Libranox CAP (Cocamidopropylamine oxide) is an excellent co-surfactant for mild, low irritancy applications such as shampoo and bubble bath products. It is compatible with most surfactants and provides viscosity control, foam boosting and excellent grease cutting in liquid dish wash formulations.
It works as a conditioning agent and a surfactant. It also can boost the water solubility of other cleansing agents contained within a formulation. Its conditioning properties help improve the appearance of dry and damaged hair in personal care formulations.
Libranox CAP exhibits synergistic effects when combined with anionic and other non-ionic surfactants.
Why Choose Libra Speciality Chemicals
The Libranox Amine Oxide range has low residual hydrogen peroxide, less than 800ppm, whilst the industry norm is 1500ppm. The finished product has a crystal clear ‘water white’ appearance, ensuring no need for additional colourant in the finished formulation.
Libra Speciality Chemical’s tightly honed manufacturing process ensures that Libranox products are microbiologically pure, free from bacteria and other contaminants.
Packaging
The Libranox CAP range is available in 200kg drums, 1000kg IBCs and bulk road tankers.
Libranox CAP can be supplied with two different active contents, a 30% active (Libranox CAP-30) and 36% active (Libranox CAP-36).
To find out more about Libranox CAP-36, or any of our other products, please get in touch.
At Libra Speciality Chemicals we have undertaken measures to make our manufacturing processes greener in the production of our products. We measure ourselves against the green principles of chemistry; a series of 12 ethical practices used to provide green chemicals into the chemical market.
Ethical practices being applied to the production of our extensive range of Betaines, including Low Salt Betaine.
Real-time analysis
To examine the quantity of DMAPA, glycolic acid and MCA in our manufactured products our technicians take samples for testing. The sample tests analyse if there are any unreacted materials in the product, the pH of the product and its concentration levels. This is a routine quality check process at Libra Speciality Chemicals and any samples not meeting our stringent credentials are adjusted to ensure compliance with our green culture. This ensures that our products are safe to the environment for when they enter water or air streams.
Prevention of waste
To prevent any waste, products including NaCl, Glycolic acid and Glycerine are kept in the solution and the ratios of DMAPA, and coconut oil are optimised.
Designing safe chemicals
No hazardous materials are produced during the production of Betaine. Our Betaine vessels comply with the European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients (EFfCI), which ensures that our surfactants are of the highest quality and are safe for personal use. Libra also complies with ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14002:2015.
Accident Prevention
To prevent accidents, we carry out regular risk assessments which comply with ISO 450001:2018 (the officially recognised body for international health and safety management) and Top-tier COMAH standards.
Energy Efficiency
Our Low Salt Betaine has a higher true active content % per Kg of product when compared to our standard grades of betaine. Low Salt Betaine has an active of between 34-35% compared to around 27.5% for standard CAPB.
More active equals less water and the less water there is in the product, the less energy is required to transport and use the product during subsequent use. This results in a cheaper and greener process.
CAB50 also has a low odour, is lighter in colour, high foaming, milder on the skin, has high moisturising effects and self-preserves, this is ideal for personal care applications.
To find out more about green chemistry at Libra Speciality Chemicals, please get in touch.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 will take place from the 10th to the 16th of May; this year’s theme is nature and the environment. The evidence is clear that access to nature is crucial for our mental health and millions of people discovered this during the Covid 19 Lockdowns. There is a lot of good research to support the role nature can play in protecting and supporting our mental health. For many of us though, being in nature may not be as easy as it sounds. The good news is you don’t have to climb a mountain to feel the benefit – there are lots of simple ways to bring nature into your everyday.
Mental Health Awareness Week is all about raising awareness and promoting better mental health.
1 in 4 people experience mental health issues each year.
1 in 6 workers will experience depression, anxiety or problems relating to stress at any one time.
It has been estimated that 91 million working days have been lost as a result of employees experiencing issues with mental wellbeing.
Talking is one of the best ways we can look after our mental wellbeing but reaching out and starting a conversation about our mental wellbeing isn’t always an easy step.
If you are experiencing issues that are affecting your mental health at work, Able Futures can help. They can give you advice and guidance from a mental health specialist who can help you look after yourself and learn coping mechanisms, build resilience, and access therapy. There is no cost to use this service, no waiting list and it’s completely confidential.
Contact Able Futures free on 0800 321 3137 or visit www.able-futures.co.uk.
Earlier this year, Libra Speciality Chemicals Ltd announced our latest multi-million-pound capital investment programme in Irlam, UK, to install new technology to produce novel low salt betaines, and to increase our betaines capacity to 50,000 tonnes per annum with the addition of two new reactors.
We currently have half of our new tank farm in place ready to be commissioned. In total, Libra is adding an additional 865,000 litres of storage for our betaine products, including low-salt betaine.
Recent progress includes the foundations for our second new weighbridge, dedicated to our betaine plant, tanker loading area and state of the art pumping system being installed. This will increase our manufacturing and logistic efficiencies providing our loyal customers with World Class customer service.
We are very much on track to deliver our full capital investment project by the end of 2021.
For more information about Libra Speciality Chemicals and the fantastic products we offer, please get in touch with a member of our sales team.
The latest samples of ultra-low salt betaine are leaving site, on their way to formulators who are itching to get them into their laboratories.
Libra’s latest product range gives formulators great freedom to include betaines at 10 -12% in their products, which results in fabulous efficacy, greater viscosity control, easier processing, and clearer water-white formulations.
Market trends are away from sulphates containing “harsh” synthetic surfactants (alcohol and alcohol ether sulphates) and towards milder, greener, naturally derived and more sustainable surfactants
Sulphates are associated with residual ppm levels of toxic 1,4 dioxane in personal care applications. Specifically, 1,4 dioxane will be banned in personal care products in the US during 2022.
Sulphates are well known to strip natural oils from hair creating dryness, frizz and brittleness, as well stripping colour from dyed hair.
Using low salt betaine in conjunction with other anionic surfactants offers excellent lathering and cleansing properties in many applications.
Replacing sulphate with standard betaine at similar inclusion levels in formulation is difficult due to the high chloride electrolyte levels which adversely affect formulation. Libra’s low salt betaine removes this barrier and enables high levels of betaine inclusion with stable and clear formulations.
For more information about Libra Speciality Chemicals and the fantastic products we offer, please get in touch with a member of our sales team.
Libratex MS3 is suitable for use in a wide range of personal care applications, due to it being naturally based. It generates a very dense foam which makes it an ideal component for use in shampoo, foam bath and body wash formulations. Libratex MS3 produces a very mild product that is kind to skin and reduces eye irritation, making it the perfect anionic surfactant for use in the personal care industry.
About Libratex
The dioctyl sulphosuccinate products in the Libratex Series are all sodium salts and are manufactured in several aqueous/solvent and solvent only carriers. This allows the flexibility and compatibility required for use in both aqueous and solvent formulations. These products are compatible with other anionic and non-ionic surfactants and may be used as raw materials in the manufacture of a wide range of detergent products. The Libratex Series of products are soluble in a number of liquids from aqueous to organic solvents.
Packaging
Libratex MS3 is available in 200 kg drums and 1000 kg IBC’s.
For more information about Libratex MS3, or any of our other please get in touch with a member of our sales team.
At Libra Speciality Chemicals we aim to provide a total chemical manufacturing and supply solution to meet your company’s needs. Libra can provide a bespoke chemical manufacturing and supply solution service to an extensive range of industries around the globe. We are an official BCMPA member, a UK association for contract and toll manufacturers, meaning we are experts in providing efficient and cost-effective toll manufacturing solutions for businesses. For over 50 years we have honed and enhanced our expertise in the chemical industry, acquiring multiple accreditations, including top tier COMAH, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 9000:2015, ISO 45001 and EFfCI (European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients).
Mixing & Dispersion
In addition to our extensive selection of reactors, we have 15 general-purpose mixing vessels of 316 s/s and rubber lined construction available. These range in capacity from 2.5m³ up to 60m³. High shear mixing, heating, cooling, and nitrogen ring main ensure we can offer a full range of mixing services for aqueous and solvent blends.
In our plant we currently perform:
Neutralisation
Amidation
Phosphation
Sulphamation
Saponification
Esterification
Oxidation
Carboxylation
Sulphation
Imidazolines
Solubilisation
Neutralisation
Solids dispersions
Acid and alkaline blending
Formulated blends
Solvent blends
Emulsification
Homogenisation
And more…
For more information about our contract & toll service, please get in touch.
At Libra Speciality Chemicals, we are serious about continually improving employee safety, reducing workplace risks, and creating better, safer working conditions, which is why we are pleased to announce that we have upgraded our ISO 18001 accreditation to ISO 45001 accreditation.
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is an independent, non-governmental organization with a membership of 162 national standards bodies. Through its members, ISO brings together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market-relevant International Standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges. It is the globally recognised system for the control of occupational health and safety and enables us to improve our occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system. This helps us manage our OH&S risks and improve our OH&S performance by developing and implementing effective policies and objectives.
ISO 45001 is the new safety management system and aligns with the 2015 updates to our ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditations: focusing heavily on top-down management and engagement. These accreditations only help to boost our health and safety culture, whereby our employees are encouraged to take an active role in their own OH&S. High-quality safety management is a priority for all of us at Libra Speciality Chemicals.
For more information about Libra Speciality Chemicals and the products we offer, please get in touch with a member of our sales team.
Libra Speciality Chemicals are delighted to announce that we have had great success at last night’s Chemicals Northwest Awards! We were overjoyed to see that our International Sales Manager, Anna Holroyd, won the Young Talent in the Chemical Industry Award! Our Marketing Executive, Jacob Wylde, was also “highly commended” for this award.
Young Talent in the Chemical Industry Award 2021
It gives us great pleasure to say that this category was dominated by the talented young individuals at Libra Speciality Chemicals with the Young Talent in the Chemical Industry Award being won by our International Sales Manager, Anna Holroyd.
Throughout 2020, Anna excelled in her role as an internal account coordinator. In September, impressed with her performance, commercial acumen and drive, the management team awarded Anna her second internal promotion to become the new International Sales Manager at Libra. Anna has already made great strides into the International Market, proven by her acceptance of the International Trade Award on behalf of the company.
A special commendation was also given to our Marketing Executive, Jacob Wylde. Jacob was hired by Libra Speciality Chemicals to conduct a placement year in industry as part of his university course. However, he soon exceeded the expectations of a placement student and affirmed himself as a crucial part of the commercial department thanks to his skills in marketing. With no previous experience in the chemical industry, Jacob quickly adapted to this new challenge and had an immediate positive effect on the company’s online presence and has continued to revolutionise Libra’s marketing strategy.
Also shortlisted as a finalist was our incredible young engineer Sahd Hussain. Sahd joined Libra whilst studying for an MEng in Chemical Engineering with Energy at the University of Sheffield to complete a Year in Industry as part of his degree. Upon arrival, Sahd made an immediate impact in the Engineering department, by enthusiastically taking on any project or challenge faced and is now a valued member of the team. Using his skills in chemical engineering, Sahd has had a positive impact on site and is assisting in delivering a major capital project here at Libra.
For more information about Libra Speciality Chemicals and the products we offer, please get in touch with a member of our sales team.
Libra Speciality Chemicals are delighted to announce that we have had great success at last night’s Chemicals Northwest Awards! We were overjoyed to receive the International Trade Award!
As well as accepting the International Trade Award, our International Sales Manager, Anna Holroyd, also won the Young Talent in the Chemical Industry Award! Our brilliant Marketing Executive, Jacob Wylde, was also “highly commended” for this award.
International Trade Award 2021
Due to global travel restrictions, Libra has cherished the value of digital interaction and have made the unique transition to virtual customer meetings and business reviews. Despite the challenge of time differences and lack of face-to-face interaction, Libra has strived to establish new relationships as well as nurture existing ones. Challenging impersonal email communications, our International Sales Manager, Anna Holroyd, virtually introduced our customers to different members of the team who would have otherwise not travelled with her for in-person meetings, enabling all parties to put a face to the name!
Anna has also attended multiple digital exhibitions, including Sepawa and Chemspec, to discover new markets and promote the Libra brand in new territories; taking the opportunity to network with new contacts and meet with existing contacts, further building relationships.
Anna attended multiple webinars offered through the digital exhibition platform to strengthen her market knowledge and learn about new and upcoming trends. This information has not only proven invaluable for Libra’s distributors, but has also allowed the marketing team to produce informative direct marketing content.
We at Libra are extremely proud of Anna’s hard work in the international market and are over the moon with this award.
We would like to thank everyone involved in planning the Chemicals Northwest award ceremony. We may not have been able to celebrate as we would in a pre-covid world, but we all had a very enjoyable evening, nonetheless.
For more information about Libra Speciality Chemicals and the products we offer, please get in touch with a member of our sales team.
Libra Speciality Chemicals are delighted to announce that we are 50 years old this month and growing at a faster rate than at any time in our history.
In the last 10 years we have tripled our turnover, doubled our workforce and invested >£10m in new chemistry, technology, talent and manufacturing capability and we are privileged to supply our products to customers all around the globe.
So, what about the next 50 years?
Our intensive investments continue, and we decided that it would be great to refresh our branding to reflect our sophisticated and technologically advanced business as we head through the 2020’s.
Our new logo features a contemporary design, incorporating our commitment to Green Chemistry and environmental sustainability, integrated with the oval of our previous logo in homage to our long history. The colour scheme is shared with our sister company, Expac (Preston) Ltd, helping to create brand synergy with a consistent look across the GRI Group’s manufacturing businesses.
Our Chairman & CEO, Graham Royle, had this to say about our exciting re-brand:
“I am delighted today to launch Libra’s new brand and I hope you will enjoy the new breath of life we are creating for our future.”
– Graham Royle, Chairman & CEO, GRI Group Ltd.
For more information about Libra Speciality Chemicals and the products we offer, please get in touch with a member of our sales team.
At Libra Speciality Chemicals we aim to provide a total chemical manufacturing and supply solution to meet your company’s needs. Libra can provide a bespoke chemical manufacturing and supply solution service to an extensive range of industries around the globe. We are an official BCMPA member, a UK association for contract and toll manufacturers, meaning we are experts in providing efficient and cost-effective toll manufacturing solutions for businesses. For over 40 years we have honed and enhanced our expertise in the chemical industry, acquiring multiple accreditations, including top tier COMAH, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 9000:2015, ISO18001:2007 and EFfCI (European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients).
Reaction Facilities
We currently have 15 reactors of 316 s/s construction available in a range of capacities from 10m3 to 30m3, pressure ratings to 5 bar and full vacuum with steam and thermal oil heating. ATEX equipment and Zone 1 design enables us to process a wide range of chemical reactions subject to REACH authorisation.
Reactions we currently perform:
Neutralisation
Amidation
Phosphation
Sulphamation
Saponification
Esterification
Oxidation
Carboxylation
Sulphation
Imidazolines
A selection of 10, 14, 25 and 30m³ reactors gives a total of 135m³ of high-pressure reaction capacity with ratings up to 5 Bar and full vacuum.
Features
Variable speed agitation throughout with anchor, axial and turbine impellers.
Heating with steam up to 150°C and 300°C with thermal oil.
QVF vacuum distillation with receiver vessels, and atmospheric water-cooling systems.
Activated carbon and acid/alkali scrubber systems.
Vessel reaction monitoring systems to ensure complete control during production.
For more information about our contract & toll service, please get in touch.
At Libra Speciality Chemicals we aim to provide a total chemical manufacturing and supply solution to meet your company’s needs. Libra can provide a bespoke chemical manufacturing and supply solution service to an extensive range of industries around the globe. We are an official BCMPA member, a UK association for contract and toll manufacturers, meaning we are experts in providing efficient and cost-effective toll manufacturing solutions for businesses. For over 40 years we have honed and enhanced our expertise in the chemical industry, acquiring multiple accreditations, including top tier COMAH, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 9000:2015, ISO18001:2007 and EFfCI (European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients).
