources, ensuring we are better prepared to navigate through uncertainties to guarantee a reliable supply of products to our customers. 

What are your plans going into 2024?

Our priorities for 2024 and beyond are building our local strengths by leveraging our global reach, ensuring that we continue to reduce risks in the supply chain and remain closely connected to our customers. In the realm of sustainability, we are at the forefront of partnering with indigenous and First Nations communities, involving them in the growth of the mining industry. We see sustainability and ESG as fundamental components of our long-term strategy and business success. Our goal is to be leaders in delivering value-added chemistry and products to the mining industry while promoting sustainability and social responsibility.