Fine chemicals are highly purified specialty chemical products used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, personal care, and electronics. They are typically produced in small volumes and are known for their high purity, versatility, and complex manufacturing processes. Fine chemicals are used as raw materials, intermediates, or finished products in various applications, such as drug development, cosmetics formulation, and electronics manufacturing.
From pharmaceuticals to agriculture, fine chemicals are essential ingredients in various industries. Finding the right supplier is key to obtaining the highest-quality chemicals to meet the specific needs of a business. To help make choosing a reliable fine chemical supplier easier, we’ve put together a list of the world’s top 10 fine chemical manufacturer. Our research has revealed some of the industry’s biggest and most respected names, ensuring you get the best in quality, reliability, and value. Below are the top 10 fine chemical manufacturers:
- BASF
- Dow Chemical
- Evonik Industries
- Solvay S.A
- Akzo Nobel
- DuPont
- Clariant Chemical
- Lanxess AG
- Eastman Chemical
- Covestro
1. BASF
Type of business: Fine chemical manufacturer, Fine chemical supplier
Location: 100 Park Avenue Florham Park, NJ 07932, USA
Year founded: 1865
The number of employees: 118000
Main product: fine chemicals, plastic, Styrenics, Polyurethanes, Foams, Performance Products, Functional Solutions
BASF SE is a German chemical company and the largest chemical producer in the world. With headquarters located in Ludwigshafen, Germany, BASF has subsidiaries and joint ventures in more than 80 countries worldwide. It operates six integrated production sites and 390 other production sites in Europe, Asia, Australia, the Americas, and Africa, serving customers in more than 190 countries.
BASF has been a major player in the chemical industry for many years, providing products and services to various industries. Despite its size and global presence, the company has received relatively little public attention since it abandoned the manufacture and sale of BASF-branded consumer electronics products in the 1990s.
At the end of 2019, BASF employed 117,628 people, with over 54,000 based in Germany. Sales of the company amounted to €59.3 billion, and income from operations before special items was around €4.5 billion. The company has invested heavily in Asia, specifically in sites near Nanjing and Shanghai in China and Mangalore in India, between 1990 and 2005.
BASF is a truly global chemical company committed to providing sustainable and innovative products and services to customers worldwide. With its extensive reach, strong financials, and commitment to sustainability, BASF will remain a chemical industry leader for many years.
Main product:
- fine chemicals,
- plastic, Styrenics,
- Polyurethanes,
- Foams,
- Performance products,
- Functional Solutions
- Biotechnology
- Oil and gas
2. Dow Chemical
Type of business: Chemical manufacturer, Fine chemical supplier
Location: Midland, Michigan, U.S
Year founded: 1897
The number of employees: 54000
Main products: Chemicals, plastics, performance chemicals, catalysts, coatings, Hydrocarbon exploration
The Dow Chemical Company, officially Dow Inc., is an American multinational corporation headquartered in Midland, Michigan, United States. As one of the world’s largest chemical producers, Dow manufactures plastics, chemicals, and agricultural products and has a presence in about 160 countries. With such a diverse array of products, it’s no wonder that Dow has come to embody the “chemical companies’ chemical company,” as their sales are directed primarily to other industries rather than directly to end-use consumers.
Dow has been a leader in the American Chemistry Council since its inception, and in 2015, the company merged with fellow chemical giant DuPont to form DowDuPont. This corporate reorganization was met with excitement and trepidation, as the merger was necessary to remain competitive in an ever-changing market.
The reorganization plan commenced in 2017. After two years of hard work, the materials science division was spun off from DowDuPont and took the name of the Dow Chemical Company in April 2019. This move was seen as an important step in redefining Dow’s identity as it moves forward into the 21st century.
Main product:
- Chemicals
- Plastics
- Performance Chemicals
- Catalysts, coatings
- Hydrocarbon exploration
- Beauty and Personal Care
3. Evonik Industries
Type of business: Evonik chemical industry, Fine chemical company
Location: AG Rellinghauser Straße 1—11 45128 Essen Germany
Year founded: 2007
The number of employees: 37000
Main product: fine chemicals, Health Care, Nutrition, Resource Efficiency, Performance Material, and Specialty Materials
Evonik Industries AG is a stock-listed German specialty chemicals company headquartered in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Established in 2007 due to the restructuring of the mining and technology group RAG, Evonik is the second-largest chemicals company in Germany and one of the world’s largest specialty chemicals companies. The RAG Foundation predominantly owns it.