Here at Libra, we operate 15 general-purpose mixing vessels of 316 s/s as well as rubber-lined construction vessels. These range in capacity from 2.5m³ up to 60m³. We offer high shear mixing, heating, cooling and nitrogen ring main, meaning we can offer a full range of mixing services for aqueous and solvent blends.
In this plant we currently perform:
Homogenisation
Solubilisation
Neutralisation
Solids dispersions
Acid and alkaline blending
Formulated blends
Solvent blends
Emulsification
We offer extensive shearing and mixing capabilities including a 55Kw duplex shearer for high solids dispersions. Atmospheric temperature cooling systems with Steam heating up to 150°C and bulk solids handling lead to a comprehensive mixing and dispersing capability.
For more information about our contract & toll service, please get in touch.
At Libra Speciality Chemicals, we place great importance in the development of our personnel. We strive to support our existing workforce through a multitude of training and coaching programmes no matter what sector of the business they operate in.
An excellent example of this is the training currently being undertaken by Simone Hickey, a member of our finance department. Simone is currently studying for a CIMA qualification to become a Chartered Accountant whilst working at the company. Simone is progressing excellently with her CIMA qualification and is delighted that Libra are supporting her studies.
“Working whilst studying goes hand in hand, as I can apply the theory directly to practice especially within the management accounting tasks, I currently undertake. I have already learnt so much about costings and stock which is something I had not previously had experience within the service sector, which has improved my understanding of costings and the importance of stock. I am excited to delve further into the second level of the exam syllabus and gain more understanding of setting budgets and looking at variances against forecasts and actual results.”
– Simone Hickey, Accountant.
Furthermore, long-standing buyer, Melanie Nunn, is in the process of becoming a member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS). CIPS, as the professional body for the procurement and supply profession, is using its global standard, network, education, expertise, and charter for public good to ensure that procurement and supply chain professionals like Mel have the capabilities and responsibility to deliver sustainability goals.
For more information about Libra Speciality Chemicals, or any of our products, please get in touch with a member of our sales team.
Libranox AO12/14 is compatible with a variety of surfactants and provides excellent viscosity control, foam boosting, and grease-cutting properties in many formulations. Libranox AO12/14 exhibits synergistic effects when formulated into both anionic and non-ionic surfactant systems. It is also stable in both acidic and alkaline formulations. Additionally, Libranox AO12/14 creates dense clinging foam when injected into highly alkaline surface cleaners.
Uses of Libranox AO12/14
Libranox AO 12/14 can be applied to cleaning products, they perform as excellent detergents, as well as providing excellent foam boosting and foam stabilising properties. It is often used to provide viscosity and strong cleaning powers and is extensively used with both sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide to produce bleach-based products. The series produces a dense, stable foam which can be used in the formulation of high alkalinity cleaning compounds. It is used in industrial cleaning, once the product is sprayed on to contaminated equipment the amine oxide allows for excellent adhesion to the surface, providing an extended dwell time as required.
Why you should choose Libranox AO12/14
Features microbiologically pure (high purity) water.
Undetectable levels of residual nitrosamine (<50ppb), which is classed as a carcinogen.
Crystal clear ‘water-white’ product, ensuring there is no need for extra colourant in the finished formulation.
Very low free amine <0.5% (industry norm is <1.0%), meaning the product has lower irritancy.
Low residual hydrogen peroxide. <800ppm (industry norm is <1500ppm).
Packaging
Libranox AO12/14 is available in 200kg drums, 1000 kg IBCs and bulk road tankers.
For more information about Libranox AO 12/14 or any other products in the Libranox range, please get in touch with a member of our sales team.
Libra Speciality Chemicals are delighted to announce that we have cut ground on our latest multi-million-pound capital investment programme in Irlam, UK, continuing our commitment to the future of the UK chemical industry.
Following on from the construction of our industry-leading betaine plant in 2019, we are now:
Installing new technology to produce novel low salt betaines.
Expanding the betaine plant capacity from 32ktpa to 50ktpa to meet demand.
Low Salt Betaines
With the rapidly increasing shift away from sulphates, our customers are seeking to formulate handwash, body wash and hair care products with alternative surfactants that give better efficacy.
Sulphates, such as SLES, are increasingly suffering from negative press and increasing legislation concerned with residual levels of 1,4 dioxane, ethylene oxide and also sulphate. There are also other reasons why formulators want to move away from SLES – it is a skin sensitiser, it can cause the skin to become dry, it can strip out oils in the hair leaving it dry and damaged and it can affect dyed hair.
Betaines are well known for excellent detergency and foam boosting properties and do not suffer from the problems listed for SLES. However, standard betaines contain c6% salt, which causes major issues with viscosity control in formulations, limiting the inclusion levels to c2%.
Libra’s new technology will produce betaines with ultra-low salt levels, typically 0.5% salt (but can even be 0.05%), giving formulators great freedom to include betaines at 10 -12%, offering the opportunity to make fantastic new products for the coming years.
Capital Investment
This project will include:
An additional 40,000-litre reactor to make the betaine CAPA intermediate (cocamidopropylamine).
An additional 60,000-litre reactor to make the finished betaine products.
A new high-capacity tank farm, adding an additional 865,000 litres of storage for products, and weighbridge complex dedicated to our betaine plant.
A complex system of plant to desalt the betaines to produce an exciting new range of low salt betaines available for formulators.
For more information about Libra Speciality Chemicals and the products we offer, please get in touch with a member of our sales team.
Phosphate esters are based on alcohols, aromatic ethoxylates or alcohol ethoxylates. The Libraphos series of free-acid phosphate esters from Libra Speciality Chemicals are anionic surfactants, suitable for use in a wide range of applications and industries. The Libraphos series of free acid phosphate esters are 100% active anionic surfactants.
Libraphos phosphate esters are manufactured by either a polyphosphoric acid route giving predominantly monoesters or by a phosphorous pentoxide route to give predominantly di-esters. These phosphate esters can then be neutralised to achieve a variety of salts. The Libraphos series of surfactants may be used in several applications due to their stability at high temperatures or in acidic or alkaline conditions. These attributes offer significant advantages over other surfactants.
Why choose Libraphos Phosphate Esters
Boasting a broad range of performance functions, products in the Libraphos portfolio are designed to give specific properties, depending on the hydrophobe, phosphating agent and molar ratios used. These properties can determine the selection of Libraphos products for use, for example, in hydrotropes, corrosion inhibitors, lubricants and antistatics.
Products from the Libraphos Series may be selected to perform a range of functions including:
Detergency
Emulsification
Foaming
Dispersing
Wetting
Antifoaming
Packaging
All products in the Libraphos series are available in 200kg drums, 1000kg IBCs and bulk road tankers.
For more information about Libraphos or to request a technical data sheet, please get in touch with a member of our sales team.
At Libra Speciality Chemicals we aim to provide a total chemical manufacturing and supply solution to meet your company’s needs.
Libra can provide a bespoke chemical manufacturing and supply solution service to an extensive range of industries around the globe. We are an official BCMPA member, a UK association for contract and toll manufacturers,meaning we are experts in providing efficient and cost-effective toll manufacturing solutions for businesses. For over 40 years we have honed and enhanced our expertise in the chemical industry, acquiring multiple accreditations, including top tier COMAH, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 9000:2015, ISO18001:2007 and EFfCI (European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients).
Our team of specialists tailor the process for each of our customer’s requirements to achieve a cost-effective technical and production process solution. Our contract & toll customers obtain comprehensive support from our processing, commercial, technical, regulatory compliance, and logistics departments; we believe our high standard of customer service is key to achieving performance and quality.
