Ahead of the 2026 TiO₂ World Summit, we spoke with Jo Douglas-Harris, Commercial Manager at Indorama Advanced Oxides (Spain). The conversation provides insight into what attendees can look forward to at the conference, which will take place on 29-30 September 2026 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
You will be speaking on your move into the TiO₂ sector with the purchase of the Huelva plant. Can you give us a sneak peek of what people will hear about?
The talk will focus on how Indorama is establishing itself as a key player in the TiO₂ market through the acquisition and restart of the Huelva site. I’ll cover key aspects of the transition, from retaining the full technical and operations teams, to successfully restarting production ahead of schedule with in-spec product from day one.
I’ll also talk about the very positive market response; customers are delighted to see the Huelva grades return and are genuinely excited about the future under Indorama ownership.
More broadly, I’ll highlight what makes Indorama different: as a family-owned business, we can take a genuinely long-term view. We’re investing in Huelva for the future, not constrained by short-term pressures, and that’s central to our strategy as we build our position in the TiO₂ market.
What is the biggest driver for your TiO₂ business?
The biggest driver for us right now is restoring customer trust. After a period of uncertainty under the previous ownership, our absolute priority is to demonstrate reliable supply, consistent quality, and clear communication.
Sustainability is also an important part of the conversation. The Huelva site has excellent credentials, including being close to zero waste, and that is increasingly valued by customers alongside the fundamentals of quality, long-term partnership, and price.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge for the TiO₂ sector in the coming five years?
Geopolitics is likely to be the biggest overarching challenge, particularly in terms of how it affects the ability of non-European producers to supply into Europe. We’re already seeing the impact on raw material availability and cost, which can shift very quickly and create uncertainty across the value chain.
Beyond that, global overcapacity remains a structural issue for the industry. In Europe specifically, the combination of cost pressures, regulatory requirements and waste management challenges may lead to further rationalisation.
What do you see as some of the most interesting developments in the market now?
Geopolitical uncertainty continues to be one of the most defining features of the market. The pace and direction of change can be difficult to predict, but what we are seeing is a growing appreciation for secure, regional supply, particularly within Europe.
Sustainability is also an important and evolving theme. For us, sustainability is a competitive differentiator, and combined with our strong European position, it puts us in a good place to navigate uncertainty and continue supporting our customers reliably.
What are you most looking forward to at the event?
I’m really looking forward to introducing Indorama to the TiO₂ community and sharing our plans and ambitions. For us, it’s about starting open conversations and building strong relationships under the Indorama name. There’s a very positive story to tell about Huelva’s future, and I’m looking forward to sharing that with customers, suppliers and industry commentators, as well as hearing perspectives from across the industry.
Don't miss Jo's talk on Wednesday 30th September at 11:30am.
