Chemspec Europe, the cross-sector sourcing hub for fine and speciality chemicals has announced its return to Cologne on 6-7 May 2026. Organiser RX reports that, six months ahead of opening, three-quarters of exhibition space has been sold, with several industry heavyweights already confirmed. The line-up includes industry leaders like Evonik, WeylChem, CABB, Saltigo, SEQENS, Johnson Matthey, Yashashvi Rasayan, and Brenntag.
On display will be chemical solutions and innovations that span the entire value chain; from custom solutions, additives, ingredients, and APIs to contract services, regulatory support, and much more.
The New Exhibitor Zone, which successfully connected trade visitors with first-time exhibitors in 2025, will return. Providing a dedicated platform for newcomers to establish market presence. In 2026 the Second-Year Exhibitor Zone will be launched to give returning exhibitors dedicated support, improving cost-effectiveness with enhanced on-site assistance and amplified marketing coverage.
The 2025 conference programme delivered over 50 sessions. Chemspec Europe 2026 will refine its offering into two main conference streams directly responding to industry needs for both strategic guidance and technical innovation.
The Strategy Stage will focus on regulatory, geopolitical, and supply chain topics, while the Moleküle Hub is dedicated to technical innovation.
In 2025, 73% of visitors to Chemspec Europe held top-tier positions – purchasing managers, procurement directors, R&D leaders, and corporate executives actively seeking bespoke chemical solutions, manufacturing partners, and technical expertise.
The 2025 edition brought together 424 suppliers and 4,037 trade visitors from 62 nations, generating 2,000 pre-scheduled business meetings.
“Now is precisely when the industry needs to come together,” says Christiane Beck, event director for Chemspec Europe. “The challenges are real – tariffs, energy costs, supply chain complexity – which is why Chemspec Europe delivers concentrated access to decision-makers, up-to-date market intelligence, and the quality partnerships that help companies navigate change effectively. We bring together producers, R&D professionals, and policymakers – all tackling the same challenges from different vantage points. That’s where the chemistry happens, driving real progress.”
Chemspec Europe 2026 will take place on 6 – 7 May at Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany.