GOOD CHEMISTRY, FOR EVERY CHALLENGE
AECI Specialty Chemicals is a highly diversified industry-focused business serving a broad spectrum of 1 200 customers across sectors that include personal and home care, lubricants, rail, oleochemicals and mineral oils, coating and construction, polymers, sanitisers and disinfectants, road construction, can coatings, fire and specialties.
The business’s two-fold value proposition includes an international principal-driven traded portfolio backed by a local supply chain and technical expertise, and a locally manufactured offering supported by application know-how. We manufacture more than 200 products and trade 380 products from 104 principals . The business has ISO 9001 Quality Management System and ISO 14001 Environmental Management System as well as OHSAS 180 01 for Health and Safety Management System. We’re also a signatory to the Responsible Care pledge.
Improving performance
Enhanced product and process performance through innovative chemical technologies tailored to industry needs.
Saving energy
Solutions are designed to optimise energy efficiency, reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
Reducing maintenance
Extending equipment life and minimise downtime with formulations that prevent wear, corrosion, and build-up.
Products & Services
In both our manufactured and traded businesses we add value through strategic relationships and services that include skilled and dedicated sales and service representatives, well-equipped and staffed technical development laboratories, a country-wide and African distribution footprint and a network of global technology partners who are leaders in their fields.
Our customers benefit from the excellent global support at any point in formulation development, from initial concept to final product production. We constantly strive to offer better and more sustainable ingredients and technologies and help all customers be more competitive by assisting them to balance high performance with commercial viability.
- quality assurance of incoming and outgoing raw products
- product testing in accordance with South African and European norms and standards
- product formulation development based on specific customer requirements
- creating tailored, customised, “one pack” additive solutions
- product and formulation optimisation to enhance performance and cost efficiency
- problem-solving and trouble-shooting
A single supplier, we employ 184 people including 26 experts in the quality and technical disciplines. We have two manufacturing facilities. In Durban, 10 manufacturing plants have combined daily capacity of 307 tonnes and, in Johannesburg, the combined daily capacity of five plants is 55 tonnes (current shift systems).
Chemical sectors
Personal Care
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reducing the carbon footprint by changing from hot to cold processes when manufacturing creams, hair masks, lotions etc.
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replacing harsh ingredients in hand washes, shampoos and shower gels with milder alternatives that are kinder to the skin (moisturising) and the environment (biodegradable)
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replacing harmful preservatives in personal care products with safer options that protect the consumer and shelf-life of the final product
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manufacturing a range of WHO-approved sanitisers that protect the health of employees and customers, particularly through the COVID-pandemic
Home Care
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replacing Nonylphenol surfactant products with more sustainable solutions
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reducing water usage through easy rinse technology in washing powders
Industrial
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reducing environmentally objectionable chemicals in our cleaning
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developing epoxy resins and hardeners based on renewable oleochemical feedstock
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using bacteria and enzymes in the treatment of high COD effluents without the introduction of other chemicals
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addressing the issue of sticky ore in underground mining applications by means of ore flow enhancers developed in-house, extending the life of mines where ore transport issues are affecting their ability to remain open
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replacing lead chrome pigments in road markings with organic pigments
Business Units
AECI Chemicals is a diversified business made up of four specialised units that serve key sectors across the continent. From essential raw materials in Industrial Chemicals, to high-value formulations in Speciality Chemicals, and critical solutions in Agri Health and Water, the group delivers impact at scale. Together, these business units enable AECI to drive growth, sustainability, and innovation across Africa’s industrial and environmental landscape.
