Energy volatility. Geopolitical tension. Shifting crude markets. If you’re trying to make sense of how these forces are reshaping the chemical industry, this SmartAcids™ Podcast episode is one that you won't want to miss.

In our latest conversation, hosts Andy Erickson and Chris Ernst sit down with Bill Groel, Sr. Director of Product Marketing Management at Univar Solutions, to break down what’s really happening across global crude and hydrocarbons — and how those trends are already influencing chemical supply, pricing, and downstream demand.

Bill brings sharp, real‑world perspectives making this an invaluable listen for anyone navigating today’s market uncertainty. Watch the episode now and subscribe to the podcast to stay ahead of market insights

Smart Acids™ is the source for product insights and current market moves related to chemical and specialty ingredient distribution—breaking it all down one boron at a time. Join hosts Andy Erickson and Chris Ernst for straightforward and honest chat that speaks to the why behind pricing and supply, delivered in a smart, fun and entertaining way. Smart Acids is the winner of a B2 Silver Award, a top national recognition among leading global brands and marketers in B2B.

About the hosts: Andy Erickson, senior director of product marketing for essential chemicals, and Chris Ernst, senior director of product marketing for solvents, converse with guests from chemistry and specialty ingredient backgrounds who are keyed in to manufacturing and markets across industries.

Univar Solutions is a leading global specialty chemical and ingredient distributor representing a premier portfolio from the world's leading producers, and helping to keep communities healthy, fed, clean and safe. With the industry's largest private transportation fleet and technical sales force, unparalleled logistics know-how, deep market and regulatory knowledge, formulation and recipe development, and leading digital tools, we offer tailored solutions and value-added services to a wide range of markets, industries and applications.

In this episode of Smart Acids, George Knox, VP of Corporate Accounts, joins Andy and Chris to talk about how centralizing chemical distribution under one partner simplifies the full lifecycle—from bulk and blends to packaged goods and ChemCare. They unpack: How a single global account model supports multi‑site chemical demand Where customers unlock real TCO savings through freight optimization, consolidation, and digital ordering Why integrated services like waste, blending, and repack are becoming must‑haves How Univar Solutions documents value with scorecards, QBRs, and sustainability metrics If chemical complexity is your daily reality, this episode might be your new favorite playbook.

Smart Acids™ is the source for product insights and current market moves related to chemical and specialty ingredient distribution—breaking it all down one boron at a time. Join hosts Andy Erickson and Chris Ernst for straightforward and honest chat that speaks to the why behind pricing and supply, delivered in a smart, fun and entertaining way. Smart Acids is the winner of a B2 Silver Award, a top national recognition among leading global brands and marketers in B2B.

About the hosts: Andy Erickson, senior director of product marketing for essential chemicals, and Chris Ernst, senior director of product marketing for solvents, converse with guests from chemistry and specialty ingredient backgrounds who are keyed in to manufacturing and markets across industries.

Univar Solutions is a leading global specialty chemical and ingredient distributor representing a premier portfolio from the world's leading producers, and helping to keep communities healthy, fed, clean and safe. With the industry's largest private transportation fleet and technical sales force, unparalleled logistics know-how, deep market and regulatory knowledge, formulation and recipe development, and leading digital tools, we offer tailored solutions and value-added services to a wide range of markets, industries and applications.

Who’s the real MVP—on the field and in the chemical industry?

In this episode of Smart Acids, Andy and Chris put Bob Craycraft CEO of Univar Solutions’ Chemical Distribution & Services division and former Vanderbilt football player through a quick quiz on famous Commodores before diving into the biggest plays in chemical distribution.

From consolidation trends and targeted growth to why safety, service, and expertise make Univar Solutions the distributor of choice, Bob shares insights that will keep you ahead of the game.

Smart Acids™ is the source for product insights and current market moves related to chemical and specialty ingredient distribution—breaking it all down one boron at a time. Join hosts Andy Erickson and Chris Ernst for straightforward and honest chat that speaks to the why behind pricing and supply, delivered in a smart, fun and entertaining way. Smart Acids is the winner of a B2 Silver Award, a top national recognition among leading global brands and marketers in B2B.

About the hosts: Andy Erickson, senior director of product marketing for essential chemicals, and Chris Ernst, senior director of product marketing for solvents, converse with guests from chemistry and specialty ingredient backgrounds who are keyed in to manufacturing and markets across industries.

Univar Solutions is a leading global specialty chemical and ingredient distributor representing a premier portfolio from the world's leading producers, and helping to keep communities healthy, fed, clean and safe. With the industry's largest private transportation fleet and technical sales force, unparalleled logistics know-how, deep market and regulatory knowledge, formulation and recipe development, and leading digital tools, we offer tailored solutions and value-added services to a wide range of markets, industries and applications.