A Year in Distribution: Uncertainty, Adaptation, Momentum
Courtney Bassett, Managing Editor, PCI
Distributors remain one of the most important links in the paint and coatings supply chain, and this year has brought plenty of stories that underscored that role. In this distributor-focused issue, we bring together perspectives on uncertainty, sustainability and evolving supply chain demands.
Inside the special distributor section, we feature a roundtable discussion, Navigating Uncertainty, Driving Innovation, introduced by Eric Byer of the Alliance for Chemical Distribution, and featuring insights from Univar’s Matthew Oliver and IndSpyre Solutions’ John Schierlmann. The article looks at how distributors are responding to a climate of tariffs, cost pressures and shifting customer expectations. In our article, Bringing Sustainability into the Outbound Supply Chain, Nate Chenenko of Ducker Carlisle lays out practical steps for bringing sustainability into warehousing, packaging and transportation. And ACD’s Brian Callahan explores how regulatory changes, from taxes to trade policy, continue to reshape the supply chain in From Reform to Recovery.
Beyond this issue, PCI has followed distribution closely throughout 2025. We reported on the impact of regulatory challenges and compliance in the global coatings market, how companies are solving raw material shortages, and what policy shifts in Washington could mean for supply chain operations. We have also highlighted best practices for crisis and disaster response, and tariffs remained a recurring theme with reporting on how trade policies could disrupt the coatings supply chain.
Distributor news has shaped much of the year. IMCD expanded with new acquisitions, appointed new regional presidents in EMEA and APAC, and even earned higher marks on sustainability. Univar Solutions acquired Brad-Chem, was named exclusive distributor for a BASF polymer line, and later expanded its BASF relationship in North America. Brenntag’s CEO took direct control of its Essentials division, signaling sharpened focus at the top. Other moves included Azelis forming a partnership with Micro Powders to extend into agroscience, Access Rudolf partnering with ClearEdge Solutions, and Hexigone partnering with Alfaa Chem. Globally, developments included Belzona naming Southey Contracting Limitada as distributor in Angola. We have also examined broader perspectives, including how chemical distribution is moving beyond transportation to provide greater value-added services.
And on our podcast, Coat It!, ACD’s Brian Callahan joined us to talk about Superfund taxes, OSHA updates, and regulatory ripple effects.
Taken together, the stories reflect both the challenges and the resilience of distributors in our industry. This month’s package brings those threads together, providing readers with perspectives on the pressures shaping distribution and the strategies companies are using to move forward.