Our contract and toll customers operate in a variety of industries, including:
Personal Care and Beauty Care
HI&I
Oil & Gas
Agrochemicals
Water Treatment
Metalworking
Pharmaceutical
All our Contract and Toll services are undertaken with the strictest confidence, including NDAs when required. These services include:
Reaction Facilities
Mixing, Blending and Dispersion Facilities
Wax and Oil Dispersion Facilities
Solids Handling, Mixing and Repacking Facilities
Contract Filling and Packing
Bulk Storage Facilities
Bespoke Plant Installations
Filtration and Product Improvement initiatives
Laboratory QC and Product Development
Contract filling and packing
Our flexible material handling, storage and packing service means we can package materials into a range of containers; from 5 litre packs up to bulk tankers using our filling stations. Our site is fully equipped to receive and dispatch bulk materials using our on-site weighbridge and loading systems.
In addition to this, we provide many value-added services to support our customers, including transportation services, an environmentally friendly waste management programme, warehousing, regulatory and compliance management services.
For more information about our contract & toll service, please get in touch with a member of our sales team.
Libra Speciality Chemicals are the proud distributor of Tensachem’s range of market-leading anionic surfactants in the UK. With a wide range of products that complement Libra’s own range of manufactured surfactants, our enduring partnership with Tensachem is one which brings fantastic value to our customers.
Belgium-based Tensachem has been a major European producer of anionic surfactants used in the personal care, home care and industrial sectors for more than 50 years. Their product portfolio finds a wide range of applications in hair care, skincare and cleansing, as well as in the home care sector for liquid and powder detergents.
One of the most popular Tensachem product ranges we offer is Tensagex, a solution of sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES) based on natural alcohol and containing 27% or 70% active, high or low pH, preserved or unpreserved, depending on the variant. Tensagex is used in soap & bath products, hair products, skincare, colour cosmetics, fragrances, homecare and cleaning industries.
The Tensopol range of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) is often used in conjunction with SLES and can be used in a variety of applications including personal care, hard surface cleaners, disinfectants, carpet cleaning, hand gel cleaners and foam cleaners.
For more information about our partnership with Tensachem or any of the products they offer, please get in touch with a member of our sales team.
At Libra Speciality Chemicals we pride ourselves on being adaptable enough to cater to all our customers’ needs. Our formula for success has been, and will continue to be total customer satisfaction; it is the driving force behind everything we do.
A great example of this is our longstanding Kosher Passover certification. We operate a 55,000-litre reactor that is Kosher Passover certified, allowing us to manufacture Kosher products for global distribution. We enjoy working with BIR Badatz to ensure that all regulations are met in order for our products to be classified as Kosher Passover.
Rabbi Danny Moore from BIR Badatz commented “We have built up an excellent working relationship with Libra over the years. We at BIR Badatz are very proud to be providing Kosher certification of the highest standard to Libra thus enabling them to sell their world-class products to companies producing world-famous brands. This gives them a well-deserved edge over their competitors. Clients often say if you can do Kosher then you can do anything.”
Hanukkah Sameach!
For more information about our Kosher capabilities, please get in touch with a member of our sales team.
The Libracare APG series are a range of non-ionic surfactants derived from 100% renewable raw materials, like fatty alcohols from coconut and palm kernel oils, and glucose from corn. These products are very mild, low in toxicity and readily biodegradable. The synergistic effects of LibraCare APG series combined with other commonly used surfactants yield a performance improvement that can be the basis for a reduction of surfactant content, whilst maintaining performance level.
Our Libracare APG range features excellent wetting and dispersing properties as well as being able to produce a rich and stable foam. Our products are compatible with all other types of surfactants which often results in synergistic effects including an improvement in the mildness of formulations; they are also stable and soluble in highly caustic systems.
Libracare Products
Libracare product variants include:
APG 06
APG 08
APG 0810
APG 0814
APG 1214
Applications of LibraCare
LibraCare’s excellent compatibility with other surfactants, low toxicity, low skin irritation and biodegradability makes them useful components to use in products that need stable foam, low streaking, and no filmy residue. LibraCare APGs excel in the following fields:
Personal Care Shampoo – body wash, creams & lotions.
HI&I Cleaning – household, hard surface, all-purpose, machine dishwashing.
Libra Speciality Chemicals have been the proud distributor of Kolb’s range of ethoxylates in the UK for an impressive 35 years. With a wide range of products that complement Libra’s own range of manufactured surfactants, our enduring partnership with Kolb is one which brings tremendous value to our customers.
Kolb is part of the multinational company KLK (Kuala Lumpur Kepong) and manufactures non-ionic surfactants, paper process chemicals and chemical intermediates. The company processes natural and synthetic raw materials into high-quality products at its production sites in Switzerland and the Netherlands.
Kolb produces chemicals for multiple industries, including home care, pharmaceutical, water treatment, paper, and performance chemicals. They manufacture a number of non-ionic surfactants based on both natural and synthetic alcohols, as well as other speciality non-ionic surfactants. Kolb also produces several anionic and catatonic surfactants. Their newest product range, Greenbentin™, features an excellent range of non-ionic surfactants based on natural alcohols. Their most popular range, however, is their Imbentin series of non-ionic surfactants based on synthetic alcohols. These products are formulated by customers in final products like detergents and shampoos, agricultural and construction chemicals, textile, pulp and paper products, lubricants, and metalworking fluids.
For more information about our partnership with Kolb or any of the products they offer, please get in touch with a member of our sales team.
Libratex MS3 is suitable for use in a wide range of personal care applications, due to it being naturally based. It generates a very dense foam which makes it an ideal component for use in shampoo, foam bath and body wash formulations. Libratex MS3 produces a very mild product that is kind to skin and reduces eye irritation, making it the perfect anionic surfactant for use in the personal care industry.
Recommended inclusion levels are in the range of 2 – 20% depending on the application.
Packaging
Libratex MS3 is available in 200 kg drums and 1000 kg IBC’s.
For more information about Libratex MS3 and its uses, or to request a technical data sheet, please get in touch with a member of our sales team.
If you’re looking for a non-ionic surfactant that is compatible with most surfactant types to incorporate into your products, Libranol CDG is exactly what you need. Libranol is a high-quality alkanolamine, a chemical compound that contains amino (-NH, -NHR, and -NR) and hydroxyl (-OH). The compound is a viscous liquid which produces moderate foam, as well as excellent wetting and thickening properties making it useful for a variety of applications.
It has applications within the personal care industry, in products such as shampoo and other soaps; as well as a variety of cleaning products in the household, industrial, and institutional cleaning sectors due to its foam boosting, stabilising and viscosity modifying effects when used with ether sulphates and other anionic surfactants in liquid formulations. Libranol CDG is also an excellent solubilising agent for perfumes and essential oils.
Packaging
Libranol CDG is available in 200kg drums, 1000kg IBCs and bulk road tanker.
For more information about Libranol CDG and its uses, or to request a technical data sheet, please get in touch with a member of our sales team.
The UK Department for International Trade, supported by ChemUK, is launching its own virtual chemical trade show this year. Libra Speciality Chemicals are pleased to announce that we will be attending this digital exhibition, UK ChemOnline, this November 19th-20th. Despite the postponement of many in-person exhibitions due to the Covid-19 outbreak, we can still offer consumers the opportunity to learn more about our products thanks to UK ChemOnline.
Chem UK stated, “We are pleased to offer a virtual booth for up to 100 UK companies to showcase their products and services and also to hold meetings with other UK chemical companies, representatives from DIT offices in British Embassies, Consulates and High Commission across the globe; as well as potential overseas buyers.”
Libra’s chemical experts will be able to give you advice and information on the applications for any of our products. Visitor registration for UK ChemOnline is now open; if you don’t yet have your tickets for this exciting event, you can find them here:
Libramul IPA is a high-quality anionic surfactant that can be used in a variety of industries. It is an amine salt and functions as an emulsifying agent for organic solvents, waxes, and mineral oils. In an agricultural setting, Libramul IPA performs as an excellent emulsifiable concentrate and suspension concentrate. This makes Libramul IPA great at emulsifying pesticides. This product can also be used in cleaning products. It is especially suitable for the manufacture of emulsion degreasers and kerosene-based hand cleaning gels. Libramul IPA excels at providing cleaning power in non-aqueous formulations.
