The regional leaders are Brenntag ( Europe ), Univar Solutions ( North America ), Sinochem Plastics ( Asia Pacific ), Brenntag ( Latin America ) and Petrochem Middle East ( Middle East & Africa ). "Through an unprecedented period of supply chain disruptions – from the Covid-19 pandemic, the US winter storm and big freeze, the Suez Canal blockage and the shortage and dislocation of shipping containers - the vital role of chemical distributors has been amplified," said Joseph Chang, global editor of ICIS Chemical Business. "Throughout the pandemic, many distributors also stepped up to help their communities with supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and hand sanitizer, prioritising essential businesses such as hospitals and food production facilities," added Chang.