Digital Chemical Playbook

Digital Chemical Playbook

By DKSH Performance Materials

The Digital Chemical Playbook is a podcast brought to you by the Digital Team at the DKSH Business Unit Performance Materials.

The DKSH Business Unit Performance Materials distributes specialty chemicals and ingredients for food, pharmaceutical, personal care, and various industrial applications. With 48 innovation centers and regulatory support worldwide, we create cutting-edge formulations that comply with local regulations. With around 1,370 specialists, the Business Unit generated net sales of CHF 1.3 billion in 2021.
Currently playing episode

How DKSH Makes AI Real for People, Processes, and Profit – with David Enright

Digital Chemical Playbook Mar 11, 2026
00:00
39:04
From Protection to Performance: How Coatings Are Evolving in the Digital Age

From Protection to Performance: How Coatings Are Evolving in the Digital Age

In this episode of Digital Chemical Playbook, we speak with Atul Nagarkar from DKSH on how the coatings industry is evolving in a fast-changing environment shaped by sustainability, regulation, and shifting customer expectations.

We explore how sourcing, R&D, and formulation arebecoming more connected and more solution-driven, and why the industry is moving from protection-based thinking to performance-led innovation.

Apr 29, 202635:04
How DKSH Makes AI Real for People, Processes, and Profit – with David Enright

How DKSH Makes AI Real for People, Processes, and Profit – with David Enright

What happens when AI ambition meets real business transformation?


In this episode of The Digital Chemical Playbook, David Enright, Senior Director for Digital Transformation and AI at DKSH, shares how the company is turning AI into practical impact across teams, processes, and decisions. From boosting productivity to building strong data foundations, discover how DKSH is scaling AI while empowering people with smarter tools.


Explore how AI, data, and human expertise come together to unlock new opportunities for growth.

Mar 11, 202639:04
What 25 Years in Chemicals Taught Me About Digital Transformation – With SpecialChem

What 25 Years in Chemicals Taught Me About Digital Transformation – With SpecialChem

What happens when digital curiosity meets 25 years of chemical industry experience?

 

In this episode of The Digital Chemical Playbook, Christophe Cabarry, Founder and CEO of SpecialChem, reveals how digital tools, AI, and structured data are transforming the chemical industry. He shares the hidden truths about hybrid sales models, smarter product discovery, and why human expertise still matters in a digital world.

 

Discover how technology and experience combine to shape the future of chemicals.

Jan 06, 202650:46
Behind the Code: When Chemists Become Founders

Behind the Code: When Chemists Become Founders

What happens when a chemist dreams beyond the lab?

In this episode of Digital Chemical Playbook, we meet Pere, CTO of KosmetiKOn, who turned his passion for formulation into a digitalmission. From the limits of traditional R&D to developing smart tools forthe cosmetics industry, Pere shares how AI and data are reshaping the science of beauty.

This is more than innovation. It’s a new way to think, create and lead in today’s fast-moving world.

Aug 04, 202535:23
Breaking Barriers in Pharma: The Pharmaoffer Journey to Digital Excellence

Breaking Barriers in Pharma: The Pharmaoffer Journey to Digital Excellence

Join Ammar Badwy, CEO of Pharmaoffer, and host FlorianBrunet as they break barriers in the pharmaceutical supply chain with digital innovation. Discover how Pharmaoffer overcomes legacy systems, boosts transparency, and navigates price-driven markets for better business outcomes. Tune in for expert insights into driving digital excellence in pharma procurement.

May 15, 202538:17
The Future of Formulation: Using AI to Formulate and Deformulate

The Future of Formulation: Using AI to Formulate and Deformulate

Join Yahya Syed, CEO of Potion AI, and Florian Brunet as they discuss how AI-driven tools are transforming formulation, deformulation, and product development. Learn how AI accelerates R&D, enhances sustainability, and predicts market trends, helping companies innovate faster and more efficiently. Tune in now!

Mar 18, 202534:35
The Rise of AI in Chemical Design: Insights with Prof. Katya Pas Associate Dean of Research from Monash University

The Rise of AI in Chemical Design: Insights with Prof. Katya Pas Associate Dean of Research from Monash University

In this episode of the Digital Chemical Playbook, Florian Brunet hosts Prof. Katya Pas, Associate Dean Research, Science from Monash University. Prof. Katya explores the use of artificial intelligence in the chemical industry, specifically in designing and optimizing chemicals for production.

