Top Suppliers and Manufacturers of Industrial Chemicals in Europe 🇪🇺

BASF is a global leader in the chemical industry and the world's largest chemical producer. Founded in 1865, the company has its headquarters in Ludwigshafen, Germany. With a strong commitment to creating chemistry for a sustainable future, BASF aligns its economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility.

BASF operates in a variety of sectors including Agriculture, Automotive, Construction, Consumer Goods, and Pharmaceuticals. Its extensive product portfolio includes chemicals, plastics, performance chemicals, catalysts, coatings, and crop technology. The company is known for its innovations, such as the ChemCycling project, which transforms plastic waste into new chemical products, highlighting its dedication to sustainability.

The company operates in more than 80 countries and serves customers in over 190 countries, making it a truly global player in the industrial chemicals market. It maintains six integrated production sites and 390 additional production facilities worldwide, ensuring a broad and efficient distribution network.

Historically, BASF has been a pioneer in the chemical industry. One of its notable innovations is the development of the Haber-Bosch process for ammonia production, which revolutionized agriculture and industry alike. Although BASF was part of the IG Farben conglomerate during World War II, it was refounded post-war and has continually expanded its global presence since then.

BASF's focus on research and development ensures that it meets the evolving needs of its customers while maintaining high environmental and social governance standards. This makes BASF a reliable and innovative partner for industries seeking sustainable and high-quality chemical solutions.

Covestro stands out as a top-tier global supplier of high-performance polymer materials, contributing significantly to the industrial chemicals sector. Specializing in polycarbonate, polyurethane, and coatings, Covestro is renowned for its innovative solutions that enhance quality of life and sustainability across various industries. The company provides a versatile range of products, including polycarbonate sheets for lighting and safety applications, as well as polyurethane solutions utilized in essential areas like automotive, electronics, construction, and furniture.

Since its inception, Covestro has established a strong presence in key export markets such as Europe, Asia, and North America, catering to a diverse and global clientele. The company's commitment to sustainability and technological advancement is evident in its production processes, which aim to reduce environmental impact while meeting the growing demands of its customers.

Headquartered in Leverkusen, Germany, Covestro maintains a strategic position within Europe’s industrial landscape. Initially part of Bayer AG and operating under Bayer MaterialScience, Covestro became an independent entity in 2015. This transition allowed the company to leverage over a century of expertise in polymer science, dating back to its origins in 1863.

Financially, Covestro reported a notable revenue of $17.7 billion in 2023, reflecting its substantial impact on the chemical manufacturing industry. The company employs approximately 17,520 people, underscoring its role as a significant player in the market. Covestro's robust network includes 48 production sites worldwide, enabling it to serve its customers effectively while maintaining a commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Evonik Industries is a global leader in the specialty chemicals sector with a steadfast commitment to innovation and sustainability. Known for delivering high-quality products across various industries, the company specializes in fields such as additive manufacturing, automotive, health care, consumer goods, and agriculture. Their extensive product portfolio includes adhesives, performance materials, and nutritional products, addressing diverse industrial needs.

Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Germany, Evonik emerged from a restructuring of the RAG AG group. The company has become the second-largest chemicals company in Germany and one of the largest specialty chemicals firms globally. It operates in more than 100 countries, employing around 34,000 people and generating significant revenue, which was approximately €19.4 billion in 2023.

Evonik's global footprint includes over 30 major production sites across North America, emphasizing its strong presence in export markets. The company's North American operations employ around 5,000 people and focus significantly on sectors such as the life sciences and semiconductor industries. Notably, Evonik's Mobile, Alabama site is the largest chemical manufacturing plant for the company in North America.

Evonik's dedication to sustainability and innovation is evident through its focus on renewable materials and environmentally friendly processes. Products like TEGO® Therm fire-resistant coatings for electric vehicle battery housings and specialty additives such as AEROSIL® fumed silica highlight the company's advanced technological solutions. Evonik also invests heavily in research and development to continually offer cutting-edge products in the specialty chemicals market.

Committed to corporate responsibility, Evonik actively supports STEM education and contributes to local communities. In 2022, the company donated $80,000 to St. John United Way in Louisiana, underscoring its role as a socially responsible organization.

