A global survey conducted by market research firm Ipsos has ranked Envalior as the top provider of high-value customer services among 13 international material suppliers. The study indicates that customers particularly value Envalior's accessible material science expertise and its broad range of development services, which support automotive, electronics, medical and consumer goods applications. According to the survey, these services contribute to solving complex design and production challenges for automotive OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers and consumer goods manufacturers. The results position Envalior as best-in-class in delivering added value beyond material supply, with respondents highlighting both technical competence and the way expertise is made available to customers across regions and end markets.
Global assessment of development services
The survey, carried out by Ipsos in 2025 and commissioned by Envalior, collected input from 149 material engineering professionals. Participants were drawn from the automotive, electronics, medical and consumer goods sectors. Ipsos selected respondents at random, and they were not informed about the commissioning organization when completing the questionnaire. Within this framework, Envalior ranked first among 13 global material suppliers in terms of delivering added value to customers via development services.
The study focused on how material suppliers support customers beyond the provision of polymers and compounds. Respondents evaluated aspects such as access to technical expertise, support in product and application development, digital engineering capabilities and guidance on regulatory and product safety topics. Across these criteria, Envalior emerged as the leading provider for high-quality services that complement its material portfolio.
According to the results, market participants view the role of material suppliers as increasingly strategic, particularly in sectors where lightweighting, functional integration and regulatory compliance create complex engineering and validation tasks. In this context, development services and close technical cooperation are regarded as key differentiators when selecting partners for new programs and platforms.
Emphasis on accessible material science expertise
A core finding of the Ipsos survey is that customers especially appreciate the ease of access to Envalior's subject matter experts and scientists. Respondents indicated that quick, direct contact with material specialists is a crucial factor in accelerating development cycles and managing project risk. The study concludes that, alongside providing this access, Envalior is notably valued for several specific service capabilities.
One highlighted area is custom material formulation and color development. Customers recognize Envalior's support in tailoring material properties and appearance to meet application-specific requirements, including mechanical performance, processing behavior and aesthetic targets. This involves modifying base formulations and developing dedicated color solutions to align with end-product specifications.
Another area identified in the survey is computer-aided engineering (CAE) support to predict and optimize part performance. Respondents value the ability to use simulation to assess material behavior under load, temperature and environmental influences before tooling investments are made. According to the survey, this CAE support plays a role in optimizing component design, reducing iterations and helping to meet performance and durability targets.
Regulatory compliance and product safety support were also singled out as strengths. Survey participants noted the importance of guidance in navigating evolving regulations and standards across global markets, particularly in sectors such as automotive, electronics and medical technology. Envalior's assistance in this field includes helping customers understand material-related compliance implications during the design phase and in product documentation.
Support in design and prototyping
The Ipsos study further indicates that Envalior is valued for its expertise in conceptual product design and prototyping. Respondents highlighted the company's contribution at early stages of development, when material selection, part geometry and processing routes are still being defined. Support in concept design allows potential issues to be identified earlier, while prototyping helps validate both material and design choices under realistic conditions.
According to the survey findings, this upstream involvement is particularly relevant for applications involving stringent performance requirements, integration of multiple functions in a single part or transitions from metal to plastic. In such cases, material behavior, flow paths and potential failure modes need to be assessed in conjunction with design and processing, making close cooperation with material experts beneficial.
Customer value and partnership approach
The survey results also reflect how respondents perceive the broader value created by Envalior's service offering. Tim Arping, Director Segment Innovation & Advanced Development at Envalior, commented on the findings: "What truly sets Envalior apart is not only what we make, but how we empower our customers to bring ideas to life - with reduced risk, lower costs, faster time-to-market and a smaller environmental footprint. These survey results confirm that our global material science, development capabilities and application expertise from various end-markets are delivered through genuine partnership: sharing ideas, support, inspiration, alternatives, constructive challenges and deep technical know-how."
The Ipsos study indicates that this combination of technical support and collaborative working style is a key reason why respondents rate Envalior highly in terms of added value. In markets where program timing, cost targets and sustainability objectives are becoming more demanding, the integration of material science, simulation, regulatory knowledge and design support in a single service package appears to be an important factor in supplier selection.
As development cycles shorten and regulatory frameworks become more complex, the survey suggests that demand for such comprehensive support from material suppliers is likely to increase. Within this context, Envalior's top ranking in the global services excellence survey underlines the role that development services and accessible expertise play in the broader plastics and materials value chain.
