The new partnership names Univar Solutions as the exclusive distributor for a select range of BASF's specialty ingredients in the United States and Canada.
Univar Solutions USA LLC, a leading global solutions provider for specialty ingredients and chemicals, has announced an exclusive distribution agreement with BASF Corporation and its Canadian affiliate, Univar Solutions Canada Ltd. This expansion is designed to meet the increasing demand for high-performance formulations in the industrial manufacturing sector, particularly for applications in polyurethane, coatings, and adhesives.
The new agreement grants Univar Solutions exclusive distribution rights for key BASF ingredients: Capromer™, 1,6-Hexanediol (HDO®), and epsilon-caprolactone. These versatile compounds serve as foundational building blocks for formulators, enabling the creation of innovative products with enhanced properties such as durability, flexibility, and weather resistance. The Ingredients + Specialties division of Univar Solutions will leverage this expanded portfolio to provide customers with a secure supply chain and access to essential chemistries.
Matthew Oliver, global vice president of Performance Materials for Univar Solutions, expressed his excitement about the deepened collaboration. "We're excited to deepen our already solid partnership with BASF in North America," Oliver said. "Working together, we're continuing to pave the way for shared growth and innovation, leveraging our combined strengths to explore new possibilities, solve complex challenges, and deliver exceptional value to our customers." He highlighted that the diverse range of products and services resulting from the collaboration will enhance supply security and help meet the "nuanced needs of our mutual customers."
Similarly, Timothy Cavanaugh, business director for Diols, Acids, and Polyalcohols at BASF Corporation, praised the partnership. "We are thrilled to expand our specialty ingredients distribution partnership with Univar Solutions," Cavanaugh said. "This collaboration enhances our ability to provide high-quality specialty ingredients for industries like polymers, plastics, coatings, and adhesives. Together, we are helping customers innovate, meet regulations, and maintain product performance."
The ingredients at the heart of this agreement are crucial for a variety of high-performance applications. For example, HDO, or 1,6-Hexanediol, is a building block for producing industrial coatings, including those with lower volatile organic compound (VOC) formulations, which are increasingly important for meeting environmental regulations. It is also used in epoxy systems for manufacturing components like rotor blades for wind turbines and lightweight automotive parts. Similarly, Capromer™ and epsilon-caprolactone are used in the development of plastics, textile fibers, and various industrial products, where they are valued for their ability to impart strength, resilience, and resistance to environmental factors.
