Chemicals and mining industry trends

Summary: Technological advancements in robotics and AI are enabling extraction in deep-sea reserves, unlocking access to previously unreachable mineral resources.

Current Situation: Current deep-sea mining technologies are limited to shallow and mid-depth operations, with high costs and significant ecological concerns. Robotics and sensor systems are improving but are still not efficient or stable enough for the vast depths where valuable minerals lie. Companies like Nautilus Minerals are testing early-stage technology, but full-scale deep-sea mining remains economically and technically challenging.

Expected Development: In the next 6-8 years, autonomous, efficient systems capable of deep-sea stability will become available, increasing the viability of deep-sea mining. These advancements will expand access to untapped resources such as rare earth elements, needed for technology and renewable energy applications, while aiming to limit environmental disruption.

Challenges: Environmental concerns, regulatory barriers, and the high costs of deep-sea mining technology are major hurdles. Balancing resource extraction with ecological preservation will be crucial.

Time to Impact: 6-8 years

Potential Impact: High

STEEP Segment: Technological

This year’s trend development

Summary: Demand for critical minerals, such as lithium and cobalt, is surging due to their essential role in renewable energy and electric vehicle markets.

Current Situation: The global shift toward green technologies has dramatically increased the demand for critical minerals. Current supplies are limited, leading to high prices and intensified competition. Mining companies are under pressure to boost production and secure resilient supply chains, with geopolitical factors adding further complexity.

Expected Development: In the next 2-4 years, companies will expand operations and explore new resource locations, while governments are expected to introduce incentives for domestic critical mineral production. Recycling and resource efficiency measures will also become central to meet demand sustainably.

Challenges: Resource scarcity, reliance on unstable regions, and sustainable production scaling present challenges. Developing partnerships and exploring alternative sources are necessary.

Time to Impact: 2-4 years

Potential Impact: Very High

STEEP Segment: Economic

This year’s trend development

Summary: Utilizing microorganisms for mineral extraction is emerging as a sustainable alternative to traditional methods, with potential to reduce ecological impact.

Current Situation: Biomining, primarily used for metals like copper, is in experimental stages for broader applications. Microbes are used to dissolve minerals from ores, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical-intensive processes. Although promising, its current scope is limited, and scalability remains a challenge.

Expected Development: Over the next 6-8 years, biomining will expand to a wider range of minerals, driven by demand for sustainable practices. Advances in genetic engineering and microbiology will enable the customization of microbes for specific minerals, making this method viable in harsher environments and for previously inaccessible resources.

Challenges: Long development timelines, regulatory uncertainties, and potential ecological disruption due to the introduction of non-native microbes.

Time to Impact: 6-8 years

Potential Impact: High

STEEP Segment: Technological

This year’s trend development

Summary: Biodegradable chemicals are emerging as sustainable alternatives that reduce environmental impact in various applications.

Current Situation: The demand for biodegradable options is rising due to increasing consumer awareness and regulatory pressures regarding environmental sustainability. Current formulations focus on creating effective pesticides, biocides, and plastics that break down naturally without harming ecosystems. Companies are investing in R&D to develop bio-based chemicals that meet performance standards while also being eco-friendly.

Expected Development: Over the next 4-6 years, biodegradable chemicals are expected to become mainstream in agriculture and consumer goods, driven by advancements in technology and growing regulatory support. The market for these products will expand significantly as consumers increasingly prefer sustainable options.

Challenges: Developing cost-effective biodegradable alternatives that match the efficacy of traditional chemicals remains a significant hurdle, along with potential regulatory hurdles during the approval process.

Time to Impact: 4-6 years

Potential Impact: High

STEEP Segment: Ecological

This year’s trend development

Summary: Water conservation is becoming a priority, driving the development of chemical formulations that use less water in their application.

Current Situation: As water scarcity issues become more pronounced, the chemical industry is responding by creating formulations that require less water, particularly in agricultural applications. This shift is essential for ensuring sustainable practices in crop production and addressing the environmental impacts of traditional chemical use.

Expected Development: In the next 6-8 years, the trend toward water-conserving chemical formulations is expected to grow, with companies developing innovative products that maintain effectiveness while reducing water usage. This development will align with global sustainability goals and enhance agricultural resilience.

Challenges: Ensuring the effectiveness of water-conserving formulations while maintaining efficacy can be complex, and transitioning existing products to meet new water-saving standards may require significant R&D investments.

Time to Impact: 6-8 years

Potential Impact: High

STEEP Segment: Ecological

This year’s trend development

Summary: Smart pigments and dyes that react to environmental factors like light, heat, or chemicals are gaining traction, offering dynamic applications across industries.

