#United States #Ashland #Univar Solutions #Essen #cellulose ethers

Univar Solutions and Ashland's Exclusive Partnership in EMEA

Univar Solutions B.V., a subsidiary of the global leader in specialty chemicals Univar Solutions LLC, has announced a significant collaboration with Ashland Inc. This exclusive partnership, revealed on January 27, 2026, focuses on expanding the distribution of cellulose ethers within the food and beverage industry throughout the EMEA region.

The Partnership's Impact on the Food and Beverage Market

The new alliance will commence on January 1, 2026, enabling Univar Solutions, under its Foodology division, to provide a broad spectrum of cellulose ethers, including methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, and polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP). These cellulose derivatives will enhance texture, stability, and processing for food manufacturers, providing innovative solutions tailored to meet the increasing demand for alternative proteins and plant-based options in the nutrition sector.

According to Aaron Lee, the Global Vice President of Health and Nutrition at Univar Solutions, this strategic addition of Ashland’s specialized ingredients represents a forward-thinking approach to product offerings. Lee stated, "We are excited to expand our range of cellulose ethers in EMEA as consumer demand for healthier, plant-based alternatives grows. Foodology by Univar Solutions is committed to helping our customers achieve success with the backing of our extensive distribution network. Together, we aim to foster a strong alliance that ensures consistent growth and innovative solutions in the food and beverage sector."

Advantages for Food Manufacturers

This partnership promises to deliver significant value to clients by improving product availability, enabling faster deliveries, and offering specialized technical expertise. Ashland’s senior vice president and general manager of life sciences and intermediates, Alessandra Faccin Assis, pointed out that their ingredients facilitate revolutionary advances in food and beverage innovation. She noted, "With a keen understanding of global food and beverage trends, we are committed to supporting EMEA food manufacturers meet shifting health, convenience, and quality expectations."

The cellulose ethers from this collaboration will play a versatile role in new-generation applications catering to diverse markets such as vegan foods, plant-based meats, and gluten-free bakery products. This versatility allows manufacturers to create and adapt recipes that resonate with current consumer preferences.

Innovations from Foodology

Foodology by Univar Solutions offers a panoply of quality ingredients essential for anticipating changing consumer tastes and crafting innovative recipes. Supported by technical expertise and state-of-the-art Solution Centers, including a flagship test kitchen in Essen, Germany, Foodology welcomes collaboration with companies eager to launch new food and beverage innovations and provides sustainable, nutrition-focused solutions worldwide.

The agreement covers several countries across EMEA, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Hungary starting January 1, 2026. Subsequent stages will include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and Oman beginning March 1, 2026, followed by Turkey on April 1, 2026.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the partnership between Univar Solutions and Ashland marks a pivotal moment for the food and beverage industry in EMEA. By integrating Ashland's advanced cellulose ether products into Univar's offerings, both companies are positioned to spearhead innovation and deliver exceptional solutions that align with evolving consumer needs. The collaboration not only emphasizes a commitment to quality and performance but also reflects a proactive stance toward shaping the future of food and beverage advancements.