Raw Materials, Real Talk: What’s Shifting in CASE & Construction Supply Chains
This blog draws on insights shared during an Industry Talks panel at the Canadian Coatings Conference, where Quadra was featured alongside leaders like KRONOS and Cloverdale Paint to chat about what’s shifting, what’s working, and what to watch for in the raw materials supply chain.
The last few years have reshaped how we think about sourcing, planning, and staying competitive. Between COVID, tariffs, and rising pressure to be more sustainable, the CASE & Construction sector has had to stay sharp. This article covers perspectives from people across the supply chain—raw material producers, distributors like us, and customers—to understand what’s changed and what it means going forward.
Q: How do today’s challenges compare to what we faced during COVID?
During COVID, everyone was dealing with the same thing. We all had one job: keep people safe and keep materials moving. It wasn’t easy, but at least the challenge was clear and shared. That’s changed. Now, the uncertainty is more about money and strategy. Tariffs, supply shifts, and changing demand are affecting people in different ways. Some feel the pressure in pricing. Others in sourcing or production planning. It’s not one big problem anymore—it’s lots of smaller ones, constantly changing across producers, customers, vendors, and distributors.
Q: How are companies balancing the pressure to grow sales with the need to protect margins?
Every company wants to grow. That’s normal. But growth has to make financial sense—especially with costs rising and margins under pressure. After COVID, a lot of companies focused on getting lean—cutting energy use, improving logistics, and tightening procurement. Now, with tariffs and trade shifts in play, producers are adjusting output to match demand more closely. They’re not just trying to grow—they’re trying to grow smarter. For distributors and customers, this often means looking for new sources or adjusting materials. In the CASE & Construction space, that can lead to reformulating with an alternative resource, without compromising on quality or cost.
Q: What role does sustainability play in all this?
It’s growing—fast. For many raw material producers, sustainability means improving operations, maximizing efficiency in the use of resources like water and energy, minimizing waste. They’re also looking at product innovation—how to make raw materials that perform well and are easier on the planet.
Sustainability is a core part of Quadra’s strategy, and we are currently in the process of “right-sizing” our approach. We sit between the people making those materials and the people using them. The center of the supply chain. That means we must understand both sides: what producers are offering, and what CASE & Construction customers actually need. We’re seeing more customers ask for things like carbon data, lower-VOC options, or materials with recycled content. Many have their own sustainability goals, and they want partners who can help them move in that direction. Our job is to help connect those dots—clearly and honestly.
Q: Are bio-based materials the answer to sustainability challenges?
Bio-based raw materials are one piece of a much bigger picture. Real sustainability means looking at everything: how products are made, how much energy they use, how they’re shipped, and how long they last. It’s not just about what something is made from—it’s about the full lifecycle. It’s equally important to consider environmental benefits such as the efficient use of resources like water and electricity, as well as the optimization of transportation and logistics.
Transforming manufacturing processes, however, requires time, investment, and long-term commitment. It means rethinking progress across all of these areas—not just in one, while making sure the changes have minimum impact on the cost. It’s not just a checked box.
Q: Is there more investment happening—or needed—in R&D for sustainable products?
If corporations are truly committed to sustainability, meaningful investment is essential. For those beginning their sustainability journey, the first step is to assess where their risks lie—whether in sourcing, manufacturing, or distribution. The next step is to identify opportunities for incremental improvements. Finally, sharing progress through a sustainability report helps communicate the journey transparently.
That said, the companies making real progress are the ones putting strategy and budget behind it. When there’s investment in efficiency, innovation, or research and development, better products follow. And when customers care about sustainability, they help drive that change by choosing those products.
The real win is when performance, price, and sustainability all align. That’s when it works—for suppliers, customers, and the environment.
Q: What matters most right now?
Stay flexible. Keep asking questions—about availability, sourcing risks, environmental impact, and pricing. Don’t assume last year’s supplier or material is still the best fit. And don’t be afraid to ask for help navigating these changes. That’s what we’re here for.
