Podcast: Microplastics, Leadership Shifts and Industry Honors: April's Top Stories
Welcome to Distilled News for April 2026. I'm Jonathan Katz with the top stories trending on ChemicalProcessing.com.
U.S. Government Targets Microplastics
Our first story, courtesy of the Tribune News Service, looks back at an April 2 announcement by U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to address microplastics in the human body and drinking water.
As Susanne Rust of the Los Angeles Times reported, Kennedy announced a new $144 million program called STOMP — Systematic Targeting of Microplastics — focused on three questions: “what's in the body, what's causing harm and how do we remove it.”
Zeldin announced EPA will add microplastics and pharmaceuticals to its list of chemicals of concern in drinking water.
[SOUNDBITE: Zeldin clip]
The announcement drew some praise but also skepticism. Kimberly Wise White, vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs at the American Chemistry Council, said:
“We support science-driven monitoring of microplastics in drinking water and research to better understand potential impacts.”
Erik Olson of the Natural Resources Defense Council pointed out that the Trump EPA is simultaneously moving to scrap key PFAS standards and recently said it would not issue new drinking water toxin protections, raising questions about the administration's consistency.
The announcement came after Make America Healthy Again-affiliated groups sent Zeldin a letter on March 31 urging a halt on new plastics plant permits and stepped-up microplastics monitoring.
Dow Names New CEO
Turning now to a major leadership change in the industry.
Dow Chemical announced April 14 a leadership transition. COO Karen Carter will become CEO effective July 1, while current CEO Jim Fitterling moves into an executive chair role focused on board leadership and long-term strategy.
Carter brings over 30 years at Dow, most recently overseeing business and operational performance across all segments. The transition follows a multi-year succession planning process.
The announcement coincides with Dow's Transform to Outperform initiative, which ties cost reductions and operational simplification to greater use of digital tools and AI, a program that has drawn mixed reactions from industry observers.
Edison Awards — Dow, SABIC, DuPont Honored
From the boardroom to the awards stage.
At the 2026 Edison Awards on April 15-16, three major chemical companies took home multiple honors.
Dow earned six awards, including one gold. Dow was recognized for technologies ranging from polyolefin elastomers for medical films, to a machine learning platform optimizing solvent production. This marks Dow's 13th consecutive year of recognition.
SABIC received five awards, including a gold. The company received recognition for engineered resins, aerospace composites, and its membrane-based drying process, which reportedly cuts energy use by up to 70% compared to distillation.
DuPont took home two awards: a silver for a high-pressure wastewater membrane and a bronze for chemical-resistant protective garments.
eChemExpo Recap — Contractor Safety
And finally, a look back at an event close to home for Chemical Processing.
This month marked the time Chemical Processing and its parent company EndeavorB2B has hosted the eChem Expo. The event, which took place in Kingsport, Tennessee, April 8-9, brought together over 1,000 professionals and 120 exhibitors to address challenges in processing and manufacturing.
One session featured Jamil Fazilov, global EHS director for Tormod, a Hargrove company specializing in engineering and industrial services. Fazilov focused on contractor and subcontractor liability on chemical plant worksites.
Fazilov discussed how under OSHA's multi-employer worksite rules, all parties present can receive fines. OSHA categorizes responsibility by four roles: the creating employer who caused the hazard; the exposing employer whose workers face it; the controlling employer with supervisory authority; and the correcting employer responsible for resolving the issue.
That wraps up this month's top stories from ChemicalProcessing.com. Stay informed on the stories that matter most to the chemical processing industry. I'm Jonathan Katz, and this has been Distilled News.
About the Author
Jonathan Katz
Executive Editor
Jonathan Katz, executive editor, brings nearly two decades of experience as a B2B journalist to Chemical Processing magazine. He has expertise on a wide range of industrial topics. Jon previously served as the managing editor for IndustryWeek magazine and, most recently, as a freelance writer specializing in content marketing for the manufacturing sector.
His knowledge areas include industrial safety, environmental compliance/sustainability, lean manufacturing/continuous improvement, Industry 4.0/automation and many other topics of interest to the Chemical Processing audience.
When he’s not working, Jon enjoys fishing, hiking and music, including a small but growing vinyl collection.
Jon resides in the Cleveland, Ohio, area.