Stephenson is using the world ’ s largest chemical distributor to push a key new range of natural products for personal care . We spoke to the company
Leeds-based Stephenson first
joined forces with Brenntag UK & Ireland , part of the world ’ s largest full-line chemical distribution company , in 2016 . The partnership has since extended to include France , Belgium , the Netherlands , Germany , Austria , Switzerland , the Nordic countries parts of Central and Eastern Europe , and South Africa . Stephenson itself dates back 165 years . The company has its roots in soap bases , of which it produces over 10,000 tonnes / year at its site in Horsforth , near Leeds , mostly for export ; the firm exports about 80 % of its products . Expertise gained in soap formulation , says technical business development manager Michaela Daubney , led it into speciality ingredients . The initial focus of the partnership with Brenntag was on Stephenson ’ s then new Durosoft * range of natural emulsifiers and solubilisers for personal care applications . These are used in formulations from facial creams to shower oils , and have been fully tested for skin and eye irritancy , demonstrating their mildness . The range has been seeing strong growth across many areas , driven in large part by the demand for more natural and sustainable ingredients . Daubney says : “ As the organic market was growing faster than the general
Cosmetics laboratory at Brenntag
30 SPECIALITY CHEMICALS MAGAZINE ESTABLISHED 1981