Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals & Plastics

Stringent regulatory requirements, complex global supply chains, and increasing pressure to reduce costs and drive innovation present unique challenges for procurement and supply chain management in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and plastics industries. Supply security, quality, and compliance must be guaranteed at all times—even under volatile market and raw material conditions. amc supports companies in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and plastics industries in strategically aligning, effectively managing, and sustainably developing their procurement and supply chain functions.

Screenshot March 3, 2026

  • Maturity of this industry in the procurement agenda

    53 %

  • Completed Projects

    19

  • Average value contributions achieved in optimization projects

    3,5 %

  • Average efficiency gains in process and digitalization projects

    16 %

    • Executive Summary

    The chemical, pharmaceutical, and plastics industries are characterized by global supply networks, energy- and resource-intensive processes, and stringent requirements for quality, documentation, and regulatory compliance. Dependencies on specific raw materials, active ingredients, additives, or intermediate products increase the complexity of procurement and the supply chain.

    At the same time, pressure is mounting regarding costs, the pace of innovation, and supply security, while demands for sustainability, transparency, and compliance with regulatory requirements are increasing throughout the entire value chain.

    Fabian explains with a smile

    Common challenges

    “Reliance on individual suppliers of raw materials, active ingredients, or additives increases supply risks.”

    “Strict regulatory requirements tie up significant resources in procurement and the supply chain.”

    “Quality, compliance, sustainability, and cost are often in conflict with one another.”

    Areas of Focus

    Optimize costs

    amc helps your company optimize costs in a sustainable way

    Acting sustainably

    amc helps your company establish sustainability.

    Establishing Resilient Supply Networks

    amc helps your company build resilient supply chains.

    Develop organizations

    amc supports your company in further developing your supply chain organization


    's References in the Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and Plastics Industries

    Practical training and enablement in strategic product category management. amc provided methodological expertise and empowered the team to develop product categories in a structured manner—leading to better sourcing decisions and greater transparency.
    Strategic project to further develop the procurement function: analysis, procurement strategy, roadmap, and a set of KPIs for performance management. amc increased the transparency and effectiveness of the procurement organization—with clear prioritization and measurable control.
    Global procurement transformation, including a target vision, a portfolio of measures, and KPI-based performance management. amc provided support for the implementation over a two-year period—resulting in significant savings in both direct and indirect procurement.
    International cost optimization programs in procurement: identifying potential, prioritizing, and implementing initiatives with cross-functional teams. amc achieved sustainable improvements in profitability through structured initiative and tracking management.

    Relation to the shopping list

    The results of the Procurement Agenda show that companies in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and plastics industries have significant room for improvement, particularly in the areas of strategy and governance, digitalization, and structured risk and supplier management. The average maturity level in these areas is often below 50%. Given their high dependence on raw materials and energy, these companies stand to benefit greatly from clear objectives, end-to-end governance, and resilient supply networks.

    Industry Insights 

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions from Our Customers

    Yes. The areas of focus are designed so that regulatory requirements, quality, and compliance are an integral part of the management process.
    Through structured product category strategies, transparent processes, and clear governance, profitability and compliance can be systematically aligned.
    Initial improvements in transparency and governance can often be achieved in the short term. Structural effects on resilience, costs, and risk mitigation take effect in the medium term.
    Andreas' portrait, standing, facing forward
    “Together with our clients, we develop realistic goals and strategies for the procurement and supply chain of tomorrow and successfully implement them.”
    Management

    Andreas Pohle

    +49 (0) 163 77 89 200
    andreas.pohle@amc-group.de

    Let’s talk about the challenges you’re facing

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