Univar Solutions and CABB Group Forge Strategic Alliance to Dominate EMEA Glycolic Acid Market

ROTTERDAM, The Netherlands – February 18, 2026 – In a significant move set to reshape the specialty chemical supply chain, Univar Solutions B.V. has secured an exclusive distribution agreement with the CABB Group for high-purity glycolic acid. The partnership grants Univar Solutions' Ingredients + Specialties division exclusive rights to distribute the versatile ingredient across a wide swath of European, Middle Eastern, and African (EMEA) markets, promising to bolster ingredient access and fuel innovation in sectors from high-end cosmetics to industrial cleaning.

This strategic alliance combines CABB Group’s four decades of manufacturing expertise as a leading European producer of glycolic acid with Univar Solutions' vast distribution network and deep technical knowledge. The deal aims to address the escalating demand for multi-purpose, high-performance ingredients in the region, positioning the two companies to capitalize on a rapidly growing market.

"We are delighted to announce our partnership with the CABB Group... focusing jointly on efficacy and performance for customers and end consumers," said Nick Powell, CEO of Ingredients + Specialties from Univar Solutions. "This strategic alliance enhances our ability to deliver quality, innovative ingredients, and we are confident that together we can deliver greater value by offering glycolic acid solutions that meet the increasing demand for multi-purpose consumer products in the region."

A Strategic Play in a Growing Market

The timing of the agreement aligns with strong growth projections for the glycolic acid market. The European market alone, valued at over USD 200 million, is forecast to grow at a steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% through 2030. Globally, the market is on a trajectory to potentially surpass USD 1.5 billion by 2035, with some estimates projecting a CAGR of over 8%. This growth is largely propelled by the personal care and cosmetics sector, which commands over half of the market share.

This partnership specifically includes CABB's GLYCOS® Clear 70 and GLYTECH® Basic 70 solutions, both 70% glycolic acid formulations. GLYCOS® Clear 70, produced in Germany, is particularly noteworthy for being free of formaldehyde and methoxyacetic acid, readily biodegradable, and fully REACH-registered, meeting the stringent regulatory and safety standards of the European Union.

Tobias Schalow, CEO of the CABB Group, highlighted the strategic rationale behind the collaboration. "Univar Solutions' broad market reach, deep technical expertise, and dedication to customer service make them the ideal partner to extend the availability of our products," he stated. "This exclusive partnership will undoubtedly help drive the growth of glycolic acid in the EMEA market."

Beyond the Beauty Counter: A Versatile Ingredient for Modern Life

While glycolic acid is widely recognized as a star ingredient in skincare for its powerful exfoliating, skin-renewing, and moisturizing properties, its utility extends far beyond the beauty aisle. The ingredient’s small molecular size allows for deep penetration, making it a highly effective agent in products designed to improve skin texture and stimulate collagen. This has made it a staple in anti-aging creams, chemical peels, and acne treatments.

However, the same properties that make it a skincare powerhouse also make it a valuable component in home care and industrial cleaning. Its effectiveness as a cleaning agent is matched by a strong safety profile; it is low in toxicity, non-flammable, and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This makes it an eco-conscious and safer alternative to harsher acids traditionally used for descaling, rust removal, and heavy-duty cleaning in applications ranging from dairy farm sanitation to concrete removal.

"This new collaboration with CABB Group strengthens our commitment to delivering high-performance solutions with reliable supply and technical excellence," noted James Peterson, global vice president of CARE for Univar Solutions. "These ingredients are also efficient, versatile, and diverse, and we see them becoming more popular in modern skin care and personal care routines."

Fueling Innovation Amidst Shifting Consumer Trends

The partnership is poised to have a significant impact on product development for Univar Solutions’ customers. By ensuring a reliable and streamlined supply of a high-quality, European-made ingredient, the deal empowers formulators to innovate with confidence. This is particularly crucial in an era where consumers are increasingly demanding products that are not only effective but also safe, sustainable, and transparently sourced.

The trend toward "clean beauty" and eco-friendly household products makes the biodegradable and VOC-free nature of glycolic acid a powerful marketing and formulation advantage. The enhanced access provided by this agreement will likely accelerate the development of new product lines that cater to this conscious consumerism, from advanced at-home skincare treatments to green cleaning solutions.

The agreement covers a vast territory, including major European economies like Germany, France, and the UK, as well as burgeoning markets in the Middle East and North Africa such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco. By leveraging Univar Solutions' logistical prowess, CABB Group can effectively penetrate these diverse markets, ensuring that manufacturers across the region have the tools they need to innovate and grow. This strategic alignment underscores a shared vision to not only meet current demand but to actively shape the future of the personal care and cleaning industries through performance, quality, and reliability.