Packaging
Libramul IPA is available in 200kg drums, 1000kg IBCs and bulk road tankers.
For more information about Libramul IPA and its uses, or to request a technical data sheet, please get in touch with a member of our sales team.
Libra Speciality Chemicals are pleased to announce that we will be attending the Chemspec Digital exhibition this November 11th-12th. Despite the postponement of Chemspec Europe due to the Covid-19 outbreak, we can still offer consumers the opportunity to learn more about our products thanks to Chemspec Digital.
Chemspec Digital 2020 is a new online meeting place for the global fine and speciality chemicals community. The platform offers participants matchmaking facilities to conduct business meetings as well as webinars and further digital content for the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
Chemspec Digital 2020 is a two-day event packed with interactive opportunities to meet, conduct business, discover innovative substances and hear about trends and developments all on a specifically designed digital platform.
Libra’s chemical experts will be able to give you advice and information on the applications for any of our products. Visitor registration for Chemspec Digital 2020 opens on 28th October 2020 and is free-of-charge until two days before the event. If you don’t yet have your tickets for this exciting event, you can find them here: https://www.chemspeceurope.com/2021/english/digital-2020/register/.
To celebrate National Chemistry Week, we at Libra would like to detail our positive impact on the chemical industry and what we have achieved in just under half a century since we started our mission to be a leading UK chemical manufacturer and global distributor of surfactants and speciality industrial chemicals.
Since our founding, we have been setting the standards in the provision of high-quality products and services to the chemical industry. Our formula for success has been and will continue to be total customer satisfaction; it is the driving force behind everything we do.
Libra Speciality Chemicals have been providing high-quality products and services to the chemical industry since 1971. Since then, we have invested heavily in continuous improvements, including a 5-acre site and several major multimillion capital investment programmes to build a World Class plant, laboratories, warehouses, and offices to meet the growing demands of our customers.
We continue to implement an impressive strategy of more chemistry on the plant, serving more industries in more geographies. As such, Libra products can be found all over the world in diverse applications ranging from shampoo to oil extraction!
In doing so, we pay close attention to protecting our people and the environment, as well as looking after quality and service. As such, we are accredited to OHSAS18000, ISO14001, ISO9001, EFfCi, RSPO and we operate a highly controlled Top Tier COMAH site.
We believe that we have an obligation to make a positive contribution to society by minimising any negative impacts our operations have on the environment. Our commitment to the environment is longstanding and we are busy implementing numerous anti-pollution initiatives, both on-site and in the chemistry of our products. For example, 100% of our electricity supply is from renewable energy, certified with a zero-emissions rating.
For more information about Libra Speciality Chemicals and the products we offer, please get in touch with a member of our sales team.
Our outstanding Libranone series contains a range of non-ionic surfactant dilutions alongside a number of formulated products for use in a wide range of industrial applications including:
Pigment dispersants
Inks and coatings
Agriculture
Building & Construction
HI&I Cleaning
We have a continued commitment to reducing pollution at Libra Speciality Chemicals and as such, our range of Libranone products are a more environmentally acceptable alternative to commonly used alkyl phenol ethoxylates.
Why chose Libra Speciality Chemicals to manufacture your Non-Ionic Ethoxylates
Here at Libra, we offer a range of bespoke formulations to suit your needs. Based on aqueous and solvent dilutions; we can lower the pour point and reduce the tendency to separate at low temperatures. This is particularly useful where products have high melting points and can be difficult to handle during wintery conditions. At this time of year, this feature is certainly useful.
Libranone product variants include: 9 Series, C Series,12/14 series,13 series, EA series, LF series, P4 series
For more information about our range of Libranone Non-Ionic Ethoxylates, or to request a technical data sheet, please get in touch with a member of our sales team.
Libra Speciality Chemicals’ Libradet formulated products utilise a synergetic blend of surfactants and foam stabilisers. Libradet has an excellent ability to create a high foaming product with a consistent bubble size. This feature makes Libradet an exemplary choice for the production of lightweight foamed concrete. Inclusion of Libradet 40 in concrete blends can assist in the creation of high-quality, low-cost, and lightweight concrete beams, blocks, and panels. This, however, is not the only application for our versatile range of products.
Our Libradet series can also be used in:
Detergent and cleaning chemical concentrates
Pigment Dispersants
Inks & Coatings
Construction
Why Libradet?
Products in the Libradet series contain a range of formulated ingredients for use in a wide range of applications. We often develop these products with customers to fulfil the specific requirements of their application. Libra offers a varied range of Performance Concentrates to assist customers in the handling of individual raw materials and complex processes. Based on aqueous and solvent formulations these products can be diluted and easily used.
For more information about our range of Libradet formulated products, please get in touch with a member of our sales team.
Winter is well and truly here, with snow being regularly forecast across the country; this means only one thing for your car. Salty, gritted, messy roads and fallen foliage leaving dirty marks on your paintwork and wheels.
Libra Speciality Chemical’s high-quality car wash and rinse formula delivers a next-level cleaning experience with unrivalled results. It is highly effective at breaking down dirt and road grime, without the need for harsh chemicals.
Furthermore, it leaves a glossy, water repellent finish, with no need for handwashing. Using a combination of our own speciality chemicals, we can help to ensure that your vehicle will look cleaner than ever!
For more information about our premium car wash & rinse formula, please get in touch with a member of our sales team.
At Libra Speciality Chemicals, we aim to provide the highest level of customer service and product quality in the global surfactants industry. Alongside this, we always strive to nurture and develop our internal talent, which is why we are pleased to announce that there have been three internal promotions this week at the Libra offices. We firmly believe that these internal promotions will further enhance our ability to achieve our goals and put more emphasis on our key focus of being a Commercially driven, Customer focussed business.
This series of internal promotions see Dr Rob Wiles promoted to the newly created role of Technical Services Director. Upon receiving his promotion, Rob stated: “I am very honoured and flattered to be appointed the new Technical Services Director at Libra Speciality Chemicals Ltd and I am looking forward to developing and growing the business with a fantastic team of people.”
Former International Sales Manager, Jon Dutton, has been promoted to the newly created role of Director of Sales & Marketing. In this new role, Jon will oversee the full commercial process, ensuring that Libra continue to provide superior customer service. Jon said “I’m very thankful for being given the opportunity to lead and inspire the commercial team at Libra. I’m delighted to be taking on the challenge and showcasing Libra’s core values, providing world-class service, and promoting market-leading products.”
Finally, Anna Holroyd has been promoted to International Sales Manager. Despite only being part of the Libra family for a short amount of time, Anna excelled in her previous role in the company, earning herself a well-deserved promotion. “I am extremely thrilled to have been promoted to International Sales Manager at Libra Speciality Chemicals” Anna stated upon receiving her promotion. “I am honoured to work for a company who nurture and develop internal talent and am looking forward to the future whilst continuing to drive Libra’s global strategy.”
For more information about Libra Speciality Chemicals and the products we offer, please visit our website, or get in touch with a member of our team.
Librasan hand sanitiser gel is formulated to effectively cleanse hands and kill 99.99% of bacteria as well as many types of viruses that may be lingering on the surface of the skin, including Covid-19.
Libra offers 2 variants in our product range, each containing 70% alcohol for effective sanitisation. This concentration will kill many types of virus by dissolving their fat membranes and destroying the protein envelope that surrounds some viruses, including coronavirus. It also kills 99.99% of bacteria.
Librasan 70B
Librasan 70B is our standard hand sanitiser formulation, containing 70% v/v ethanol. It has been thoroughly tested against the BS EN 1276:2019, BS EN 1500:2013 and BS EN 14476 standards for antimicrobial and antiviral efficacy for Hand Rub Products. This formula meets the 5 decimal logarithm reduction under simulated clean or dirty conditions within the relevant contact time.
