Brenntag, the global market leader in chemicals and ingredients distribution, today announced a sole supplier agreement with GFBiochemicals to distribute their three Levulinate esters[1] for the CASE markets in Europe. Applications for these more sustainable and safer solvents focus on industrial solvent-based coatings, safer formulations for removing of paints as well as serving special solubility requirements for coatings.
GFBiochemicals is the pioneer in bringing high-performing, sustainable petrochemical alternatives to the market at scale. It’s RE:CHEMISTRY’s levulinate esters and ketals are derived from second-generation raw materials such as agricultural waste from corncobs and bagasse (the dry pulpy fibrous material remaining after crushing sugarcane or sorghum stalks). They have excellent solubility properties and offer a safer, biodegradable alternative to conventional fossil-based solvents, as well as a lower environmental footprint. This means that they have no aquatic or vapor toxicity and are non-flammable. CLEAN 300 is particularly safe, completely biodegradable, and label-free (CLP hazard classification) – a rarity in the solvent sector.
Dr. Annika Herbst, European Technical Business Development Manager Sustainable Products Brenntag Essentials, comments: “At Brenntag, we are continuously working on expanding our product portfolio of safer and sustainable solutions. The partnership with GFBiochemicals enables us to offer innovative solvents that meet the needs of our customers in various industries and offer a safer alternative for harmful solvents.”
Jan Weernink, CCO of GFBiochemicals, adds: “GFBiochemicals is excited to collaborate with Brenntag bringing our groundbreaking RE:CHEMISTRY products to the CASE sector. It’s essential that the coatings industry has commercially viable alternatives to damaging incumbent petrochemicals in order to meet ESG goals and support the Net-Zero Industry Act in Europe. We are proud to be making this possible. Our unique bio-based technology can enable product developers and formulators to create safer and more sustainable products that always deliver high impact. Via our partnership with Brenntag we aim to accelerate the de-fossilization of the coatings industry and lead the green chemistry revolution.”
About GFBiochemicals:
GFBiochemicals is the global leader in pioneering petrochemical alternatives that are safer, more sustainable and higher performing. Founded in 2013 by Mathieu Flamini and Pasquale Granata, the company has spent the past decade developing novel technology to unlock the full potential of levulinic acid, leading to the creation of a uniquely versatile product, RE:CHEMISTRY. Through RE:CHEMISTRY, GFBiochemicals now offers four levulinic acid derivatives – Solve100, Move200, Clean300, and New320 – to partners in 193 countries around the world, focusing on industries from personal care to coatings and HI&I. These products have the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 95% compared to traditional petrochemical alternatives. Headquartered in France with offices and plants in multiple locations, including the United States, Belgium, Netherlands, and Asia, GFBiochemicals is now leading from the front of the green chemistry revolution.
About Brenntag: Brenntag is the global market leader in chemicals and ingredients distribution. The company holds a central role in connecting customers and suppliers of the chemical industry. Headquartered in Essen, Germany, Brenntag has more than 18,100 employees worldwide and operates a network of around 600 sites in more than 70 countries. In 2024, Brenntag generated sales of 16.2 billion EUR. The two global divisions, Brenntag Essentials and Brenntag Specialties, provide a diversified and broad portfolio of industrial and specialty chemicals and ingredients as well as tailor-made application, marketing and supply chain solutions, technical and formulation support, comprehensive regulatory know-how, and digital solutions for a wide range of industries. Brenntag pursues an ambitious sustainability agenda and is committed to sustainable solutions in its own sector and the industries served. Brenntag shares have been listed at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since 2010, in the DAX since September 2021. In addition, the Brenntag SE shares are listed in the DAX 30 ESG and DAX ESG Target. For more information, visit www.brenntag.com.
