Biesterfeld is to broaden its market coverage in Brazil by expanding its market development focus on specialities for the rubber and plastics industries to include raw materials for the personal care segment. Biesterfeld first started operating in Brazil in 1976 and has been operating with Simbras Ltda in a joint venture named Biesterfeld Simko Distribuição S.A since 2015. 

This move is in line with Biesterfeld’s ongoing geographical expansion strategy and is supported by a dedicated local technical sales structure which draws upon the experience of and close collaboration with the European network and the head office in Hamburg, Germany. Various application laboratories will also provide formulation development services and individual project support. 

“We are grateful to the long-standing principals that have decided to accompany us on this journey and are very glad to welcome new strategic partners with promising potential,” says Bettina Heick, Business Manager Life Science, Biesterfeld Spezialchemie. “The Brazilian market for personal care ingredients is one of the largest in the world and offers a lot of potential for our comprehensive portfolio of superior raw materials, which is a selection of eco-conscious and innovative solutions.” 

“We aim to establish Biesterfeld Spezialchemie as an innovation partner of choice for Brazilian customers by applying the model that has made us so successful in Europe, focusing on high-quality, innovative ingredients and service-oriented solutions,” explains Peter Wilkes, Managing Director, Biesterfeld Spezialchemie. "We are looking forward to expanding our activities in the Brazilian market. In doing so, we can draw on the synergies of our already locally established activities in terms of supply chain and logistics and complement this with our specialized sales team," adds Emilio Colombo, General Manager, Biesterfeld Simko Distribuição S.A.