Bayer AG is a prominent player in the life sciences sector, focusing on pharmaceuticals, consumer health, and crop science. Headquartered in Leverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Bayer was founded in 1863 by Friedrich Bayer and has since grown into a global powerhouse known for its innovative solutions.

Some of Bayer's top products include:

• Aspirin - a widely used pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medication.
• Xarelto - an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots.
• Roundup - a popular herbicide used in agriculture.
• Eylea - a treatment for eye diseases associated with diabetes.

In addition to these, Bayer offers a range of advanced seed and crop protection products under brands like DEKALB, Asgrow, and Deltapine. These products cater to modern agricultural needs, offering exclusive genetics and innovative traits for various crops such as corn, soybeans, cotton, and wheat.

Bayer operates in numerous export markets, including Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific, showcasing its global reach and adaptability. The company's commitment to research and development drives its extensive product pipeline and positions it as a leader in addressing global challenges in healthcare and agriculture.

Throughout its history, Bayer has undergone significant transformations, including the acquisition of Monsanto, which expanded its agricultural sector capabilities. In 2023, Bayer reported a revenue of approximately €43 billion and employs around 92,499 individuals globally. With a vision of 'Science for a Better Life', Bayer continues to leverage its expertise in multiple scientific fields to enhance the health and well-being of people and the planet.

Lanxess is a leading global specialty chemicals company headquartered in Cologne, Germany. Founded in 2004 through the spin-off of Bayer AG's chemicals division and segments of the polymers business, Lanxess has rapidly established itself as a key player in the specialty chemicals sector. The company’s focus on sustainability and innovation has positioned it at the forefront of the industry, with a strong emphasis on providing high-quality, sustainable solutions.

Lanxess offers an extensive range of products that include well-known brands such as Additin, Bayferrox, and Lewatit. These products cater to various industries, including tire and rubber, water treatment, e-mobility, paint and coatings, and microbial control. Additionally, the company has significant expertise in high-performance lubricants, biocides, and antimicrobial solutions, making Lanxess a versatile supplier capable of meeting diverse market needs.

The company operates globally, with a strong presence in Europe, North America, Asia, and South America. Lanxess exports its products to numerous markets worldwide, reflecting its robust international reach. The company’s strategic acquisitions, such as Chemtura, have further diversified its product portfolio, particularly in additives for lubricants and fire retardants. Lanxess also focuses on beverage preservation and consumer safety, providing solutions to enhance the safety, freshness, and shelf life of consumables without compromising their natural taste.

With approximately 14,000 employees, Lanxess continues to innovate and expand its capabilities. The company reported a revenue of $8.39 billion for the fiscal year ending in 2022. Lanxess is listed in the MDAX and Dow Jones Sustainability Index, underscoring its commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility. Its dedication to reducing environmental impact and fostering innovation is evident in its continuous development of new solutions tailored to address the challenges faced by its customers in different industries.

Air Liquide is a global leader in gases, technologies, and services for the industrial and healthcare sectors. Founded in 1902 and headquartered in Paris, France, the company has a rich history of over a century, marked by continuous innovation and expansion. Air Liquide specializes in the production and supply of essential industrial gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, argon, and hydrogen, which are crucial for a myriad of applications ranging from metalworking and glass manufacturing to the healthcare industry.

Air Liquide operates in over 80 countries, ensuring its services reach various export markets including North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. The company serves more than 4 million customers and patients worldwide, showcasing its extensive market reach and commitment to meeting diverse customer needs.

The company's product portfolio includes atmospheric gases, specialty gases, and advanced technological solutions designed to enhance productivity and efficiency. Among the top products are oxygen and nitrogen, which are vital for life and energy processes, and hydrogen, which plays a significant role in the company's initiatives towards sustainable energy solutions.

Known for its strong focus on innovation, Air Liquide invests heavily in research and development to introduce new and improved solutions. The company's strategic plan, ADVANCE, aims to integrate financial and extra-financial objectives to drive its future growth. Key to this plan is Air Liquide's commitment to the energy transition, particularly through its developments in hydrogen technologies.