Current Situation: R&D in smart materials is leading to pigments and dyes that change color or opacity in response to stimuli, finding use in safety labeling, textiles, and consumer goods. Companies are increasingly focused on developing these materials to meet consumer demands for interactive and functional products.

Expected Development: In the next 2-4 years, the adoption of smart pigments and dyes is expected to grow, particularly in sectors like healthcare, textiles, and consumer electronics, where enhanced interactivity and safety features are valued. As technology advances, these products will become more common, providing new functionalities in user-interactive applications.

Challenges: High production costs and durability under real-world conditions are key challenges for the widespread adoption of smart pigments and dyes.

Time to Impact: 2-4 years

Potential Impact: Medium

STEEP Segment: Technological

This year’s trend development

Summary: Carbon capture polymers are designed to absorb CO₂ during production, contributing to emission reduction and supporting climate goals.

Current Situation: Currently, carbon capture polymers are in the experimental phase, with limited scalability and high costs restricting their application to niche uses. However, there is growing interest in their potential, particularly in high-emission sectors such as construction and industrial equipment manufacturing.

Expected Development: Within 6-8 years, advancements in polymer science and production technologies are expected to make carbon capture polymers more affordable and scalable, leading to their adoption in construction materials and other industrial applications as an eco-friendly solution.

Challenges: High production costs, limited scalability, and regulatory acceptance pose significant challenges to mainstream adoption.

Time to Impact: 6-8 years

Potential Impact: Very High

STEEP Segment: Technological

This year’s trend development

Summary: Governments worldwide are imposing stricter regulations on microplastics and emissions, pressing industries to adopt cleaner materials and manufacturing processes.

Current Situation: Microplastics and emissions regulations are intensifying, with various regions setting strict limits on plastic pollution and carbon emissions. These regulations are reshaping the Structure and Material Chemicals sub-industry, especially in sectors like textiles, packaging, and construction that heavily rely on polymers and plastics.

Expected Development: Over the next 4-6 years, regulatory measures are expected to expand, prompting companies to invest in microplastic-free and low-emission materials. These shifts will drive innovations in material science, leading to greener alternatives that align with stringent environmental standards.

Challenges: Compliance costs and the difficulty of adapting existing production facilities are major hurdles, especially for smaller manufacturers lacking resources for extensive upgrades.

Time to Impact: 4-6 years

Potential Impact: Very High

STEEP Segment: Political

This year's trend development

Summary: Sustainable and bio-based materials are gaining traction as industries strive to reduce their environmental impact and meet consumer demand for eco-friendly options.

Current Situation: The push for sustainable materials is growing, driven by both regulatory pressures and consumer demand. While options like bio-based plastics and recycled materials are becoming more available, they often lack the cost-effectiveness and durability of traditional materials. Industries such as construction, automotive, and packaging are actively seeking sustainable alternatives but face scalability and performance issues.

Expected Development: Within 4-6 years, advancements in production technologies and economies of scale are expected to make bio-based and sustainable materials more competitive in price and performance. As these materials improve, they will become widely adopted across sectors, supporting global sustainability goals.

Challenges: High production costs and limited scalability are key obstacles, along with the need to meet performance standards for specific industrial applications.

Time to Impact: 4-6 years

Potential Impact: Very High

STEEP Segment: Economic

This year's trend development

Summary: 2D materials, like graphene, offer groundbreaking properties that enhance the durability, conductivity, and flexibility of additives used across industries.

Current Situation: 2D materials are in early commercial use, with promising applications in high-performance additives for sectors like electronics, automotive, and construction. These ultra-thin materials offer advantages such as improved thermal management, strength, and lightweight flexibility. However, high costs and technical challenges currently limit their application, with most use cases focusing on specialty products requiring advanced functionality.

Expected Development: Over the next 6-8 years, production improvements and cost reductions are expected to make 2D materials more accessible for broader applications. As they become more affordable, these additives will enable next-generation solutions in high-demand areas, such as wearable electronics, lightweight automotive components, and flexible coatings.

Challenges: High production costs, limited scalability, and technical challenges in integrating 2D materials into existing formulations remain significant hurdles. Material stability and compatibility with various products are also ongoing concerns.

Time to Impact: 6-8 years

Potential Impact: Very High

STEEP Segment: Technological

This year’s trend development

Summary: Bio-based additives are emerging as sustainable alternatives to traditional petrochemical-derived additives, aligning with growing demands for eco-friendly products.

Current Situation: Bio-based additives, made from renewable resources like algae, cellulose, and plant oils, are gaining attention as a more sustainable option for various industries, including construction, automotive, and personal care. Currently, these additives are largely in the research and development stage, with initial applications limited to sectors where eco-friendliness is a strong consumer demand, such as food processing and personal care. Companies are investing in improving the performance and scalability of bio-based alternatives to make them competitive with traditional additives.

