Category: Lubrizol

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The Lubrizol Corporation has created an exclusive global partnership with Corbion Biotech, Inc, bringing AlgaPur(TM) high stability high oleic algae oil to the personal care and cosmetics markets.

Based in the Netherlands, Corbion is a global market leader in algae ingredients. This collaboration combines Lubrizol’s formulation experience and knowledge of the personal care market with Corbion’s innovative bio-based solutions and sustainable practices.

AlgaPur(TM) High Stability High Oleic Algae Oil is a unique algae oil with formulation and performance benefits for a diverse range of personal care applications. Key benefits include:

• Elegant sensory experience: Silky, non-greasy feel providing excellent hydration and ease of spreadability
• Stable for formulating: Superior oxidative stability with over 90% Omega-9 oleic acid, allowing for extended shelf life
• Mild formulations: Free from known allergens, low odor and neutral color
• Sustainable production: Palm-free, and produced with a low carbon, land and water footprint

Bio-based ingredients and sustainable solutions are a developing trend in the personal care industry, experiencing significant global growth. “This new collaboration allows our innovation teams to expand our formulation expertise, bringing innovative bio-based solutions with excellent performance attributes,” states Jean Claude Deneuville, global director agile businesses at Lubrizol.

“Working with Lubrizol provides the opportunity to expand access and adoption of AlgaPur(TM) High Stability High Oleic Algae Oil in the personal care market,” says Marc den Hartog, executive vice president of Innovation Platforms at Corbion. “Corbion’s unique algae oil ingredient is a versatile, new ingredient for formulators to help meet consumers demands for sustainable, traceable and high-performance products.”

Corbion is the global market leader in lactic acid, lactic acid derivatives, and a leading company in emulsifiers, functional enzyme blends, minerals, vitamins and algae ingredients. Corbion is a global player in personal care, offering natural, safe and cost-effective ingredients, widely known for its their emulsification, moisturizing, pH adjustment and antimicrobial functions.

In 2018, Corbion generated annual sales of € 897.2 million and had a workforce of 2,040 FTE.

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, Americans alone throw away at least 300 million pairs of shoes each year. These shoes end up in landfills, where they can take 30 to 40 years to decompose. This figure has inspired Lubrizol Engineered Polymers to engineer an innovative portfolio of advanced polymers to provide footwear producers the opportunity to create a nearly 100% TPU shoe that is recyclable* without compromising performance.

Justin Park, Lubrizol’s global market segment manager for performance footwear says, “The advantage of a 100% TPU shoe is that at the end of the shoe’s wear cycle it can be re-grinded and then reformed into a new shoe, therefore extending the life of the product and material.”

Lubrizol Engineered Polymers advanced TPU portfolio for footwear applications gives footwear producers the opportunity to collaborate with one solution provider for their needs. Another benefit to footwear producers of using Lubrizol Engineered Polymers TPU as the prime material for shoe production is having the ability to reuse the scraps, resulting in less unused material during the manufacturing process.

The key technologies in Lubrizol’s Engineered Polymers TPU portfolio for performance footwear that can be engineered to form almost every component of a shoe include Esdex(TM) TPU for upper yarns to keep shoe construction smart and lightweight, BounCell-X(TM) a low density, plasticizer-free, recyclable*, thermoplastic foam for cushioning, Estane(R) TRX TPU as a functional alternative to rubber outsoles, Pearlthane(TM) ECO TPU a bio-based** renewable-sourced material, Estane(R) 3D TPU a soft, flexible material that offers design freedom for 3D printed components, and Pearlbond(TM) TPU for adhesives assembly that provides flexibility to join a large variety of substrates together.

Lubrizol Engineered Polymers has released a video to help support and promote its extensive TPU footwear portfolio for performance footwear applications, One Shoe.

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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The Lubrizol Corporation will build a new plant within the Ichihara Works (Ichihara City, Chiba, Japan) to manufacture LUCANT(TM) hydrocarbon-based synthetic fluid.

LUCANT is a high performance, hydrocarbon-based, specialty synthetic fluid used primarily as a viscosity modifier. It is used in the most demanding applications including automotive driveline, industrial lubricants and greases, and is the approved choice for leading OEMs and global oil marketers. Mitsui Chemicals was the first manufacturer to offer this unique synthetic fluid which boasts industry leading efficiency and durability.

