Chemspec Europe returned to Cologne on 6–7 May 2026, bringing together professionals from across the speciality chemicals sector despite ongoing economic and regulatory challenges facing the industry. The event welcomed 4,238 attendees representing 60 nations and featured 454 exhibitors from 28 countries, marking growth compared with the previous edition. Participants represented a broad range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, paints & coatings, oil & gas, and personal care & cosmetics. The exhibition floor reflected the sector’s diversity, with companies, suppliers, buyers and innovators gathering to strengthen business relationships and explore new opportunities. “Chemspec stands out for the variety and diversity of companies, there really is something for everyone,” said Nicolas Sary, Sr Manager Responsible Chemistry at Henkel AG & Co.. Visitors travelled primarily from Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, the UK, Switzerland and Italy, while India, China and the USA also contributed notable international attendance.
The event served as a platform for networking and partnership building across the global chemicals value chain. “Chemspec Europe provides a great opportunity to connect with players from across different industries, all in one place.” said Jörg Ludwig Schulte, Managing Director at WeylChem. “I’ve even been able to make introductions between companies that I know will be mutually beneficial.” Discussions throughout the programme focused heavily on the pressures facing the sector, including regulatory complexity, economic weakness and intensifying international competition. Opening sessions highlighted the importance of closer cooperation across Europe’s chemical value chain to help businesses adapt to changing market conditions. Speakers on the Strategy Stage emphasized the growing role of scenario planning during prolonged uncertainty and suggested that disruption should be viewed as an opportunity for learning rather than inaction. Dorothee Arns, Director General at FECC, added “Chemspec Europe is where that really happens, bringing stakeholders together to build the partnerships we need to stay resilient, navigate uncertainty, and future-proof our industry.”
Alongside strategic discussions, attendees explored technical topics including PFAS regulation, biological crop protection and speciality formulation. These sessions aimed to help businesses understand developments in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. Strategy Stage speaker Dr. Peter Deglmann of BASF said, “What stands out about Chemspec is the diversity of attendees and the broad focus of the event, which brings together a wide range of perspectives from across the industry.” Looking ahead, Christiane Beck, Event Director for Chemspec Europe, said, “It has been a pleasure seeing everyone come together this year to tackle the industry’s challenges, form partnerships, and discuss how to emerge stronger. Next year marks our 40th anniversary, and I’m very much looking forward to celebrating that milestone in Basel.” The next edition will be held in Basel, Switzerland, on 24–25 May 2027.
