Chemicals

The chemical industry consists of the companies that produce industrial chemicals. This industry utilizes chemical processes such as chemical reactions and refining methods to convert raw materials- such as oil, natural gas, air, water, metals, and minerals—into more than 70,000 different products. These products include petrochemicals, agrochemicals, ceramics, polymers and rubber (elastomers), oleo chemicals (oils, fats, and waxes), explosives, fragrances, and flavors. The chemical industry is, thus, central to the modern world economy.

Although the pharmaceutical industry is often considered a chemical industry, it has many different characteristics that puts it in a separate category. Other closely related industries include petroleum, glass, paint, ink, sealant, adhesive, and processing manufacturers.