}

Why the chemical sector isn't moving forward

The chemical sector is under pressure. Working more sustainably, reducing CO₂ emissions, stricter regulations, digitalization… Everyone sees the urgency, yet real change remains limited.

Blog header chemiesector

While other industries automate and leverage data at record speed, the chemical industry remains stuck with:

  • clunky IT landscapes
  • endless decision-making processes
  • systems that no one dares to touch

The result? Innovation is postponed until tomorrow. Sustainability targets become “ambitions” instead of measurable results. And competitive advantage evaporates faster than you can respond.

Let’s just say it out loud: the chemical industry is innovating too slowly to remain relevant.

The real problem: wrong tooling slows everything down

Chemical companies want to innovate, but they get stuck with:

  • spreadsheets used as process management tools
  • manual workflows with no traceability
  • IT projects that only deliver a prototype after months
  • silos between operations, R&D and IT
  • legacy systems that no one dares to modernize

And yes, that’s painful. In an industry where safety, emissions reduction and circular production are top priorities, it’s a waste for innovation to stall because of traditional software development. The world is moving faster than your current IT can keep up with.

Low-code: from brake to accelerator

Low-code is not a nice-to-have. It’s exactly what the chemical industry is missing: speed, flexibility and immediate value.

With low-code, organizations can:

  • launch operational tools within weeks
  • connect data to processes in real time
  • automate safety and compliance
  • measure sustainability instead of just reporting on it
  • test innovation without upfront investments of millions
  • extend legacy systems intelligently instead of replacing them

Low-code takes innovation off the drawing board and brings it to the shop floor.

Why Squad Apps?

You don’t need just another vendor. You need people who understand how the chemical industry works.

We build low-code solutions tailored to:

  • complex production lines
  • strict safety protocols
  • quality control and supply chain processes
  • regulations that leave no room for error

Our squads digitalize inspections end to end, automate emissions data, optimize asset management and detect process deviations in real time. No heavy, bloated IT systems. Just compact apps that do exactly what your organization needs.

The difference? Innovation cycles measured in weeks, not quarters.

A simple question for decision-makers in the chemical industry

Can you still afford innovation to move slower than the pace at which sustainability requirements and market expectations are changing?

Other industries are building their digital advantage toward 2030. The chemical industry can do the same, as long as you stop waiting for “the right moment.”

Low-code is not a hype. It is the strategic foundation for remaining sustainable, safe and competitive.

Those who understand this now will shape the market of tomorrow.

Ready to accelerate? Get in touch with Squad Apps.

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Written by
Maarten
Bongers

Frequently Asked Questions

You might have questions. Can't find what you're looking for? Reach out to us!

What are the best low-code solutions for the chemical sector?

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In the chemical industry, we see the greatest impact from applications focused on safety, quality control, and compliance. With Mendix, we develop robust solutions that bridge the gap between IT and OT.

I’m looking for advice on implementing low-code in a chemical company. Where should I start?

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Start with a clear and concrete business case and choose a high-impact process. Use a design sprint to map out all stakeholder requirements and wishes, and validate them quickly with a working solution. Then scale up in a controlled way with Mendix as the foundation.

What are the benefits of low-code development in the chemical industry?

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Low-code provides speed without compromising safety and compliance. With an enterprise platform like Mendix, you can build flexible, future-proof applications that directly contribute to operational efficiency.

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