Interviews with Integra and with Bandeirante Brazmo
Gina Fyffe CEO INTEGRA
What is your assessment of Latin America’s petrochemical industry in 2025?
Latin American producers now face squeezed margins from US and Asian imports. Still, resilience and innovation define the region. Braskem, for example, has been at the forefront of bio-based and specialty ethylene, while others pursue higher-value grades over bulk polymers. By leveraging local advantages and targeting niche markets, Latin American firms are adapting, building competitive strength despite difficult global conditions. What is Integra focused on its Latin American operations today?
One area of focus in Latin America is helping customers transition from isotanks (which are expensive, especially when managing large quantities) to bulk shipments, supported by adequate storage capacity and shared logistics benefits. We leverage our shipping expertise to ensure these conversions only occur where they make sense, such as regions with regular vessel traffic and multiple customers moving products simultaneously. This approach maximizes economies of scale and efficiency, while helping to ensure a robust supply chain. What are the key technological developments in maritime shipping today?
Advances in AI and efficiency are being driven by ship owners, who face direct fuel costs and therefore prioritize optimization. Leading owners have already delivered carbon-zero voyages by combining technologies such as wind sails, advanced coatings, and hull designs. Modern vessels are now equipped with extensive sensor networks, transmitting real-time data to monitoring centers in Europe or Asia, where routes and speeds are continuously adjusted to minimize fuel use. What are Integra’s priorities in Latin America in 2025-26?
We aim to expand our multilingual team in Houston to serve the growing Latin American market in both trading and distribution. Our focus remains on partnering with clients to identify the diversification strategies, whether through product or supply chain solutions, ensuring efficient, reliable, and flexible service that meets evolving regional needs. To us it always makes sense to grow and adapt with our customers and not sit still.
Marcus Barranjard General Manager
BANDEIRANTE BRAZMO
How would you assess Brazil’s chemical industry in 2025?
2025 is proving to be quite challenging: the imbalance between supply and demand is affecting business. Not only are individuals more indebted, but companies also have reduced access to financing. Therefore, 2025 calls for a more conservative approach, focusing on cash flow and controlling expenses to navigate this period. What product areas has Bandeirante focused its investments recently?
In 2024, we focused our investments on paints, agriculture, and personal care. The paint market remains our core business, and we enhanced our portfolio with new solutions, including specialty resins and plasticizers. In personal care, we introduced new lines of silicones and preservatives. What role do Bandeirante’s logistics play in the company’s growth?
In a vast country like Brazil, logistics is essential. We have invested heavily in this area, operating a fleet of 25 trucks that deliver both bulk and packaged cargo within 24 hours across a 400–500 km radius. Our network includes strategically located distribution and operational units: the main hub in Mauá, São Paulo; a unit in João Pessoa, Paraíba, handling liquids and dry goods; a facility in Simões Filho; and a commercial office in Joinville, Santa Catarina. This regional presence supports faster delivery and growth in key markets. What are the key challenges facing Brazil’s chemical distribution sector?
The chemical industry is vital for any country’s development, including Brazil. However, Brazil’s sector struggles with low competitiveness due to high energy and gas costs, which limit new investments and increase low-priced imports, mainly from Asia. Tariff increases alone will not solve this; structural reforms to reduce costs are essential. China’s growing influence in chemicals challenges distributors to balance global brands with competitive products from China and India. Maintaining this diverse portfolio is crucial for Brazilian distributors to remain competitive and relevant.