Chips: Beyond phones and video games

In this episode, the Smart Acids hosts welcome Joe 'Sherlock' Holmes, Business Development Manager, Electronics. Joe gives us a glimpse into the world of semiconductors and paints a vivid picture of the industry's ecosystem. He'll also provide insights into how vital the right chemistry solutions are and why he is optimistic about what lies ahead for the chip industry. 

01:03 Joe 'Sherlock' Holmes explains his professional background and career

02:21 Chips quiz: Does Joe know chips?

04:35 The semiconductor ecosystem

05:30 CHIPS Act: Its correlation to industry growth, economic and national security

07:33 Examining the low 2023 market and rebound potential 

09:15 Key end markets and how they are changing

10:55 Expected expansion and key industry players

12:10 How chemistry solutions play a vital role in the semiconductor market

14:20 Ready or not: Are chemical producers positioned to handle future growth? 

16:28 FAQ: Why would purity requirements for electronics be more stringent than for pharma?

19:27 How high-purity chemistries play into sustainability/circular economy

21:00 Key takeaways: The history and future of the market, and its capacity

Smart Acids™ is the source for product insights and current market moves related to chemical and specialty ingredient distribution—breaking it all down one boron at a time. Join hosts Andy Erickson and Chris Ernst for straightforward and honest chat that speaks to the why behind pricing and supply, delivered in a smart, fun and entertaining way. Smart Acids is the winner of a B2 Silver Award, a top national recognition among leading global brands and marketers in B2B.

About the hosts: Andy Erickson, senior director of product marketing for essential chemicals, and Chris Ernst, senior director of product marketing for solvents, converse with guests from chemistry and specialty ingredient backgrounds who are keyed in to manufacturing and markets across industries.

Univar Solutions is a leading global specialty chemical and ingredient distributor representing a premier portfolio from the world's leading producers, and helping to keep communities healthy, fed, clean and safe. With the industry's largest private transportation fleet and technical sales force, unparalleled logistics know-how, deep market and regulatory knowledge, formulation and recipe development, and leading digital tools, we offer tailored solutions and value-added services to a wide range of markets, industries and applications.