Carolyn Buller of Squire Patton Boggs takes a look back at a year like no other in chemicals

Squire Patton Boggs (SPB), a global law firm, has about one third of the top 60 chemical companies as clients and is constantly speaking with the industry about ongoing trends. The COVID-19 pandemic has made forecasting an even more treacherous business than ever and it is always hard to generalise over so broad a concept as speciality chemicals. ‘Specialities’ are a never-ending game – everything is or was a speciality until, one day, it no longer is.

Anita Lloyd and Nicola Smith, directors in the Environmental, Safety & Health Group of Squire Patton Boggs, look at the key issues for companies starting to manufacture or import hand sanitiser

Many companies are looking at modifying their production lines and/or utilising spare capacity to manufacture hand sanitiser, which is in short supply due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Others may be looking into importing this product into the UK for the first time.