“This investment in additional LUCANT capacity will allow the Lubrizol Additives business to further optimize its strategic relationship with Mitsui Chemicals to meet the evolving and demanding needs of lubricant market, while ensuring we remain a trusted, reliable and secure supply partner,” said Barrie Masters, global business director for the viscosity modifier business at Lubrizol.

Commercial operation at the new plant is planned for 2021 and Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. and The Lubrizol Corporation are excited to further invest in their partnership.

In 2014, Lubrizol entered into an exclusory agreement with Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. to become the exclusive worldwide seller and marketer of the LUCANT polymer products in the lubricant industry.

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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The Lubrizol Corporation has announced its Sheffield, UK-based Diamond Dispersions business has won the Queen’s Award for International Trade for outstanding short-term growth.

The award was presented for growth in overseas sales over the last three years.

Since 1966, the Queen’s Award for Enterprise recognizes British businesses that excel in four categories, including International Trade, Innovation, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity. It is the highest official UK awards program.

Diamond Dispersions, which manufactures color concentrates used in the manufacture of inkjet inks, mainly for the digital printing of textiles, is no stranger to this accolade having previously won the Queen’s Award for International Trade in 2012. Overseas sales have more than doubled over the past three years, and the proportion of sales exported has increased to over 80% of total sales.

“We couldn’t be prouder to receive recognition for our continued efforts and commitment to grow the company in such a prestigious way”, says Keith Malone, commercial manager, Diamond Dispersions. “The Queen’s Award is an honor that is admired across the globe, not just in the UK – and it deeply matters to every one of us at Diamond Dispersions.”

“Over the last few years, our strategic planning has driven us to work more closely with print machine manufacturers (OEMS), enabling them to develop bespoke ink products,” shares Andrew Grantham, marketing manager, Diamond Dispersions. “The closer relationships we’ve built have been a key driver to our sales growth over the last three years.”

Diamond Dispersions has responded effectively to the rapidly growing digital print market by supporting customers as they seek to deliver customization, shorter print runs, just-in-time manufacturing and a desire for reduced stocks and wastage.

“We’ve also developed specific products for use in the pigmented digital textile printing market, which has huge potential for growth, “adds Grantham. “Pigment-based digital printing of cotton textiles, in particular, is much more environmentally friendly than dye-based printing as it requires less energy and water and eliminates waste-water effluent.”

“Ever since Diamond Dispersions was established in 2007, we have taken every opportunity to further improve and enhance our customer service,” concludes Grantham. “For example, to better serve customers locally and achieve the response times demanded by those customers, last year we made the decision to hold stock in several different countries including China, the US, India and Brazil.”

“The Queen’s Award is a great achievement and our whole team is justifiably very proud of the award,” shares Charles Nelson, general manager, Diamond Dispersions. “Lubrizol is planning further investments in the business to ensure we keep pace with growing demand.”

Diamond Dispersions will celebrate the award during a royal reception for Queen’s Awards’ winners in Summer 2019 and will host its own celebration in Sheffield in Autumn.

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Lubrizol Advanced Materials India Pvt. Ltd. signed an agreement in February with The Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) for the supply of technical services and new application development of Estane(R) thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

ICT is a leading chemical technology research university in Mumbai, India.

The agreement was signed by Ms. Ursula Thakkar, Managing Director, Lubrizol Advanced Materials, and Prof. G. D. Yadav, Vice Chancellor, ICT. The agreement sets the stage for a close collaboration that aims to develop new end-use applications in the Indian industrial sector. Speaking on this occasion, Ms. Ursula Thakkar, Managing Director South Asia said, “We are very pleased to partner with ICT as part of our strategy to provide innovative solutions for our customers in India”.

Dr. Jesus Santamaria, Regional business director for Engineered Polymers, EMEAI added: “India is one of the key regions that is contributing – and will contribute much more in the future – to our global business growth. We acknowledge the specificities of India as a market, different from other regions and, as such, deserving a differentiated support. Growing TPU applications in mobility, electronics and Industry 4.0 (digitalization and automation) are positioning India at the forefront of technology. This agreement is critical to this vision as it will complement our current global technical centers with a local support from one of the most globally recognized chemical technology institutions.”

Lubrizol Engineered Polymers has more than 60 years of experience and a worldwide network that includes formulation design, manufacturing, R&D and cutting-edge technologies.

Lubrizol Engineered Polymers offers one of the broadest portfolios of engineered polymers available today including resins that are bio-based, recyclable, light stable, flame retardant, adhesive, chemically resistant, optically clear and fast cycling. Our technology crosses many industries and applications, including surface protection, power and fluid systems, sports and recreation, wearable devices, electronics and automotive.

