Traditionally, New Year is seen as a time for change, when we set new objectives both in our personal lives and for our businesses. Many East-Asian countries have recently welcomed the Year of the Wood Snake, offering a unique lens to examine the opportunities and challenges the chemical industry faces in 2025. Drawing on the snake’s symbolism of intelligence, flexibility, and transformation, companies can find inspiration to adapt and thrive in an evolving landscape.
Whereas in Western cultures the snake often has negative connotations, symbolizing temptation and deceit – think Eve in the Garden of Eden, or Lord Voldemort’s snake in Harry Potter – in Eastern cultures, they benefit from more positive characteristics, representing power, nobility, adaptability, and intelligence.
Flexibility and adaptability
The snake’s characteristics of flexibility and adaptability are particularly useful in the face of ever-changing global chemical regulations. Regulatory frameworks such as EU REACH, US TSCA, or China’s MEE Order 12 are often updating their lists of restricted substances or supplementary regulations and measures, requiring companies to stay agile and continuously adapt their processes and product formulations.
Snakes are known for shedding their skin, symbolizing transformation and renewal, which mirrors the industry’s need to adapt to evolving regulations.
This does not mean, however, that businesses should wait for a change in circumstances before making impulsive decisions. Instead, flexibility and adaptability should be part of a clear overall strategy. The snake does not like chaos or abrupt movements, so acting with reason and patience would be in keeping with the snake's characteristics. Keeping abreast of the regulatory news and updates to global chemical inventories is highly recommended to avoid being suddenly blindsided by new deadlines or reporting requirements. And don’t forget to make sure that you prepare for any audits or inspections by reviewing documentation and conducting mock audits.
Growth and sustainability
Each zodiac year is also connected to one of five elements – fire, earth, metal, waster, and wood. While this is the year of the wood snake, it is also referred to as the year of the green snake because green is closely associated with wood in the zodiac.
The wood element signifies growth, creativity, and sustainability. These are all central concepts in today’s global chemical regulations with increasing prioritization being placed on green chemistry, sustainability, and circular economy.
Companies are finding themselves placed under increased pressure to develop innovative solutions, such as replacing hazardous substances with environmentally friendly alternatives, aligning with the wood element’s emphasis on growth and ecological balance.
Transformation
The global chemical industry’s shift toward adopting digital solutions and artificial intelligence (AI) can also be compared to the transformative nature of a snake.
To once again use the analogy of a snake shedding its skin, the industry is discarding traditional practices and embracing innovative technologies that promise to optimize production processes, improve safety, and reduce costs.
AI, for instance, allows for rapid adaptation to market changes. Digital twins, predictive analytics, and machine learning algorithms provide industry with the tools to simulate and refine chemical processes with unprecedented accuracy, mirroring the precision with which a snake strikes its target.
However, the shedding process also leaves the snake vulnerable to predators. And like the snake, the chemical industry also faces vulnerabilities as it undergoes a digital transformation. Legacy systems, workforce resistance, and cybersecurity threats all pose significant hurdles.
Many companies struggle to integrate AI with outdated infrastructure creating bottlenecks that slow innovation. Additionally, the shift demands a skilled workforce, which is likely to necessitate substantial investment in training and talent acquisition. With an aging workforce of experts and a decline in the number of people enrolling in degrees that feed into the chemical industry, investment in a skilled workforce and digital solutions will be essential going forward.
Looking ahead
By embracing the wisdom of the snake – adapting without haste, striking with precision, and shedding outdated methods – the chemical industry can turn 2025’s uncertainties into opportunities. Rather than fearing disruption, companies should see it as a chance to evolve, ensuring they remain agile, resilient, and ahead of regulatory and technological shifts.
However, even the most adaptable businesses can benefit from expert guidance. Navigating evolving regulations, sustainability goals, and digital transformation requires foresight, strategy, and a steady hand. Just as the snake moves with purpose and precision, industry leaders who work with the right partners can anticipate challenges, adapt seamlessly, and position themselves for long-term success.
The zodiac consists of 12 animals, the year of the snake will be of particular significance if you were born in 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, or 2013. It brings a year of changes – not necessarily good, but not necessarily bad – so remember to wear something red to keep yourself lucky.