Librasan 70E
Librasan 70E is our premium formulation containing 70% w/w ethanol and has also been tested against the BS EN 1276:2019 and BS EN 1500:2013 and BS EN 14476 standards for antimicrobial and antiviral efficacy for Hand Rub Products. Librasan 70E also contains glycerine and Vitamin E, is an effective moisturiser and has antioxidant properties that help to prevent skin damage and strengthen the body’s natural defences to prevent illness and infection.
Pack Formats & Other Variants
Librasan hand sanitisers can be supplied in either bulk tankers or 1,000 Litre IBC’s for easy decanting into smaller packaging.
We can also arrange for our sister company, Expac (Preston) Ltd, to pack off the sanitiser for you into 100ml – 5,000ml pack formats.
We are open to discussing manufacturing other ethanol concentrations, such as 75%, subject to cost-effective volumes.
For more information about our high alcohol hand sanitiser, please get in touch.
Libra Speciality Chemicals is pleased to announce that we will be attending the SEPAWA Congress exhibition in Berlin this October 28th– 30th.
The annual SEPAWA Congress is the most significant meeting point of the detergents, cleansers, cosmetics, and fragrance industry in Europe. In the exhibition area, over 300 companies from 60 different countries present their latest products, trends, and wide-ranging know-how.
There will also be a selection of lectures available for all attendees. The lecture programme will cover several different topics in the areas referred to above. In more than 150 interesting and diversified lectures and poster presentations, international experts share their latest research findings and innovative developments.
The ever-popular after event and countless networking possibilities round off the framework of the congress and give you the opportunity to establish and expand business and personal contacts.
Libra’s chemical experts will be able to give you advice and information on the applications for any of our products. We will be showcasing our products through a series of samples, along with technical data sheets and leaflets.
Libra Speciality Chemicals are proud to announce that our business is backed by electricity generated from renewable sources.
At Libra, we have had a longstanding commitment to minimising any negative impacts our operations have on the environment. In addition to our current environmental policy, we can now announce that 100% of our electricity supply from EDF Energy is backed by renewable energy. EDF energy’s renewable electricity options have allowed us to ensure our electricity supply is backed by certified renewable generation sources which all have a zero-emissions rating.
Now that increasingly innovative and cost-effective ways to capture and retain wind and solar energy are available, renewable energy sources have become a more viable power source for our company. At Libra, we have made it our mission to be environmentally friendly in every aspect of our organisation and minimising any negative effect our business has on the environment is extremely important to us.
For more information on our environmental policy, please get in touch with our Regulatory & Quality Officer or visit our website.
Email: Susan.Elliott@librachem.co.uk
Tel: 0161 667 0392
Web: www.librachem.co.uk
Keep an eye out for further updates about our 2020 anti-pollution campaign on our social media channels.
At Libra, we passionately believe that business can be a force for positive change. Moreover, we believe that we have an obligation to make a positive contribution to society by minimising any negative impacts our operations have on the environment. Our commitment to the environment is longstanding, we have been accredited to the ISO 14001 for over 10 years.
“ISO 14001 has become the international standard for designing and implementing an environmental management system. The standard is published by ISO (the International Organization for Standardization), an international body that creates and distributes standards that are accepted worldwide. The most recent version of the environmental management system requirements was published in 2015 and is referred to as “ISO 14001:2015.” The standard was agreed upon by a majority of member countries before being released and updated, and as such it has become an internationally recognized standard accepted by many countries around the world.” (Advisera, 2020) This framework introduces company policies to help organisations improve their environmental performance, reduce waste, and improve their resource efficiency.
At Libra, we have made it our mission to be environmentally friendly in every aspect of our organisation. We aim to minimise the effect our business has on the environment and to ensure ongoing compliance with the ISO 14001 standard by conducting regular internal and external audits and abiding by a policy of continuous improvement. The ISO 14001 accreditation enables us to work toward better processes and reduced environmental impacts in a systematic way.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with our Regulatory & Quality Officer or visit our website.
Email: Susan.Elliott@librachem.co.uk
Tel: 0161 667 0392
Web: www.librachem.co.uk
Keep an eye out for further updates about our 2020 anti-pollution campaign on our social media channels.
Ensuring ongoing REACH compliance and uninterrupted continuity of supply to our UK/EU customers
Libra Speciality Chemicals is legally based in the UK, importing and exporting products throughout Europe, and as such we wish to ensure that suppliers, customers and interested parties in the UK and the rest of Europe are fully informed of our plans to remain fully compliant with EU REACH and also the emerging UK chemical regulatory scheme, during this transitional period.
On 22 November 2018, a draft Withdrawal Agreement was reached between the UK and the EU, which included a commitment for the UK and the EU to explore the possibility of cooperation between UK authorities and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The details of these commitments are not yet clear, however, the UK and the EU both recognise the mutual benefits of the UK remaining in the EU REACH system, or a UK version thereof.
To take effect, the agreement now needs to be ratified by both sides and, based on our current understanding of the political situation in the UK, we hope that this will occur soon. If the draft Withdrawal Agreement is not ratified, the UK Government has said that it will create a UK REACH Regulation, which initially will be a “copy and paste” of the EU REACH regulation. All products supplied by Libra are fully EU REACH compliant and we intend to maintain this position after Brexit.
Our contingency plan to ensure ongoing REACH compliance and full, uninterrupted continuity of supply to our UK/EU customers.
In the event of a ‘no-deal Brexit’ or a position in which the UK falls outside of the EU customs union, Libra has identified and prepared a contract with an EU Only Representative (“OR”). In this event, a transfer of our REACH registrations to our European based OR will occur in a timely manner relative to the date of the UK exiting the EU (or during a subsequent transition period, should this be implemented by the EU & ECHA authorities).
Based on currently available information provided by the UK authorities, a new UK chemicals regulatory system will require all chemicals placed on the UK market to be registered using a new UK IT system. Initially, all EU REACH registrations currently held by UK companies will be carried across (“Grandfathered”) into the UK system. Accordingly, we are working very closely with our non-UK suppliers to ensure that in the event of either a ‘no-deal Brexit’ or transitional agreement scenario all relevant chemicals imported by Libra into the UK will be supported under the new UK regulatory system.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with our Regulatory & Quality Officer.
The Libranox series of amine oxides perform as excellent detergents, as well as providing foam boosting and foam stabilising properties. They are often used to provide viscosity and possess strong cleaning powers as they excel at grease emulsification and soil suspension. The series produces a dense, stable foam which can be used in the formulation of high alkalinity cleaning compounds. It performs exceptionally when used in industrial cleaning; once the product is sprayed on to contaminated surfaces, the amine oxide allows for excellent adhesion to the surface, providing an extended dwell time. Libranox products are extensively used with both sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide to produce bleach-based products.
Industry-leading amine oxide
Libranox amine oxides exhibit synergistic effects when combined with anionic and other non-ionic surfactants. For example, when used in combination with anionic sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES) it increases its detergency effect. The product is a low residual hydrogen peroxide, less than 800ppm, whilst the industry norm is 1500ppm. The finished product has a crystal clear ‘water white’ appearance, ensuring no need for additional colourant in the finished formulation.
As well as surface cleaners, Libranox has several additional applications including:
Bubble baths
Hair conditioners & shampoos
Dishwasher detergents
Laundry detergents
All-purpose cleaning agents
Liquid Bleach products
Foam stabilisers in rubber and polymer industries
High or low foaming capabilities
To find out more about the Libranox range, please visit our website or contact a member of our sales team.
To minimise pollution, Libra Speciality Chemicals can outsource their IBCs and drums to be reconditioned or recycled, instead of sending them to waste disposal or landfill sites. IBC and Drum reconditioning is the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for the storage and transportation of chemicals.
The process of IBC and Drum reconditioning consists of cleaning, sanitising and leak testing the inner bottle and any lids as well as replacing the valves and gaskets on the container. Damaged IBCs and drums cannot be reconditioned; however, they can still be recycled in the most appropriate method, either by shredding, crushing or granulation.
