#USA #Ashland #Univar Solutions #Essen #Cellulose Ether

Univar Solutions Partners with Ashland for Cellulose Ethers in EMEA Food Industry

In a significant development in the food and beverage industry, Univar Solutions B.V. has announced an exclusive partnership with Ashland Inc. This collaboration is set to expand access to cellulose ethers across the EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa) region, responding to the rising demand for functional ingredients and driving innovation within the sector.

This partnership, effective from January 1, 2026, aims to provide a comprehensive range of cellulose ethers designed to enhance food texture, stability, and processing capabilities. The joint efforts will allow food manufacturers in the EMEA region to incorporate cutting-edge solutions tailored to meet evolving consumer needs, particularly in the domains of plant-based proteins and gluten-free products.

According to Aaron Lee, the global vice president of Health & Nutrition for Univar Solutions, “Ashland’s specialty ingredients are a strategic addition to our existing portfolio. We are excited to expand our offering of cellulose ethers in the EMEA region, especially as demand for alternative and plant-based proteins continues to rise.”

The new partnership will cover various cellulose ethers, including Methylcellulose (MC), Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), Hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), Ethylcellulose (EC), and Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP). These products are instrumental in next-generation applications across markets, catering to trends such as vegan food and beverages, plant-based meat, and gluten-free baked goods.

Alessandra Faccin Assis, senior vice president and general manager for the Life Sciences and Intermediates segment at Ashland, emphasized the value this alliance brings to customers. She stated, “This new alliance will provide our customers with improved product availability, faster delivery, specialized expertise, and enhanced support service partnerships. Our products offer a range of functional benefits that facilitate groundbreaking advancements in food and beverage innovation.”

As consumer expectations for health, convenience, and quality continue to evolve, Foodology by Univar Solutions aims to help brands stay ahead of these changing tastes. The company supports the development of innovative, trend-led recipes, ensuring that their clients can meet consumer demands effectively.

Moreover, Univar Solutions boasts a comprehensive technical expertise through its Foodology offerings and state-of-the-art Solution Centers, which include a premier test kitchen in Essen. Together, the companies are poised to launch innovative food and beverage products while promoting sustainable, nutrition-focused solutions worldwide.

As the market landscape continues to transform, the collaboration between Univar and Ashland highlights a proactive approach to ingredient supply in the food and beverage sector. By leveraging their respective strengths, the two companies aim to support the food creators of today in enhancing culinary experiences and shaping the future of food.

To learn more about how Foodology by Univar Solutions shapes the culinary landscape and drives innovations in the food and beverage market with Ashland's cellulose ethers and PVPP products, visit univarsolutions.com and ashland.com.

*Countries covered under this agreement, effective from January 1, 2026, include the UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Hungary. Additional countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and Oman will join from March 1, 2026, with Turkey to be included on April 1, 2026.