The business of American chemistry expanded 3.6 percent in 2015 despite global headwinds that included a strong appreciation of the U.S. dollar and a weakness in several key global markets.

New U.S. and Middle East methanol production capacity being added over the next two years will have serious implications for chemical shipping trade flow patterns, according to the latest edition of the Chemical Forecaster, published by global shipping consultancy Drewry.

The state of readiness in the chemical industry for the Globally Harmonized System of Classification (GHS) and OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is less than ideal, according to a survey from Loftware, provider of barcode labeling solutions.

The market for so-called "safer chemistry" is set to outpace the overall global chemical market during the current decade. Companies are reducing their use and generation of hazardous substances, creating safer products and lowering the impact of processes on human health and the environment. The impetus comes from a combination of tightening regulations and demand from consumers for more sustainable products.