Omya has launched a new business unit specializing in the worldwide sales and distribution of specialty materials. The company, a global minerals and chemicals supplier active in more than 50 countries and headquartered in Switzerland, is expanding its activities with a focus on creating an integrated offer for customers in multiple industries.
Operating under the name Omya Specialty Materials, the business unit combines a comprehensive portfolio of pigments, binders, additives and life science ingredients from leading manufacturers with Omya’s own range of mineral-based products. By integrating these portfolios, the company aims to deliver a broad spectrum of materials through a single channel, supported by technical expertise and global logistics capabilities.
According to Omya, the new unit is designed to emphasize added value for both suppliers and customers. It provides a worldwide sales network for manufacturers of specialty materials, while at the same time offering customers one-stop shop access to tailored technical solutions based on a combination of Omya’s minerals and third-party chemistries. The structure is intended to streamline supply chains and consolidate material sourcing within a unified framework.
Integrated distribution portfolio and supply chain
Commenting on the launch, Thoralf Gliese, Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted the role of the new organization in aligning Omya’s activities in minerals and chemicals within a single distribution offer. He said: "The new business unit integrates our minerals and chemicals into one unified distribution portfolio which will streamline our supply chain for customers. As a distribution partner for leading suppliers of chemicals and additives, Omya Specialty Materials has the advantages of broad technical expertise, long-term customer relationships, and worldwide logistics."
The concept of Omya Specialty Materials is based on consolidating complementary material families into one business platform. This includes pigments, binders and additives for technical applications, as well as life science ingredients, in combination with mineral-based products produced by Omya. The company positions this setup as a way to reduce complexity for customers who traditionally source from multiple suppliers and distributors.
For suppliers, the new unit is intended to provide access to Omya’s established global sales network and logistics infrastructure. For customers, the integrated portfolio is expected to support consistent service levels across regions, backed by technical support from Omya’s existing competencies in minerals and chemicals.
Relation to performance polymer activities
Omya Specialty Materials will operate alongside Omya Performance Polymer Distribution, a business that was created in early 2025 to concentrate on the global performance polymer market following the acquisition of Distrupol. While Omya Performance Polymer Distribution focuses specifically on performance polymers, the new Omya Specialty Materials unit is oriented toward specialty materials such as pigments, binders, additives and life science ingredients.
The coexistence of these two organizations reflects Omya’s approach of structuring its distribution activities into dedicated units addressing distinct material segments. Omya Specialty Materials extends this approach beyond polymers into a broader specialty materials space, whereas Omya Performance Polymer Distribution maintains a targeted focus on performance polymer markets at a global level.
With the addition of Omya Specialty Materials, the company is formalizing a global framework for specialty distribution that incorporates both in-house mineral products and third-party materials. The development follows Omya’s strategy of leveraging its international presence and long-term customer relationships in combination with expanded distribution partnerships in minerals, chemicals and additives.