Evonik Industries is a comprehensive global chemical company with a strong focus on specialty chemicals. It operates across five business areas: Health Care, Nutrition, Resource Efficiency, Performance Material, and Specialty Materials. Its specialty chemicals business generates around 80% of sales in areas in which it holds leading market positions.
Evonik Industries has a long history of investing in research and development and is committed to innovation. It has invested more than €2 billion in research and development since 2007. It is an active member of the European Commission’s Innovative Medicines Initiative and the European Technology Platform for Industrial Biotechnology.
Evonik Industries employs about 37,000 people and operates in more than 100 countries. It is a leader in the global specialty chemicals market and is well-positioned to continue to drive innovation and growth over the years.
Main product:
- Fine chemicals
- Health Care
- Nutrition
- Resource Efficiency
- Performance Material
- Specialty Materials
4. Solvay S.A
Type of business: Chemical manufacturer, Fine chemical company
Location: 310 rue de Ransbeek at 1120 Brussels
Year founded: 1863
The number of employees: 24500
Main product: agriculture, automotive, aerospace, building, construction, consumer goods, healthcare, electrical, electronics resources
Solvay is an iconic example of a successful, globally-recognized chemical company based out of Belgium. Founded in 1863, it has grown to become one of the world’s leading chemical companies, with a presence in 53 countries and 145 sites worldwide.
The company’s headquarters are located in Neder-Over-Heembeek, Brussels, Belgium. Solvay has seen tremendous growth over the years, with their revenues in 2015 reaching €12.4 billion, EBITDA at €2.336 billion, and sales in emerging high-growth countries accounting for 43% of their total sales. On top of this, 90% of their sales are in markets where they are ranked among the top three manufacturers.
Solvay is truly a global leader in the chemical industry, and its commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability is sure to take them far into the future. With their impressive achievements and dedication to quality and safety, Solvay will remain a leader in their industry for many years.
Main product:
- fine chemicals
- agriculture
- automotive
- aerospace
- consumer goods
- healthcare
- electrical
- electronics resources
5. Akzo Nobel
Type of business: Chemical supplier, Fine chemical company
Location: Akzo Nobel N.V. AkzoNobel Center Christian Neefestraat 21077 WW Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Year founded: 1994
The number of employees: 32000
Main product: fine Chemicals, Decorative paints, Industrial finishing products, Coatings
Akzo Nobel N.V., stylized as AkzoNobel, is a Dutch multinational company with a long history of mergers and divestments. Founded in the 17th century, it is now one of the world’s leading suppliers of coatings, adhesives, and specialty chemicals, with a presence in more than 80 countries.
The company has come a long way since its inception. The milestones in its journey include the formation of AKZO in 1969, the merger with Nobel Industries in 1994, and the divestment of its pharmaceutical business, followed by the merger with ICI in 2007/2008.
In 2007/2008, Akzo Nobel divested its pharmaceutical business and merged with ICI, a UK-based specialty chemicals company. This merger created a leading player in the global paints and coatings market with a strong presence in Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and Latin America.
Main product:
- Fine chemicals
- Decorative paints
- Industrial finishing products
- Coatings
6. Dupont
Type of business: Chemical manufacturer, Fine chemical company
Location: 2520 Barrington Court Hayward, California 94545, USA
Year founded: 1802
The number of employees: 28000
Main product: fine chemicals, Construction Materials, Fabrics, Fibers & Nonwovens, Personal Protective Equipment, Solar / Photovoltaic Materials
DuPont de Nemours, Inc. is an American multinational chemical company that has been in business since 1802. Founded by French-American chemist and industrialist Éleuthère Irénée du Pont de Nemours, the company is best known for its pioneering research and development of high-performance materials, chemicals, and products.
The company is best known for developing a wide range of synthetic polymers, including Vespel, neoprene, nylon, Corian, Teflon, Mylar, Kapton, Kevlar, Zemdrain, M5 fiber, Nomex, Tyvek, Sorona, Corfam, and Lycra. These materials are used in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, apparel, electronics, and medical.