Libra Specialty Chemicals’ IBC and drum conditioning partner are located within a mile from our site, thus minimising transportation fuel emissions.
“More than ever It is critical that we tackle the waste pollution issue around consumer packaging, partnering with sustainable container companies to recondition our IBCs and drums is something that we are proud to achieve.”
– Company Statement
We offer a collection service where your IBCs and drums can be collected free of charge.
If you would like to find out more information about IBC and Drum collection, please contact us.
At Libra Speciality Chemicals we have worked uninterrupted through the lockdown since March as we manufacture essential sanitisers and surfactants for cleansing products to help the fight against Covid-19.
In doing so, we rapidly implemented a stringent hygiene regime and social distancing in our offices and factories, as well as arranging home working for as many employees as possible.
The government has caught up with new Covid-19 workplace regulations and we have added these to our ongoing measures to ensure best practice.
These measures are in place to help prevent and reduce transmission amongst employees to keep them safe at work, and to maintain a healthy business operation and a healthy work environment.
Our priorities are apparent: to secure the wellbeing of our employees, customers, suppliers, business partners and other stakeholders by responding to the outbreak and taking appropriate actions, whilst continuing to provide the best service for our customers.
Our Covid-19 prevention in the workplace response identifies all areas and job tasks to help reduce the spread of COVID-19:
Practice routine cleaning and disinfection, enclosed spaces (offices and laboratory areas) are cleaned and sanitised every day before employees arrive at work
Actively encouraging sick employees to stay at home, employees who have symptoms should notify their line manager and self-isolate at home
Social distancing markers are placed every 2m throughout the offices and warehouse spaces
Office desks are distanced 2m apart
Hand sanitiser is available at the foyer of the building, all employees entering the building must sanitise their hands before entering and leaving the building
Hand sanitiser is also available in every room, so that employees can sanitise their hands regularly
Videoconferencing and teleconferencing are encouraged instead of face-to-face meetings
Posters are put up in all office areas to remind employees of hand hygiene
Face masks are available for all employees but are not compulsory. However, the transport department must wear face masks when communicating with off-site drivers
Hand shaking is prohibited
Employees must not share’ phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment, unless thoroughly sanitised
Maintaining flexible policies for childcare, and vulnerable employees with work from home measures are implemented
During these unprecedented times, we would like to reassure our customers that we have taken all the necessary measures to safely provide continued supply of speciality chemicals and contract & toll services for our customers. Our team is available 8am-5pm Monday – Friday to answer any of your questions or enquiries by email or phone.
All hand sanitiser used at Libra is manufactured on site to our very exacting formulations. Please contact us if you would like Libra to manufacture hand sanitiser for your organisation.
Libra Speciality Chemicals supplies vital performance enhancers for hair care including shampoos, conditioners, hair detangling products, hair dyes, waves & relaxers, and styling products.
Libraquat PQ7: a highly charged cationic polyquaternium co-polymer used in a variety of hair care applications.
Libraquat PQ7 is ideal for applications in shampoos or conditioners. it produces excellent moisturising properties, is high foaming and produces a rich, creamy lather. It diminishes grease, cleanses the hair and leaves the hair soft and smooth, as well as having a silky-smooth appearance.
The naturally anionic (negatively charged) characteristics of hair benefit from the cationic (positively charged) PQ7, which reduces static and the fly away charges on the hair.
The PQ7 slip enables easier wet combing and can be applied to detangling hair sprays. It produces a glossy finish by drying as a micro film over the hair strands. This micro invisible film performs as a strengthening agent, which helps to hold the shape of the hair.
The product is manufactured with microbiologically pure water. The special manufacturing process also creates a crystal-clear, water-white product, ensuring no extra colourant is required in the finalised formulation. The product also has no odour, therefore there is no need for any additional fragrance. Relatively small amounts of PQ7 are needed in typical formulations, hence it is a highly efficient and cost-effective product.
Libra Speciality Chemicals ensures the quality of its products by combining state-of-the-art High Power Liquid Chromatography (HLPC) and Gas Chromatography (GC) analytical techniques, along with a carefully controlled manufacturing process.
Librateric Betaines: includes Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB), which is a mixture of closely related organic compounds derived from coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine.
The Librateric range is the ideal solution for hair care and is a naturally derived, high-performance additive for hair conditioners, as well as wash products. It is used for its moisturising effect and helps the appearance of the hair, maintaining the integrity of the cuticle surface to improve the shine of the hair.
The range provides excellent viscosity building and foam boosting to complement anionic based cleansers for shampoos and conditioners to condition the hair and reduce static build-up. This aids the hair’s structural protection abilities and the retention of its initial resistance to yield for a longer period, making it less prone to fracture.
Our high-quality range of Librateric Cocamidopropyl Betaines (CAB) is manufactured from low colour and low odour feedstock. The CAB molecule is produced by reacting dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) with either fatty acids, coconut oil or palm kernel oil.
The multi-million-pound market-leading Betaine plant at Libra Speciality Chemicals’ Manchester UK site supplies Betaines to both UK and global markets. The plant is certified to the European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients (EFfCI), demonstrating that the processes are the highest quality standard to produce the best surfactants for the personal care and cosmetics industry.
The dedicated plant is fully automated, and its process control uses artificial intelligence to adapt and improve product quality. Betaine contains salt which can react with ordinary 304 and 316L stainless steel resulting in iron contamination. To prevent this, Libra’s reactors are made from a special duplex alloy, which provides superior pitting and crevice corrosion resistance to prevent contamination of the product.
Find out more about the benefits of our hair care surfactants, as well as a wide range of personal care surfactants:
The everyday exposure to air pollution predominately caused by the burning fossil fuels, factories emissions, transportation, mining, and agricultural activities.
These cause harmful emissions to be release in the atmosphere including, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and several other dangerous air toxins and toxic, oily molecules.
Harmful toxins which are lingering in the air are absorbed by the skin’s pores. Once the toxins accumulate on the skin, they block the pores and it reduces the skin’s oxygenation, over time it can cause damage to the skin.
The effects of pollution can cause:
Dilated pores
Appearance of blackheads or pimples
Hyperpigmentation
Premature aging
Dryness and dehydration & more…
Libra Speciality Chemicals manufactures a range of anti-pollution surfactants for skin care brands that reduce the damaging effects of pollution of the skin by effective cleansing.
All products in the Personal Care range are aimed to be microbiologically pure.
Surfactants from our anti-pollution range include:
These contain glycerine that acts as a humectant, providing a molecular barrier over the skin which helps to moisturise the skin, whilst also helping to protect it from attack by harmful pollutants.
At Libra Speciality Chemicals we have undertaken measures to make our manufacturing processes greener in the production of our products. We measure ourselves against the green principles of chemistry; a series of 12 ethical practices used to provide green chemicals into the chemical market.
Here are some of our ethical practices being applied to the production of our extensive range of Betaines:
Real time analysis
To examine the quantity of DMAPA, glycolic acid and MCA in our manufactured products our technicians take samples for testing. The sample tests analyse if there are any unreacted materials in the product, the pH of the product and its concentration levels. This is a routine quality check process at Libra Speciality Chemicals and any samples not meeting our stringent credentials are adjusted to ensure compliance with our green culture. This ensures that our products are safe to the environment for when they enter water or air streams.
Prevention of waste
To prevent any waste, products including NaCl, Glycolic acid and Glycerine are kept in the solution and the ratios of DMAPA and coconut oil are optimised.
Designing safe chemicals
No hazardous materials are produced during the production of Betaine. Our Betaine vessels comply with the European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients (EFfCI), which ensures that our surfactants are of the highest quality and are safe for personal use.
Accident Prevention
To prevent accidents, we carry our regular risk assessments which comply with OHSAS 18001 (the officially recognised body for international health and safety management) and Top-tier COMAH standards.
Energy Efficiency
Our CAB50 is a high active (38%) product. More active equals less water and the less water there is in the product, the less energy is required to transport and use the CAB50 product during subsequent use. This results in a cheaper and greener process.
