Raw material spend across the specialty chemicals industry is accounting for approx. 35% to 40% of net sales, representing their single highest cost position. Across the entire chemicals industry sustainable raw material cost reduction is even wider and often competing with other objectives such as maximum security of raw material and indirectly own sales products supply, consistent quality, high supply chain flexibility, and the right level of complexity in the value chain. This article describes the evolution concept of value-chain oriented raw material management in the chemicals industry over the last 10 years, its individual components, and how first chemical companies have mastered their transformation to achieve the highest level of composite raw materials management performance, Raw Material Excellence. Procurement is no longer perceived as “cost center” but as “value driver” and hence instrumental for sustainable profits. In other words Raw Material Excellence is nothing less than a game changer.