GELEEN, Netherlands/LONDON – Representing a progressive approach between two sustainable chemistry leaders, Elementis and NXTLEVVEL Biochem have formed a commercial agreement that will enable them to develop, manufacture and sell a portfolio of bio-based products. The two companies are gearing up for a launch of two new bio-based solvents for the industrial paint and coatings sector in early 2021. These bio-based solvents can be used as coalescing agents and replace the use of petrochemical-based solvents in product formulations.

A privately held company headquartered in The Netherlands, NXTLEVVEL is a commercial-scale manufacturer of next-generation biomass-derived chemicals. As a joint venture formed in 2018, NXTLEVVEL brings together the industrial expertise of the Towell Engineering Group (Sultanate of Oman) with advanced technology developed by GFBiochemicals. GFBiochemicals was founded in 2008 and holds 200 patents for its proprietary technology in bio-solvents, polyols and plasticizers based on levulinic acid. 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.  

“Elementis is extremely fortunate to have identified such a nimble and innovative company as NXTLEVVEL as one of our green technology development and manufacturing partners. Teaming up with NXTLEVVEL enables Elementis to advance our goal of delivering sustainable, high-performance materials for all customers and industry sectors that we support on a global basis faster and better. Together, we have the potential of being game changers in the bio-based specialty chemicals category,” said Joseph Lupia, Senior Vice President for Research and Development with Elementis.

Through this agreement, Elementis and NXTLEVVEL will capitalize on their respective strengths to launch environmentally sustainable industrial additives. NXTLEVVEL will develop and manufacture bio-solvents, which Elementis will market, sell and support to the coatings industry globally. 

“NXTLEVVEL and Elementis are joining forces to bring solutions to address the massive problem of climate change around the world, and it takes highly motivated and passionate individuals with both privately held and publicly traded companies with vision to effect positive change,” said Mathieu Flamini co-founder of GFBiochemicals and former premier league soccer player. ”GFBiochemicals’ technology is highly innovative, proprietary and, for the first time, allows production of levulinate derivatives at industrial scale. The cornerstone is biomass-derived levulinic acid and its esters, the patented technology from GFBiochemicals that enables the production of bio-based solvents and other bio-based chemicals.”