Botany's industrial development has been significant, with the suburb transitioning from agricultural land to an area with fellmongers yards and slaughter works. Today, Botany is a hub for commercial development, particularly centered around shipping and freight due to its proximity to Port Botany, Sydney's major port. The suburb is also home to a large chemical production facility owned by companies such as Huntsman and Orica (formerly ICI). Established in the 1940s, this plant has a history of manufacturing various industrial chemicals and has resulted in a significant groundwater pollution plume in the area.