Midway through 2025, the chemical industry is grappling with intensifying turbulence. Rising energy costs, regulatory pressure, and shifting global supply chains are reshaping how chemical businesses operate. For recruiters, these structural headwinds translate into a highly complex hiring environment. To attract and retain the right talent, companies must understand the unique challenges shaping chemical recruitment this year.
Europe’s chemical sector is under pressure. Energy costs remain over three times higher than in the U.S., and demand for chemical products has stagnated. European capacity utilization fell to 74% in Q1 2025, well below historical norms (Cefic, 2025). For recruiters, this means businesses are cautious with hiring, focusing only on high-impact roles.
Overcapacity, falling margins, and regulatory burdens are prompting cost optimization and site closures. Dow recently announced the closure of three European plants and a cut of 800 jobs (Reuters, 2025). Recruitment strategies must adapt to a market where stability and long-term role security are harder to guarantee.
At the same time, companies are investing heavily in sustainability and AI-driven innovation. From decarbonization projects to safe-and-sustainable-by-design (SSbD) materials, talent with sustainability expertise and digital skills is in especially high demand (Deloitte, 2025).
An aging workforce and declining STEM graduate numbers mean fewer professionals are entering chemistry-related roles. Recruiters face a shrinking talent pool, forcing companies to compete aggressively on wages, benefits, and career opportunities (INAC Global, 2025).
Compliance with REACH, PFAS restrictions, and COMAH rules demands professionals with niche expertise. Meanwhile, regulators themselves face hiring crises—England’s Environment Agency failed to fill one-third of key oversight roles in 2025 due to low salaries (The Guardian, 2025). This underscores how scarce regulatory expertise has become.
Build specialised talent pools for sustainability, digital, and regulatory roles.
Strengthen employer branding to position the chemical industry as innovative and future-focused.
Advocate for competitive pay and career development to secure scarce talent.
Partner on upskilling initiatives, especially in digital and green chemistry.
✅ Key Takeaway: In 2025, chemical recruitment is less about filling seats and more about building resilience. Recruiters who can connect companies with professionals at the intersection of science, sustainability, and digital transformation will become invaluable. ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
At Witan Search, we specialise in connecting chemical businesses with the niche talent they need to thrive in challenging times. If you’d like to discuss how these trends may affect your hiring strategy, get in touch with our team.