DuPont is also well-known for its research and development of synthetic pigments and paints, including ChromaFlair. These products are used in various automotive, commercial, and home applications.
Additionally, DuPont has been an industry leader in developing chemicals, most notably Freon (chlorofluorocarbons), used in the refrigerant industry. The company is continuing to invest in research and development to improve existing products and develop new materials and chemicals to meet future needs.
Main product:
- Fine chemicals
- Construction Materials
- Fabrics, Fibers & Nonwovens
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Solar / Photovoltaic Materials
7. Clariant chemicals
Type of business: Chemical manufacturer, Fine chemical supplier
Location: Rothausstrasse 61 Muttenz, BASEL-LAND, 4132 Switzerland
Year founded: 1995
The number of employees: 13374
Main product: fine chemicals, Speciality chemicals, care chemicals (consumer and industrial); catalysis; natural resources (oil & mining, minerals); and plastics & coatings
Clariant AG is a Swiss multinational specialty chemicals company with a long history and a global presence. Founded in 1995 as a spin-off from Sandoz, Clariant is one of the world’s leading companies in the specialty chemicals industry.
Clariant focuses on providing customers with innovative and sustainable products and services tailored to meet their needs. The company is organized into four business areas: care chemicals (consumer and industrial); catalysis; natural resources (oil & mining, minerals); and plastics & coatings.
Clariant is committed to providing customers with high-performance specialty chemicals that are safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly. As a leading global provider of specialty chemicals, Clariant is committed to innovation and research to develop products that meet today’s and tomorrow’s needs.
Main product:
- Specialty chemicals
- Care chemicals (consumer and industrial)
- Catalysis; natural resources (oil & mining, minerals)
- Plastics & coatings
8. Lanxess AG
Type of business: Chemical manufacturer, Fine chemical supplier
Location: GmbH. Kennedyplatz 1 50569 Cologne, Germany
Year founded: 2004
The number of employees: 19000
Main product: fine chemicals, polymers, intermediates, Specialty chemicals, Flavors & Fragrances
Lanxess AG is a specialty chemicals company based in Cologne, Germany, that was founded in 2004 through the spin-off of the chemicals division and parts of the polymer business from Bayer AG. It has since become a global leader in specialty chemicals, with a presence in over 40 countries and a workforce of over 19,000 people.
The company has been on a continual journey of growth and expansion, with a strategic focus on acquiring companies and developing new products. In 2016, Lanxess acquired Chemtura and entered the market for additives for lubricants and fire retardants. This was followed in February 2020 with the acquisition of Brazilian biocide manufacturer Itibanyl Produtos Especiais Ltda. (IPEL). Most recently, in July 2022, the company completed its acquisition of International Flavors & Fragrances’ microbial control unit for US$1.3 billion.
Today, Lanxess AG is a global leader in the specialty chemicals industry and is renowned for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and environmental protection. The company has also made significant investments in research and development, with its R&D centers located in key global markets. This has enabled the development of new products and technologies in areas such as agriculture, water treatment, food safety, construction, and dairy products.
Main product:
- Fine chemicals
- Polymers
- Intermediates
- Specialty chemicals
- Flavors & Fragrances
9. Eastman Chemical
Type of business: Chemical company, Fine chemical supplier
Location: 575 Maryville Centre Dr Saint Louis, MO, 63141-5861 United States
Year founded: 1920
The number of employees: 14500
Main product: fine chemicals, additives, plasticizers, specialty plastics, adhesives, performance films, chemical intermediates
Eastman Chemical Company is an American company with a long history in the chemical industry. After more than 100 years in business, Eastman Chemical still provides advanced materials, chemicals, and fibers to customers worldwide.
In 1920, Eastman Chemical was founded as a subsidiary of Kodak. Since then, the company has grown to become an independent global specialty materials company, with over 50 manufacturing sites worldwide and more than 14,000 employees. Eastman Chemical is based in Kingsport, Tennessee, and is a major regional employer.
Eastman Chemical produces various materials, chemicals, and fibers for everyday use. Eastman Chemical can help you find the right material for your needs, from automotive and aerospace to healthcare, packaging, and more.