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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The Lubrizol Corporation has formed an exclusive global collaboration with CP Kelco, servicing the personal and home care markets with PURLLON(TM) Cellulose Liquid and KELCO-VIS(TM) Diutan Gum products.

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, CP Kelco is a market leader offering innovative products and solutions using nature-based chemistry.

The new relationship combines Lubrizol’s formulation expertise with CP Kelco’s broad knowledge of more sustainable solutions. This allows our technical teams the ability to expand our formulation expertise, bringing innovative solutions with increased naturality without compromising performance.

With this collaboration, Lubrizol will exclusively service the personal and home care markets for CP Kelco’s innovative Fermentation Derived Cellulose & Diutan Gum technologies.

Vice president and general manager of Personal, Home and Health Care, Deb Langer states, “We are always looking for ways to expand our offerings to our partners and the team is excited to elevate our sustainable portfolio with CP Kelco® Fermentation Derived Cellulose and Diutan Gum products.”

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol Corporation has announced that its LifeSciences business will feature a new medical device applications lab.

LifeSciences has invested significantly to expand its global development and manufacturing facilities, and the latest investment is a new state-of-the-art medical device applications lab in Brecksville, Ohio.

The lab features applications testing, small-scale compounding as well as injection molding for long-term implantables. The 1,800-square foot facility will also focus on accelerated R&D, from polymers to device scale up and testing in a short period of time.

“The new applications lab is another commitment to healthcare companies looking for a full-service development partner. We continue to invest in the right areas to provide valuable offerings where our customers are experiencing the most growth,” states Uwe Winzen, general manager, Lubrizol LifeSciences. “When customers partner with Lubrizol LifeSciences, they benefit from working with us at every stage in their development process.”

Offering more than 90 years of science and technology experience, Lubrizol is uniquely structured to partner with medical device manufacturers by providing proactive innovation, speed to market, and expertise for the most demanding projects. From materials to development and manufacturing, or anything in between – Lubrizol LifeSciences is equipped to support the needs of customers worldwide.

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s The Lubrizol Corp. and Vidalia Denim, a division of Vidalia Mills Co., have entered into a strategic relationship that makes Lubrizol a preferred supplier of stretch fibers in its denim fabrics.

Both companies will work closely to maximize the performance and eco-friendly attributes of Lubrizol’s X4zol™-J elastomeric fiber in Vidalia’s production of denim fabrics.

Dan Feibus, CEO of Vidalia Mills Co., stated: “The production of stretch fabrics holds such an important place in the denim industry today. Vidalia’s decision to work with Lubrizol as a preferred supplier of stretch fibers furthers our mission to build the most efficient and environmentally friendly denim mill in North America.”

Feibus added, “Lubrizol provides us with an innovative state-of-the-art solution for sustainably produced, high-performance stretch fiber, and represents a key element in the evolution of great denim products and we are extremely excited to be working with Lubrizol on this project. Lubrizol is a global leader whose commitment to constant innovation and best practice sustainable manufacturing are a perfect fit for Vidalia.”

“We at Lubrizol are truly excited about teaming up with Vidalia to incorporate our X4zol-J technology into their denim fabrics,” Rob Richardson, global business director for Performance Apparel at Lubrizol, said. “While X4zol-J has already been adopted by many strategic global denim brands, we see this as an essential next step in helping advance the apparel industry’s sustainability agenda.”

© 2018 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol Corporation will invest more than $25 million in its Calvert City, Kentucky manufacturing facility.

The investment will enable the company to meet increasing customer demand, and comes after a recent $10 million expansion at the site to further improve the company’s safety management standards and create a world class quality laboratory.

The facility specializes in the production of Carbopol® polymers and Pemulen(TM) polymeric emulsifiers. These polymers are used in consumer goods for the personal care, home care, and pharmaceutical markets. This expansion will include advanced, proprietary process technology that will allow the Calvert City facility to continue to provide Lubrizol’s partners with high quality products.

“In response to increasing market demand, this investment will enable us to expand production capacity and update our infrastructure at our Calvert City facility while continuously improving safety and quality,” states Deb Langer, senior vice president and general manager of Lubrizol Personal, Home and Healthcare. “The expansion is critical in allowing our team to continue to provide dedicated service and support to our global partners.”

© 2018 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.