Expected Development: Over the next 4-6 years, advances in biotechnology and manufacturing processes will make bio-based additives more accessible, cost-effective, and performance-competitive. This trend is expected to expand their adoption across multiple sectors as companies seek sustainable solutions that meet both performance and environmental criteria.

Challenges: High production costs and limited scalability compared to petrochemical-derived additives are significant challenges. Additionally, establishing consistent and reliable supply chains for renewable resources is critical for wider adoption.

Time to Impact: 4-6 years

Potential Impact: Very High

STEEP Segment: Ecological

This year's trend development

Summary: Emerging markets are increasingly becoming key production centers for additives, offering cost advantages and access to rapidly growing consumer bases.

Current Situation: Many additive manufacturers are shifting production to emerging markets, such as Southeast Asia and Latin America, to take advantage of lower labor and production costs. These regions provide attractive opportunities for scaling production while remaining close to new and expanding consumer markets. However, differences in infrastructure, labor skills, and regulatory requirements pose challenges for seamless transitions.

Expected Development: In the next 4-6 years, emerging markets are expected to dominate as production hubs, with companies establishing local facilities to meet regional demand efficiently. This shift will allow manufacturers to benefit from cost savings while accessing new market opportunities, especially in automotive and construction.

Challenges: Inconsistent infrastructure, labor skill levels, and regional regulations can impact production quality and stability. Political and economic fluctuations in these regions also pose risks.

Time to Impact: 4-6 years

Potential Impact: High

STEEP Segment: Economic

This year's trend development

Summary: Biodegradable agents will become standard in pollution control, offering eco-friendly alternatives that minimize ecological risks.

Current Situation: The demand for biodegradable pollution control agents is rising as industries seek non-toxic solutions that break down safely in the environment. Currently, traditional agents often pose ecological risks, prompting research into alternatives that offer effective pollutant degradation without harming ecosystems. Companies are developing new formulations that enhance efficacy while ensuring safety, supported by growing consumer awareness and regulatory pressures.

Expected Development: Over the next 4-6 years, biodegradable agents are expected to replace many conventional pollution control products across various sectors. Their adoption will be facilitated by advancements in formulation technologies and increased regulatory support for eco-friendly alternatives. As these products gain acceptance, they will significantly reduce the environmental impact of pollution management practices.

Challenges: Development costs and performance limitations of biodegradable agents can restrict their immediate application. Additionally, market acceptance may be slow due to existing habits and reliance on traditional products.

Time to Impact: 4-6 years

Potential Impact: High

STEEP Segment: Technological

This year’s trend development

Summary: Governments are imposing stricter water quality standards, impacting chemical treatment requirements and industry practices.

Current Situation: Regulatory bodies worldwide are increasingly focused on enforcing stringent water quality standards to address public health concerns and environmental sustainability. This has prompted industries to reevaluate their chemical formulations and treatment processes to comply with new regulations, leading to a rise in demand for advanced water treatment chemicals.

Expected Development: In the next 2-4 years, compliance with these regulations will drive significant R&D in eco-friendly treatment solutions, pushing the market toward greener alternatives. As regulations tighten, companies will need to innovate rapidly to meet safety and quality benchmarks, fostering a more sustainable chemical industry.

Challenges: High compliance costs and the complexity of meeting diverse regulatory requirements can create resistance among industries, especially in developing regions where resources are limited.

Time to Impact: 2-4 years

Potential Impact: Very High

STEEP Segment: Political

This year's trend development

Summary: Eco-friendly electrolytes reduce environmental harm from traditional batteries and support clean energy storage.

Current Situation: Green electrolytes are being developed to replace toxic materials in batteries, enhancing sustainability in energy storage applications. As the demand for renewable energy sources grows, industries are actively seeking alternatives to conventional electrolytes that often rely on hazardous chemicals. The research focuses on creating more efficient, biodegradable, and less toxic options that align with environmental goals.

Expected Development: In the next 6-8 years, scalable production of green electrolytes will expand applications in grid storage, electric vehicles, and renewable energy sectors. This transition will significantly improve sustainability in energy storage solutions, as companies strive to meet regulatory requirements and consumer demand for cleaner technologies.

Challenges: Stability under various conditions, cost, and lifecycle performance limitations present hurdles for widespread adoption. Significant breakthroughs in materials science and manufacturing processes will be necessary to make green electrolytes competitive in the market.

Time to Impact: 6-8 years

Potential Impact: High

STEEP Segment: Technological

This year's trend development