Standing Together in Uncertain Times
Chemspec Europe returned to Cologne between 6-7 May 2026, drawing 4,238 attendees from 60 nations and 454 exhibitors from 28 countries, an increase from last year’s event.
The show’s appeal spans every corner of the speciality chemistry sector, the breadth of which was felt on the floor. “Chemspec stands out for the variety and diversity of companies, there really is something for everyone,” said Nicolas Sary, Sr Manager Responsible Chemistry at Henkel AG & Co. The majority of visitors came from key industry sectors including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, paints & coatings, oil & gas and personal care & cosmetics.
The event brought together an international mix of suppliers, procurers and innovators, with the European market serving as a meeting point to form global connections. Attendees primarily travelled from Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, the UK, Switzerland, Italy, and with notable international participation from India, China, and the USA.
“Chemspec Europe provides a great opportunity to connect with players from across different industries, all in one place.” said Jörg Ludwig Schulte, Managing Director at WeylChem. “I’ve even been able to make introductions between companies that I know will be mutually beneficial.”
Resilience and partnership as industry priorities
The show’s strategic programming reflected the headwinds the industry is facing. The opening keynote and panel set the tone, arguing that Europe’s chemical value chain must work more closely together to future-proof the industry in such challenging times, defined by complex regulation, economic downturns and global competitiveness.
Sessions across the Strategy Stage addressed how scenario planning has become essential in a period of sustained volatility, with speakers arguing that disruption should be treated as a source of learning rather than paralysis, and that competitors increasingly have more to gain from strategic collaboration than rivalry. Dorothee Arns, Director General at FECC added “Chemspec Europe is where that really happens, bringing stakeholders together to build the partnerships we need to stay resilient, navigate uncertainty, and future-proof our industry.”
Strategy Stage speaker, Dr. Peter Deglmann, Team Leader Quantum Chemistry at BASF, said, “What stands out about Chemspec is the diversity of attendees and the broad focus of the event, which brings together a wide range of perspectives from across the industry.”
The sessions also explored more technical issues, including PFAS and the evolving regulation surrounding these ‘forever chemicals’, biological crop protection, and speciality formulation, helping attendees navigate an increasingly complex and fast-moving regulatory landscape.
Looking ahead
“It has been a pleasure seeing everyone come together this year to tackle the industry’s challenges, form partnerships, and discuss how to emerge stronger,” said Christiane Beck, Event Director for Chemspec Europe. “Next year marks our 40th anniversary, and I’m very much looking forward to celebrating that milestone in Basel.”
Chemspec Europe 2027 will take place from 24-25th May 2027 in Basel, Switzerland. To register interest, visit the Chemspec Europe Website.
