In this exclusive interview, Jennifer Abril, president and CEO of SOCMA, offers her perspective on the goals, challenges and accomplishments of SOCMA, its members and the specialty chemical industries
As President & CEO of SOCMA, Jennifer Abril has been dedicated to establishing SOCMA as the leading advocate and indispensable connector within the specialty chemicals sector. Under her leadership, SOCMA has refreshed its programming and introduced new opportunities for business partnerships and industry connections across the supply chain. Previously, Jennifer served as president of the International Fragrance Association and worked at the American Chemistry Council, where she advanced international regulatory harmonization efforts on product stewardship and public health issues.
Executive Interview
How would you describe your organization?
SOCMA is a trade association representing the specialty chemical industry in North America. We support our members through advocacy, regulatory compliance assistance and industry intelligence while fostering growth through tools like our matchmaking Lead Sheet Program and B2B [business to business] network. Approximately 80% of our members focus on contract manufacturing, while 20% produce proprietary products.
Originally focused on the U.S. market, SOCMA has expanded to support the entire North American specialty chemical sector. By advocating for streamlined regulatory processes, enhanced domestic production and supply chain resilience, SOCMA works to ensure the industry remains competitive and innovative.
What topics or concerns are your members currently focused on?
SOCMA is committed to positioning North American specialty chemical manufacturers as global market leaders by making the region the most competitive, innovative and resilient hub for specialty chemical production. Our Vision 2030 serves as a strategic roadmap to establish North America as the preferred center for specialty chemical manufacturing by the end of the decade.
To achieve this, we focus on three key priorities. First, we are raising the profile of North American manufacturing by positioning our members as the top choice for global supply. This means enhancing visibility, investing in infrastructure, advancing process automation and strengthening supply chain resilience.
Second, we are driving innovation and regulatory efficiency. This includes advocating for processes that accelerate the development and commercialization of new chemical technologies without unnecessary delays. Our goal is to ensure that innovation is not stifled by bureaucracy, allowing companies to bring cutting-edge solutions to market faster.
Finally, we are strengthening the workforce and supply chain by championing talent development, infrastructure growth and strategic business connections. The long-term success of the industry depends on attracting skilled workers and ensuring a stable, well-supported supply chain.
Additionally, SOCMA works closely with government agencies, such as the Department of Defense and the Department of Commerce, to expand domestic production of critical materials. These collaborations help ensure that North American manufacturers remain competitive in an increasingly globalized market.
What challenges do your organization and members face?
The specialty chemical industry faces several significant challenges. One of the most pressing is regulatory complexity. Companies must navigate evolving chemical regulations, including the New Chemicals Review Process, restrictions on specific chemicals and updates to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Keeping up with these changes requires significant resources and expertise.
Supply chain vulnerabilities are another major concern. Many manufacturers rely on foreign raw materials, which can lead to production delays and cost fluctuations. Disruptions in global supply chains highlight the need for greater domestic sourcing and strategic partnerships.
Workforce shortages also pose a challenge. As manufacturing technologies evolve, there is an increased demand for skilled operators and professionals who can support automation and digitalization efforts. Recruiting and retaining talent in the industry is critical for long-term success.
Additionally, companies must balance capital investment needs. The industry is constantly innovating, and businesses must invest in automation, digitalization and process improvements while maintaining profitability.
SOCMA is actively working to address these challenges. We are advocating for streamlined regulatory processes, pushing for tariff exclusions on essential raw materials and supporting R&D tax credits to incentivize investment in new process technologies. Furthermore, we back the reauthorization of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program to enhance industry security and ensure a stable operating environment for our members.
What challenges do you see for the chemical process industries as a whole?
The specialty chemical industry is undergoing significant transformations, driven by shifting supply chain dynamics, economic pressures and evolving technology. One of the biggest challenges is supply chain realignment. The industry is moving beyond traditional onshoring and reshoring strategies, focusing instead on localization and regionalization to improve resilience, reduce risk and optimize lead times. However, cost pressures remain a significant factor, requiring companies to balance proximity with financial viability.
Geopolitical and trade uncertainties also add complexity. Ongoing tariffs, trade policy shifts and evolving agreements with China, Europe and Mexico are making raw material sourcing and supplier diversification more difficult. Companies must navigate these uncertainties while maintaining cost competitiveness.
Technology integration is another major factor shaping the industry. The rise of automation, digitalization and AI [artificial intelligence]-driven manufacturing is transforming production processes. While these advancements improve efficiency, they also necessitate significant investments in infrastructure, workforce training and cybersecurity to ensure smooth implementation.
Finally, workforce and training gaps present an ongoing challenge. As automation and AI reshape chemical production, the demand for highly skilled professionals continues to grow. Bridging this skills gap requires robust training initiatives, apprenticeship programs and industry collaboration to build a workforce that can support these technological advancements.
SOCMA is actively addressing these challenges by advocating for regionalized supply chain solutions, policies that enhance domestic manufacturing competitiveness and workforce development initiatives that prepare the industry for the future.
What accomplishments are you most excited about?
SOCMA continues to drive industry progress, expanding its impact and delivering exceptional value to the specialty and fine chemicals sector. One of the organization’s biggest successes is the SOCMA Show, which has emerged as the premier B2B event for the specialty chemical industry. The show continues to grow, providing an unmatched platform for business connections, strategic partnerships and market insights that drive real commercial opportunities. The event’s success underscores SOCMA’s pivotal role in fostering collaboration and strengthening the industry’s supply chain network.
In addition to the SOCMA Show, the organization has made significant strides in other key areas. Membership growth and industry influence remain a top priority, with SOCMA welcoming an increasing number of members, further expanding its network and reinforcing its position as the leading advocate for the specialty chemical industry.
Another major milestone is the upcoming 20th anniversary of ChemStewards® in 2025. This flagship program has set the benchmark for process safety, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement. It continues to provide valuable resources, helping companies navigate the evolving regulatory landscape while prioritizing safety and sustainability.
SOCMA has also made tremendous progress in workforce development and training. The ChemOps Training program is equipping chemical operators with essential skills in process operations while establishing standardized best practices to enhance workplace safety. These efforts are directly addressing workforce challenges by ensuring employees are prepared to excel in modern chemical manufacturing.
Additionally, SOCMA is strengthening North American supply chains through its Lead Sheet Program and industry initiatives. These efforts help companies find the right manufacturing partners and streamline supplier sourcing, enhancing supply chain visibility, reducing risk and driving commercial growth. SOCMA’s engagements with the Department of Defense and Department of Commerce further support supply chain resilience and innovation in critical materials, ensuring North American manufacturers remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Is there anything else you would like to mention?
SOCMA’s Vision 2030 is a bold commitment to securing North America’s position as the global leader in specialty chemical manufacturing. This vision drives continuous advancements in workforce development, regulatory modernization and supply chain optimization.
By expanding programs like ChemOps Training into Spanish and French, SOCMA is ensuring a skilled workforce that meets the industry’s growing demands. Our advocacy efforts for policy reforms focus on streamlining regulations and fostering an environment where innovation can thrive. Additionally, we are harnessing the power of AI-driven B2B matchmaking to strengthen business connections, enhance supply chain agility and create growth opportunities for manufacturers.
SOCMA is not just shaping the future of the specialty chemical industry — we are defining it. Through strategic initiatives, smart advocacy and a focus on innovation, we are ensuring that North America remains the global epicenter for specialty chemical production. ■
Department Manager: Dorothy Lozowski
