Chemical sector faces environmental and technological challenges

The chemical manufacturing sector is under increasing pressure with environmental concerns expected to shape the future of the sector. An industry report by Westpac New Zealand says the industry was also challenged by labour and material shortages, as well as changing technologies, which it had been slow to adopt to. The report says digital technologies were being used to improve operations and supply chain management in overseas markets. "Slowness on the technology front reflects the fact that many firms operating in New Zealand are importers," it says. The sector imported much of what it needed from global suppliers and onsold products into every New Zealand industry, including construction, manufacturing, agricultural and consumer sectors.