From Plastic Waste to Elastic Asset
2nd October 2025 New scientific breakthroughs are revealing how waste can be re-engineered into high-value resources — reshaping both supply chains and the wider sustainability landscape. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have demonstrated how waste plastic can be transformed into something as commonplace as paracetamol, using genetically engineered microbes. At the centre of this process is E. coli: once known primarily as a gut bacterium, now reimagined as a versatile industrial platform capable of producing insulin, flavours, fuels, and a growing list of essential commodities. For us at Gapuma, this breakthrough represents far more than a laboratory milestone. It signals the direction of travel for global supply chains. If waste can be converted into feedstock, then the long-standing challenge of environmental disposal becomes an opportunity — turning waste into a resource rather than a burden. This shift has profound implications for commodity markets. It is not about replacing raw materials overnight, but about preparing for a future in which sustainability, efficiency, and resilience are fundamentally interconnected. This is ESG in action: innovation that lightens the environmental footprint while strengthening the availability of products the world depends on.
Green Light for Nuclear and Gas
A Turning Point for Commodities? 10 September 2025 The EU General Court’s recent decision to uphold the European Commission’s classification of nuclear power and natural gas as sustainable investments marks a pivotal moment for the energy and commodities landscape. By confirming that these sources can, under specific conditions, contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation, the ruling provides legal and financial certainty at a time when Europe’s transition strategy has been closely scrutinised. For companies involved in gas extraction, nuclear fuel supply, or related infrastructure, the implications are significant. Access to sustainable finance instruments—including green bonds, ESG-linked loans, and transition funding—is likely to expand. This may lower the cost of capital and unlock investment opportunities that were previously uncertain due to legal ambiguities. The ruling also supports transitional investments that bridge the gap between fossil dependency and a renewables-led future. However, the decision is not a blanket approval. Eligibility is conditional, with strict requirements covering emissions thresholds, safety obligations, and long-term waste management. Operators must demonstrate compliance, transparency, and a genuine commitment to environmental standards. National politics will also play a role: while some EU states support gas and nuclear as transitional tools, others remain opposed. Companies must navigate these divergent regulatory and reputational landscapes. For the commodities sector, the ruling signals both opportunity and responsibility. Capital for nuclear and gas projects is now more accessible—but only for those able to align with rigorous standards and communicate progress credibly. Those who cannot may face intensified scrutiny as Europe’s energy transition continues to evolve.
Investing in Future Leaders: An Intern’s Journey at Gapuma
2nd July 2025 At Gapuma, we believe that investing in young talent is not only part of our long-term vision, but also a core pillar of our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitment. Over the years, we’ve been proud to host a growing number of bright, driven interns who gain hands-on experience across our global operations. One such intern is Phume Mazibuko, currently completing a seven-week internship at our London head office. With four weeks behind her, Phume has already made an impact and gained invaluable insight into international trade, procurement, and logistics. Here’s Phume’s account in her own words: “With four weeks completed and only three more weeks to go, I have already gained an extensive amount of knowledge while being at Gapuma. I have worked with both the Procurement and Logistics departments, splitting my time equally between the two. In procurement, I was responsible for carrying through enquiries. I was tasked with researching chemical suppliers and contacting the requisite suppliers based on client specifications. This task improved my communication and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, the procurement team ensured that I gained technical knowledge of the forward freight industry by learning Incoterms, organising Certificates of Analysis and more. Another key task was conducting a regional freight market check. This was significant for my understanding of market patterns and would provide both the Procurement and Logistics teams with up-to-date information, vital for drafting client quotes and planning agreements between clients and suppliers. While working with Logistics, I was required to update a Know Your Client Excel sheet and ensure that the relevant information is correctly and thoroughly logged for future reference when the team needs to carry through a shipment. This improved my attention to detail, my risk assessment skills, and my deeper understanding of company and industry standards. Through all of this, the team environments at Gapuma remained supportive and collaborative, and thus, I have been able to learn a great deal from my supervisors and colleagues when given regular and in-depth feedback on tasks. This experience has affirmed my interest in the transportation of bulk liquids but has especially opened me up to a world of freight forwarding and given me the confidence to pursue a role in this field. Although my experience is not yet over, I am grateful to have worked with such a dedicated and positive team, so I would highly recommend this internship to others interested in international trade.” We’re proud to play a small part in the journeys of emerging professionals like Phume — and we look forward to welcoming many more.
Gapuma Strengthens Industry Ties at ChemExpo 2025
08th May 2025 Gapuma was proud to participate in ChemExpo 2025, South Asia’s premier international exhibition for the chemical industry, held in Mumbai last week. The event brought together over 500 exhibitors and thousands of delegates from across the globe, offering a vital platform for knowledge exchange, commercial collaboration, and industry insight. Representing Gapuma at the event, our Channel and Product Manager, Sunil Bahl, engaged with a broad range of suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers operating across key sectors — including pharmaceuticals, personal care, polymers, textiles, industrial coatings, and more. Among the many constructive conversations was a detailed exchange with senior representatives of Sarex Overseas, a respected name in the speciality chemicals space with a strong international reputation built over more than sixty years. Their focus on diversified application areas closely reflects Gapuma’s own commitment to providing integrated solutions to clients across complex global markets. Participation in ChemExpo 2025 reaffirmed the value of physical industry gatherings in building trust, uncovering innovation, and fostering long-term relationships. As demand continues to rise for reliable, ethical, and sustainable chemical sourcing, Gapuma remains at the forefront of efforts to connect world-class producers with end users across emerging and established economies. We extend our thanks to the organisers of ChemExpo for curating such a vibrant and forward-looking event. We look forward to building on the many conversations started in Mumbai and to continuing our mission of delivering value through global trade, sectoral expertise, and partnership-led growth.
UK–India Trade Deal Opens New Horizons
07th May 2025 On Tuesday, the United Kingdom and India finalised a landmark free trade agreement aimed at increasing bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually by 2040. The deal significantly reduces tariffs on a wide range of goods, including British exports such as cosmetics, medical devices, and aircraft components, while 99% of Indian exports — including textiles, foodstuffs, and jewellery — will face no import duty in the UK. For British commodities trading companies like Gapuma, which operates across sectors including, coatings, cosmetics, extractive industries, food and drink, manufacturing, and packaging, the agreement presents substantial opportunities. The reduction in tariffs on British goods exported to India, particularly in cosmetics and medical-grade products, aligns with Gapuma’s supply capabilities and could enhance its competitiveness in the Indian market. Furthermore, the removal of duties on the majority of Indian exports to the UK may benefit Gapuma’s sourcing strategies, particularly in textiles and food-related sectors, by reducing costs and broadening product availability. The deal’s provisions for goods and services trade, along with modest improvements to business mobility — including simplified visa access for Indian professionals — may further facilitate smoother operations and cross-border collaborations. As the global trading environment continues to evolve, Gapuma’s diversified portfolio and well-established international presence leave it well placed to take advantage of the new opportunities emerging from this UK–India agreement — a strategic move that could shape the future of commodities trading between two of the world’s largest economies.