 

We discussed both the opportunities AI presents and the potential risks it poses, as well as how it can drive innovation in chemical research. Prof. Katya also shared insights on how AI is transforming traditional processes, providing a glimpse into the future of chemical production.

 

Subscribe to the Digital Chemical Playbook so you don’t miss any episodes on how AI is reshaping the chemical and ingredient industry!

Oct 02, 202445:19
AI and Technology in Cosmetic Ingredients with Yann Chilvers, CEO of Covalo

AI and Technology in Cosmetic Ingredients with Yann Chilvers, CEO of Covalo

In this episode of the Digital Chemical Playbook, Florian Brunet had the pleasure of hosting Yann Chilvers, CEO and co-founder of Covalo.

Covalo is a digital platform that connects cosmetic brands with suppliers, providing an online marketplace for sourcing ingredients, packaging, and services within the beauty and personal care industry.

We discussed the growing role of Generative AI in the cosmetics industry, particularly in aiding data management. We also covered the importance of sustainability in material sourcing for cosmetics, emphasizing how technology and innovation are key assets in unlocking more sustainable opportunities for cosmetic ingredient suppliers and buyers.

Subscribe to the Digital Chemical Playbook so you don't miss any episodes on what's transforming the chemical and ingredient industry!

Aug 23, 202431:09
Challenges and Future Directions in the Chemical Industry, with ChemCloud

Challenges and Future Directions in the Chemical Industry, with ChemCloud

In this episode David & Hector from ChemCloud share their insights on the challenges and future directions in the chemical industry. It is about Gen AI applied to chemicals and expected trends for the next 5 years.

Jul 10, 202434:16
Understanding the Impacts of Digital Transformation and eCommerce in the Chemical Industry With ChemCloud

Understanding the Impacts of Digital Transformation and eCommerce in the Chemical Industry With ChemCloud

Take a closer look at the effects of digitalization on the chemical industry with David Wright and Hector Williamson from ChemCloud. In this conversation, David and Hector provide insights into the digital transformation of the chemical industry and the impact of eCommerce evolution in the chemical industry.

Jun 10, 202432:43
Digitally Transforming Product Brands in the Chemical Industry With Ash Martin

Digitally Transforming Product Brands in the Chemical Industry With Ash Martin

Deep dive into the world of chemical distribution with Ash Martin, Senior Manager, DKSH Performance Materials, Australia. In this conversation, Ash sheds light on his comprehensive journey in chemical distribution. Ash shares insights on leveraging digital strategies to create and elevate a product brand within the specialty chemicals industry.

Mar 28, 202412:54
Discussing Digital Transformation with Pam Walker, GM and Director of UL Solutions

Discussing Digital Transformation with Pam Walker, GM and Director of UL Solutions

Gain an executive perspective on the digital evolution in chemicals. Pam Walker, General Manager and Director of UL Solutions’ Product Insights, shares insider insights from over 25 years in the industry. Listen to the podcast to hear Pam offer strategic advice on navigating the digital landscape, as we discuss the latest trends in digitalization and the challenges companies face.

Feb 05, 202423:02
eCommerce Trends in the Food and Beverage Industry

eCommerce Trends in the Food and Beverage Industry

A conversation with Cesar Saez Solano, Vice President, Global Food & Beverage Ingredients, DKSH Performance Materials, on market trends in the food and beverage industry. In this discussion, Cesar sheds light on the latest eCommerce trends in the food and beverage sector and the digital transformation of this industry's B2B commerce.

Dec 12, 202313:50
Digital Talk with a Global Marketing Leader in Chemical Industry

Digital Talk with a Global Marketing Leader in Chemical Industry

In this episode, we speak with Mrs. Michela Fusco, Global Director at Elementis, to get her perspective on digital transformation in the chemical industry. She shares valuable insights on embracing digitalization and gives her thoughts on DKSH's customer-facing portal platform, Discover.

Oct 31, 202320:20
Embracing Digitalization: A Journey with Mr. Ramon J. Viñas

Embracing Digitalization: A Journey with Mr. Ramon J. Viñas

Digital transformation has become the cornerstone of success in the chemical ingredients industry. Join us in this episode with Mr. Ramon J. Viñas, former Global VP at DKSH Performance Materials, boasting more than 20 years of experience. Together, we'll explore how DKSH embraced digitalization, adapting in an evolving landscape to deliver excellence

Oct 20, 202327:51