Univar Solutions Expands Distribution Partnership with BASF to Strengthen Presence in North American Specialty Additives Market

Univar Solutions recently announced that the company and its affiliate Univar Solutions Canada have been appointed as the exclusive distributors of certain industrial application specialty additives from BASF in the United States and Canada.

Two companies are expanding their collaboration with the aim of delivering significant benefits to customers through a comprehensive portfolio of key additives, including Capromer, 1,6-Hexanediol (HDO, both molten and flake forms), and ε-Caprolactone. According to Univar Solutions, these additives are widely used across multiple industrial and manufacturing sectors, covering plastics, coatings, adhesives, and more.

Growing Together and Innovating

The company stated that it is pleased to continue its partnership with BASF in the North American region.

Matthew Oliver, Global Vice President of High Performance Materials at Univar Solutions, pointed out that through collaboration, the two companies will continue to pave the way for mutual growth and innovation.

"Our expanded cooperation, which brings a more diversified range of products and services, will enhance supply chain security and improve our ability to meet the nuanced needs of customers on both sides," he said. "These specialty additives may become the cornerstone for our customers' product improvements and customized innovative market solutions."

According to Univar Solutions, formulators often select Capromer, HDO, and ε-caprolactone compounds as starting materials and base components for the development of high-performance coatings, plastics, textile fibers, and other industrial products.

These compounds are considered versatile chemicals that can impart durability, flexibility, and weather resistance to products. The company noted that HDO can be used in the production of industrial coatings (including low volatile organic compound (VOC) formulations), polyurethanes, and adhesives. Additionally, HDO is also found in epoxy resin system formulations, which are used in the production of wind turbine rotor blades and structural components for lightweight automotive applications.

Timothy Cavanaugh, Director of the Glycols, Acids, and Polyalcohols Business at BASF, expressed his appreciation for the expanded distribution partnership with Univar Solutions for specialty additives.

"This collaboration will enhance our ability to provide high-quality specialty additives for industries such as polymers, plastics, coatings, and adhesives," he stated. "We will work together to help customers achieve innovation, meet regulatory requirements, and maintain product performance."

According to the two companies, this distribution partnership focuses on providing customers with tools and insights to help them address technological challenges and gain a deeper understanding of the chemical products and innovative technological solutions launched to meet current customer needs.

About Univar Solutions

Univar Solutions is headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, USA, and is a global leading distributor of specialty chemicals and additives, representing a premium product portfolio from top manufacturers worldwide. Its business spans multiple industries, including aerospace, agriculture, beauty and personal care, as well as various manufacturing sectors such as coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers.

Except for business locations in the United States and Canada, Univar Solutions has branches in Brazil, Mexico, Algeria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom; in Asia, its branches are located in China and Singapore.

BASF Corporation is headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, USA, and is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany. It has approximately 16,000 employees in North America and achieved sales of $19.7 billion in 2024.