Eastman Chemical’s commitment to research, development, and innovation has enabled the company to become a leader in specialty materials. Eastman Chemical can provide the right solution if you’re looking for a new coating, specialty adhesive, or performance-enhancing additive.
Main product:
- Fine chemicals,
- Additives,
- Plasticizers,
- Specialty plastics,
- Adhesives,
- Performance films,
- Chemical intermediates
10. Covestro AG
Type of business: Chemical company, Fine chemical supplier
Location: Leverkusen Kaiser-Wilhelm-Allee 60 51373 Leverkusen, Germany
Year founded: 2015
The number of employees: 18000
Main product: polyurethanes, polycarbonates, coating, adhesive, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers
Covestro AG is a German company that manufactures a variety of polyurethane and polycarbonate-based raw materials. Its products include isocyanates and polyols for cellular foams, thermoplastic polyurethane, polycarbonate pellets, and polyurethane-based additives used in the formulation of coatings and adhesives.
Covestro AG’s portfolio includes a wide range of products serving various industries, including automotive, furniture, construction, and medical. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Covestro is working to provide the highest quality materials for various applications.
In addition to isocyanates and polyols, Covestro also manufactures polyurethane additives used in the formulation of coatings and adhesives. These additives are used to produce products like paint, glue, and sealants.
Covestro AG is a leader in manufacturing polyurethane and polycarbonate-based raw materials, and its commitment to innovation and sustainability makes them an excellent choice for various industries. They offer a wide range of products and services, and their focus on sustainability ensures that their products are of the highest quality.
Main product:
- Chemicals
- Polyurethanes
- Polycarbonates
- Coating
- Adhesive
- Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers
Fine Chemicals Trends In The Market
The pharmaceutical industry is one of the most rapidly evolving sectors in the world today, with new developments and advances coming about all the time. One of how the industry has evolved over the years is the use of fine chemicals, which are increasingly playing a major role in the production of drugs. Fine chemicals are highly complex, tailor-made compounds that can enhance or modify the desired effects of a drug or other product. As a result, they have become an essential part of the pharmaceutical industry, and knowing the latest trends in the market is essential for any business operating in this sector.
One of the critical trends in fine chemicals is the use of green chemistry, which is becoming increasingly important as the world seeks ways to reduce the number of pollutants released into the environment. Green chemistry is the practice of reducing, or eliminating, the use of solvents and other chemicals that can hurt the environment. As a result, green chemistry is becoming an increasingly important part of the fine chemical production process, with more and more companies looking to adopt these practices to reduce their environmental impact.
Another key trend driving the market for fine chemicals is the increased demand for custom-made chemicals. Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly looking for tailored chemicals that can be produced to meet their specific needs, such as drugs for specific diseases or treatments. As a result, custom-made chemicals are becoming increasingly important in the production process, and the demand for them will only likely increase as the industry continues to evolve.
Finally, the emergence of nanotechnology also plays a major role in producing fine chemicals. Nanotechnology is the manipulation of molecules at a microscopic level to create new materials or products, and it revolutionizes how fine chemicals are created. This allows companies to create specialized compounds that can be used to produce drugs and other products. As a result, nanotechnology is becoming increasingly important in producing fine chemicals, and it will likely continue to be a major part of the industry in the coming years.
Importance of fine chemicals in various industries
Fine chemicals play a critical role in many industries because of their unique properties and versatility. They are used as raw materials, intermediates, or finished products in various applications, including pharmaceuticals, personal care, and electronics.
For example, fine chemicals are used as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in developing new drugs in the pharmaceutical industry.
In the personal care industry, fine chemicals are used to formulate cosmetics, fragrances, and other personal care products.
In the electronics industry, fine chemicals are used to manufacture semiconductors, displays, and other electronic components. Overall, the importance of fine chemicals in various industries lies in their ability to enhance the performance, quality, and safety of their products and processes.
Conclusion
The above top 10 fine chemical manufacturers provide a wide range of products and services that can help meet the ever-changing needs of the chemical industry. From specialty chemicals to high-quality products, these companies have the necessary expertise and resources to meet the needs of their customers. It is important to carefully research and compare each company’s offerings to ensure that the best option is chosen for any project.