With a reported revenue of approximately €27.5 billion in 2023 and a workforce of around 67,800 employees, Air Liquide stands as a dominant force in the industrial gases market. The company's ongoing investments in renewable energy and sustainable practices underscore its dedication to reducing environmental impacts and supporting clients in their transition towards cleaner alternatives.

Umicore is a global materials technology and recycling group headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. Established in 1805, Umicore has a long-standing history rooted in metallurgy and has evolved into a leader in the development of advanced materials and recycling solutions. The company's expertise spans multiple sectors including catalysis, energy & surface technologies, and recycling, making it a major player in high-tech and sustainable solutions.

Umicore’s top products comprise catalysts used to reduce vehicle emissions, battery materials that are essential for electric vehicles, and extensive recycling services specializing in precious and rare metals. The company plays a crucial role in the circular economy, ensuring the continuous repurposing of materials.

Operating in key export markets across Europe, Asia, and North America, Umicore has solidified its presence in the global market. The company's commitment to innovation and sustainability has enabled it to address environmental challenges effectively while fostering the transition to carbon-free mobility.

The company’s history reveals significant transformation, starting as a mining entity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo focusing on copper, cobalt, and tin under the former name Union Minière. Umicore has since shifted its focus towards advanced technologies and clean solutions to meet current market demands.

With a robust workforce of approximately 11,948 employees globally, Umicore continues to push the boundaries of materials technology. The company reported a remarkable revenue of approximately €19.7 billion in 2024, underscoring its significance in the industry.

Yara is a global leader in the production and sale of nitrogen-based fertilizers, playing a pivotal role in supporting sustainable agriculture. Founded in 1905 in Norway, Yara has grown to become one of the foremost suppliers in the fertilizer industry, with a focus on enhancing crop growth and increasing agricultural productivity.

Specializing in a wide range of fertilizer products, Yara offers the YaraTera line, designed to maximize nutrient availability to crops. Other essential products include nitrogen-based fertilizers like ammonium nitrate and urea, which are crucial for effective fertilization. Additionally, Yara provides soil amendments and crop protection agents to further support agricultural practices.

Yara's extensive export markets span regions such as North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. With operations in over 60 countries, the company is well-positioned to meet the diverse needs of farmers worldwide. Their commitment to sustainability is evident through their initiatives like the Agoro Carbon Alliance and Yara Clean Ammonia, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and supporting regenerative agriculture.

Yara's investment in digital farming tools and agronomy knowledge underscores their dedication to improving farming practices globally. By combining advanced technology with in-depth agricultural expertise, Yara helps farmers optimize their yields while minimizing environmental impact. This focus on innovation and sustainability solidifies Yara's status as a crucial player in the industrial chemicals sector, particularly in nitrogen-based fertilizers.

INEOS is a prominent global manufacturer specializing in petrochemicals, specialty chemicals, and oil products. With a comprehensive portfolio that includes polyethylene, polypropylene, and benzene, INEOS caters to a broad spectrum of industries worldwide, from packaging and automotive to construction and healthcare.

The company operates an extensive network of manufacturing facilities across Europe, North America, and Asia, enabling it to meet global demand efficiently. These facilities play a crucial role in ensuring that INEOS' high-quality products are accessible to customers in various export markets.

INEOS is committed to innovation and sustainability, demonstrating a continuous effort to improve its processes and minimize environmental impact. Founded in 1998 by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the company has grown rapidly, driven by strategic acquisitions and investments in technology and operational excellence.

Among its recent ventures, INEOS has identified a market need for robust, utilitarian 4X4 vehicles, leading to the creation of the INEOS Grenadier. This vehicle is designed to meet modern-day compliance and reliability standards while tackling rugged conditions, thus representing a new category in the 4X4 segment.

INEOS boasts a significant global presence and employs approximately 26,000 people. Their management philosophy embraces autonomy, with around 20 independent business units operating under the broader company structure. This approach has spurred innovation and operational efficiency across the board.

In 2022, INEOS reported a revenue of approximately $60 billion, underlining its status as one of the largest chemical companies in the world. The company's headquarters are located in London, UK, and it continues to expand its influence through strategic market engagement and sustainable practices.