BASF and OQEMA partner to distribute polymer dispersions and additives across Central and Eastern Europe, enhancing sustainable coatings solutions.
BASF and OQEMA, one of Europe’s foremost chemical distribution companies, have announced a new strategic distribution agreement that will strengthen the supply of Polymer dispersions and additives for the paints, coatings, construction, and architectural coatings sectors across selected Central and Eastern European markets. Under this partnership, OQEMA will distribute BASF’s polymer dispersions for construction and architectural coatings, along with additives for paints and coatings, in a wide range of countries including Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and Slovenia. The agreement is scheduled to take effect from 1 January 2026.
The Collaboration is designed to enhance customer access to high-quality, sustainable, and application-focused solutions across the region. By combining BASF’s advanced materials portfolio with OQEMA’s strong regional footprint, both companies aim to better address the evolving technical, regulatory, and sustainability requirements of customers operating in diverse local markets. The partnership reflects a shared ambition to deliver consistent product quality, reliable supply chains, and tailored technical support to customers in Central and Eastern Europe.
OQEMA’s leadership emphasized that the agreement represents a strong strategic fit for both organizations. Philipp Junge, Chief Operating Officer of the OQEMA Group, stated that BASF’s decision to select OQEMA as its distribution partner in these markets underscores the distributor’s capabilities and market presence. He highlighted that BASF’s portfolio aligns exceptionally well with OQEMA’s existing product range and infrastructure, allowing the company to further expand its value proposition. According to Junge, the combination of BASF’s high-performance materials and OQEMA’s local expertise will enable customers to benefit from advanced solutions, reliable service, and hands-on technical know-how delivered close to their operations.
From BASF’s perspective, the partnership is seen as an important step in reinforcing its market approach in Central and Eastern Europe. Robert Heger, Vice President for Polymer Dispersions for Architectural Coatings & Construction EMEA at BASF, noted that working with OQEMA will strengthen BASF’s ability to respond to changing customer demands and support long-term growth in the region. He emphasized that OQEMA’s values closely match BASF’s own commitment to quality, dependability, and sustainability, making the distributor a natural partner to jointly unlock market potential and grow alongside customers.
In addition to commercial reach, the collaboration brings logistical and technical advantages. Joachim Burger, Head of Sales Additives EMEA at BASF, pointed out that OQEMA operates an extensive sales organization supported by well-developed storage and logistics facilities. This infrastructure is expected to ensure fast, flexible, and reliable deliveries throughout Central and Eastern Europe. Customers will also gain access to in-depth technical guidance, including support from application laboratories capable of developing customized formulations and conducting relevant testing methods to meet specific performance requirements.
BASF’s paints and coatings portfolio is widely recognized for its breadth and innovation. It includes high-quality dispersions and additives designed for a wide variety of applications, from architectural coatings to demanding construction uses. Supported by a strong technology base and a range of established brands, BASF’s raw materials enable manufacturers to create performance-driven products while complying with increasingly strict environmental and sustainability regulations. Through this partnership with OQEMA, BASF aims to ensure that these advanced solutions are readily available and effectively supported across Central and Eastern Europe, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner to the Coatings and construction industries in the region.
