Elementis, NXTLEVVEL Biochem partner to deploy biobased products at scale

In the Netherlands, Elementis and NXTLEVVEL Biochem have formed a commercial agreement that will enable them to develop, manufacture, and sell a portfolio of biobased products. Biobased chemicals are essential to reducing dependence on fossil fuel-based products and play a critical role in providing products that protect our environment. NXTLEVVEL and Elementis are gearing up for a launch of two new biobased solvents for the industrial paint and coatings sector in early 2021.  These biobased solvents can be used as coalescing agents and replace the use of petrochemical-based solvents in product formulations.

NXTLEVVEL is a commercial scale manufacturer of biomass-derived chemicals and is a JV formed by Towell Engineering Group and GFBiochemicals. GFBiochemicals was founded in 2008 and holds 200 patents for its world leading proprietary technology in bio-solvents, polyols and plasticizers based on levulinic acid. Levulinic acid is considered a key bio-based building block that enables the production of an extensive portfolio of derivatives. Elementis is a publicly traded global leader in delivering naturally derived additives for paint and coatings, personal care, and energy applications.  Elementis is also a leading provider of water-based systems and solutions that replace traditional solvent-based formulations while maintaining performance in application.

Through the agreement, Elementis and NXTLEVVEL say they will “capitalize on their respective strengths to launch environmentally sustainable industrial additives that will address customer demands. NXTLEVVEL will develop and manufacture bio-solvents which Elementis will market, sell, and support to the coatings industry in all regions of the world.”