I see you’re looking for a list of notable waste and recycling conferences in 2025, particularly related to the chemical industry. Here are some key events that would align with those interests:
- WasteExpo 2025 (May 2025, New Orleans, USA): This large-scale conference focuses on waste management, recycling, and sustainability, attracting industry leaders in the chemical, waste, and recycling sectors. It’s a prime event for exploring innovative solutions in waste disposal, recycling technologies, and sustainable chemical processes.
- International Conference on Waste Management and Recycling (ICWMR) (2025, Multiple locations): This global conference typically covers cutting-edge practices in recycling, resource recovery, and the role of chemicals in reducing waste. It’s an essential platform for chemical industries involved in waste treatment and recycling processes.
- RecyclingTech 2025 (Dates TBD, London, UK): Focuses on the technological advancements in recycling processes, including chemical recycling methods, and the role of chemicals in improving recycling efficiency. It’s ideal for chemical companies developing technologies to aid in waste reduction.
- European Waste Management Conference (EWMC) 2025 (Dates TBD, Europe): This event explores waste management strategies with a focus on the circular economy, recycling, and chemical waste treatment. It’s a key event for industry leaders working to reduce the environmental impact of chemical waste.
- The Circular Economy and Waste Management Summit 2025 (June 2025, Berlin, Germany): A global summit where industry experts discuss innovations in circular economy principles, waste management, and the chemistry behind sustainable practices in recycling.
These events highlight the intersection between the chemical industry and waste management, with a focus on sustainability and innovation in recycling processes. If you’re interested in more detailed information on any of these conferences, let me know!
Chemtrade Organic Growth Initiatives and Capital Strategy Update
Chemtrade remains committed to its long-term goal of delivering consistent earnings growth and increasing value for its investors through a series of organic growth projects. For 2024, the company plans to allocate between $70 million and $80 million toward growth capital expenditures. Of this, approximately $50 million will focus on expanding its ultrapure sulphuric acid business, primarily at the Cairo, OH facility. The remaining funds will support water treatment chemicals and other organic initiatives.
The Cairo project is progressing on schedule, with completion expected later this year. The total investment for this project is projected between $60 million and $65 million. Chemtrade plans to initiate commercial operations in 2025, positioning this facility as one of North America’s first ultrapure sulphuric acid plants capable of meeting the stringent requirements for next-generation semiconductor manufacturing. This will further solidify Chemtrade’s standing as a leading supplier of ultrapure sulphuric acid to the semiconductor industry.
In addition, Chemtrade had previously planned another major ultrapure sulphuric acid project in Casa Grande, AZ, in collaboration with KPCT Advanced Chemicals LLC. However, after careful consideration, the company has decided to pause the project to ensure it meets acceptable return thresholds before proceeding.
Distributions and Capital Allocation Strategy
For the third quarter of 2024, Chemtrade declared a distribution of $0.165 per unit, consisting of monthly payments of $0.055 per unit. This represents a 10% increase in the monthly distribution rate, which was introduced earlier this year. The distribution is well-supported by distributable cash flow, maintaining a payout ratio of approximately 40% based on the midpoint of 2024 guidance.
As part of its ongoing capital management strategy, Chemtrade launched a Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB), which permits the company to repurchase up to 11.7 million units over a 12-month period ending June 2, 2025. As of September 30, 2024, Chemtrade had repurchased 2.6 million units, with an additional 0.6 million units repurchased between October 1 and November 13, 2024.
Chemtrade also completed a Senior Indenture Buyback (SIB) in June 2024, acquiring $37.6 million worth of debentures. Following this, the company redeemed all remaining 2020 8.50% Debentures by issuing 7 million units to debenture holders who converted their debt into equity and making cash payments of $6.2 million to those who did not convert.
In the third quarter, Chemtrade closed a $250 million offering of 6.375% senior unsecured notes due 2029. These proceeds were used to reduce outstanding debt under its Credit Facilities, further enhancing the company’s financial position.
Management’s Strategic Outlook
Chemtrade’s management and Board of Trustees are actively exploring ways to optimize its capital structure and allocation. This may include mergers and acquisitions (M&A) targeting businesses with annual adjusted EBITDA between $10 million and $50 million that align with Chemtrade’s strategic objectives. CFO Rohit Bhardwaj emphasized the company’s focus on reducing dilutive capital and leveraging its balance sheet to generate value for investors.
As part of its financial strategy, Chemtrade extended its Credit Facilities until 2028, further enhancing its financial flexibility. The company is committed to maintaining a balanced approach to capital allocation, focusing on both organic growth and other value-generating opportunities.
About Chemtrade
Chemtrade is a leading supplier of industrial chemicals and services across North America and internationally. Its portfolio includes products such as sulphuric acid, sodium chlorate, sodium nitrite, and zinc oxide. Chemtrade is also the largest producer of high-purity sulphuric acid for the semiconductor industry in North America and provides various industrial services, including waste stream processing and spent acid management. The company remains focused on delivering sustainable growth and value for its stakeholders.
