The Dow Chemical Company participated in the First Annual Middle East Chemical Supply Chain & Logistics Conference (Logichem Middle East) and discussed the best practices for a sustainable supply chain in the GCC.
The two-day event focused on how international chemical and logistics companies can leverage worldwide experience to advance long-term supply chain development in the GCC. As a global leader in science and technology, Dow presented best practices, solutions and insights into sustainable supply chain management and safety optimisation.
As the chemical supply chain of companies in the Middle East expands, efficient supply syndication and growth is becoming of increasing importance to the region. The significant investment and increase in major regional projects are leading to a boom in chemical commodities, which must be transported in a safe and responsible manner.
In light of this, the event brought together key players in the GCC market, who shared knowledge, identified opportunities and developed strategies. At the event, Suresh Krishnan, Senior Supply Chain Leader for ME&A at Dow presented the keynote case study on superior business supply chain and logistics strategy, entitled "Leveraging the 'Human Element' to Build a Sustainable Supply Chain".
Dow also took part in a panel discussion, debating "The Effect on the Supply Chain of Changes in Regional Competitiveness: The Impact on Global Petrochemical Production and Flow". During the presentation and panel, Dow highlighted its status as a leader in Responsible Care®, citing examples of regional applications such as the Dow Jebel Ali site performance drive, which resulted in zero incidents (loss of primary containment, personal injury incidents, reactive chemical incidents) over the past four years.
"The footprint of the global chemical industry is changing rapidly, reinforced by the Middle East's growing capacity to service this demand. An efficient supply chain should address sustainability and effectiveness in five key areas: safety, profitability, resilience, social responsibility, and environmental efficiency," said Krishnan."In line with this growth, Dow is advancing at a global and local level, setting the standard for sustainability, and driving it into the fabric of everyday operations."
In line with Dow's continuous initiatives to drive improved business practices, the Progressive Manufacturing Awards 2011 has honored Dow for its Design and Modify Supply Chain (D&MSC) Work Processes, a method created and designed by the company to bring order and efficiency to existing and new supply chains.
This global work process was implemented across the company, and has ensured optimisation of supply chain networks and has proved its value in every region. The D&MSC Work Processes saved Dow US$5mn during 2009-2010, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improving serviceability.