CAB50 also has a low odour, is lighter in colour, high foaming, milder on the skin, has high moisturising effects and self-preserves, this is ideal for personal care applications.
If you would like to find out more about green chemistry at Libra Speciality Chemicals, enquire online:http://librachem.wpengine.com/ring us: +44 161 775 1888 or email us: sales@librachem.co.uk
Returning from lockdown and in search for an effective and efficient solution?
At Libra Speciality Chemicals we are here to supply a complete contract and toll manufacturing solution to make your products for you.
At Libra Speciality Chemicals we provide a bespoke chemical manufacturing and supply solution service to an extensive range of industries around the globe.
As an official BCMPA member, a UK association for contract and toll manufacturers, we are the experts in providing efficient and cost-effective toll manufacturing solutions for businesses.
Over 50 years we have honed and enhanced our expertise in the chemical industry, acquiring multiple accreditations, including top tier COMAH, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 9000:2015 and ISO18001:2007.
Our team of specialists tailor each of our customer’s requirements to achieve a cost-effective technical and production process solution. Our customer service is key to achieving performance and quality, our Contract & Toll customers obtain comprehensive support from our processing, commercial, technical, regulatory compliance, and logistics departments.
Our Contract and Toll manufacturing services include:
Reaction Facilities
Mixing, Blending and Dispersion Facilities
Wax and Oil Dispersion Facilities
Solids Handling, Mixing and Repacking Facilities
Contract Filling and Packing
Bulk Storage Facilities
Bespoke Plant Installations
Filteration and Product Improvement initiatives
Laboratory QC and Product Development
Contract filling and packing
Our flexible material handling, storage and packing service means we can package materials into containers. This ranges from 5 litre packs up to bulk tankers using our filling stations. Our site is fully equipped to receive and despatch bulk materials using our on-site weigh bridge and loading systems.
In addition to this we provide many value-added services to support our customers, including transportation services, environmentally friendly waste management programme, warehousing, regulatory and compliance management services.
All our Contract and Toll services are undertaken with the strictest confidence, including NDAs when required.
In addition to our Librasan High Alcohol Hand Sanitiser gel, Libra Speciality Chemicals have added a liquid hand sanitiser to our Librasan product range which is ideal for use in spray bottles.
Librasan 80L hand sanitiser liquid is formulated with 80% alcohol and kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses that may be lingering on the surface of the skin. Librasan 80L complies with the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended hand rub Formulation 1.
The microbicidal activity of this WHO recommended formulation was tested by WHO reference laboratories according to EN standards (EN 1500). Their activity was found to be equivalent to the reference substance (isopropanol 60% v/v) for hygienic hand antisepsis.
It is the consensus opinion of a WHO expert group that WHO recommended hand rub formulations can be used both for hygienic hand antisepsis and for presurgical hand preparation.
This formula contains glycerine to moisturise the skin, leaving the skin feeling silky smooth once the alcohol has evaporated.
Pack Formats and Other Variants
Librasan hand sanitisers can be supplied in bulk tankers, 1,000 Litre IBC’s and in drums for easy decanting into smaller packaging. We are also open to discussing manufacturing other ethanol concentrations, such as 75%, subject to cost effective volumes.
Our sister company, Expac (Preston) Ltd offer a packing off service in a variety of packaging formats in a range of sizes from 5ml up to 5 litres.
For further information on our LIBRASAN FULLY FORMULATED HIGH ALCOHOL HAND SANITISER gel, please follow the link below.
Librasan hand sanitiser gel is formulated to effectively cleanse hands and kills 99.9% of bacteria and many types of viruses that may be lingering on the surface of the skin, including the Covid-19 Coronavirus.
We manufacture 3 variants in our product range, containing 70% and 80% ethanol by volume for effective sanitising. This concentration will kill many types of virus by dissolving their fat membranes and destroying the protein envelope that surrounds some viruses including coronavirus. It also kills bacteria by disrupting the cell membrane.
Librasan 70S
Librasan 70S is our standard hand sanitiser formulation and contains glycerine, which is well known for its moisturising and emollient properties. After application, the skin is left feeling moisturised and silky smooth.
Librasan 70E
Librasan 70E is our premium formulation and has been tested against the BS EN 1276:2019 and BS EN 1500:2013 standards for antimicrobial efficacy for Hand Rub Products and passed with flying colours. This formula meets the 5 decimal logarithm reduction under simulated clean or dirty conditions within the relevant contact time.
Librasan 70E also contains glycerine, plus the addition of Vitamin E which is an effective moisturiser and has antioxidant properties that help to prevent skin damage and strengthen the body’s natural defences to prevent illness and infection.
Librasan 80L
We also manufacture and supply a 80% alcohol liquid hand sanitiser formulation, which is ideal for use in spray bottles.
Librasan 80L is formulated in compliance with the World Health Organisation recommended hand rub Formulation 1. This formula contains glycerine to moisturise the skin, leaving a silky-smooth feel once the alcohol has evaporated.
The microbicidal activity of this WHO-recommended formulation was tested by WHO reference laboratories according to EN standards (EN 1500). Their activity was found to be equivalent to the reference substance (isopropanol 60% v/v) for hygienic hand antisepsis.
It is the consensus opinion of a WHO expert group that WHO recommended handrub formulations can be used both for hygienic hand antisepsis and for presurgical hand preparation.
Pack Formats & Other Variants
Librasan hand sanitisers can be supplied in bulk tankers, 1,000 Litre IBC’s and in drums for easy decanting into smaller packaging.
We are also open to discussing manufacturing other ethanol concentrations, such as 75%, subject to cost-effective volumes.
Enquire online, Call us on: 0161 775 1888 or Email: sales@librachem.co.uk
Libra Speciality Chemicals are continuing to supply essential cleansing ingredients for soap and hygiene products to help in the fight against Coronavirus Covid-19.
Librateric Betaines (CAPB) are used in handwash formulations and offer very effective cleansing. Betaines are also mild to the skin and show much lower irritancy than most other surfactants. This allows regular effective handwashing with less skin irritation and skin cracking. This is particularly useful today when you require repeated handwashing to ensure clean and infection free hands. Betaine based handwash is a perfect choice as a first line defence for keeping people safe from coronavirus.
Libratex Sulphosuccinates are used in many Personal Care applications, particularly as cleaning and foaming agents. They exhibit low irritancy and can offer great cleaning solutions when used in conjunction with Libra’s Betaines or Amine Oxides.
Libraquat PQ7 can be used in all betaine and amine oxide based handwash formulations to give enhanced cleaning together with effective skin conditioning. Conditioning and skin feel are particularly important when regular and repeated handwashing is required and when skin can easily become dry and chaffed. Libraquat PQ7 will leave a soft skin feel post handwashing.
Libratex SLES ethoxylated alcohol sulphates are a tried and trusted component of most cleaning formulations. They exhibit great surface cleaning characteristics, especially when coupled with betaine. They offer excellent foaming and are easy and quick to formulate with, making them highly suitable for cleansing applications.
Libranox Amine Oxides are excellent detergents, foam boosters and foam stabilisers and can be used in formulations to provide viscosity, grease emulsification and soil suspension. Anime oxides are used in HI&I and personal care cleaning applications.
Libra also offer a flexible and confidential contract manufacturing service for a broad range of materials that are used in personal, household, industrial and institutional cleaning products. We are here to support you if you are looking for additional manufacturing capacity for your cleaning and hygiene formulations. Please contact us at sales@librachem.co.uk or Tel: +44 (0)161 775 1888
For more advice about Coronavirus (Covid-19) visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
On Sunday 8th March 2020, we celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) in honour of women at Libra Speciality Chemicals. This year we supported the 2020 IWD campaign, ‘an equal world is an enabled world.’ The concept of the IWD campaign is to broaden perceptions, generate equal opportunities and celebrate women’s achievements.
Why do we celebrate International Women’s Day?
The United Nations states that 143 out of 195 countries have equality between genders in their constitutions. Nevertheless, gender discrimination is still imminent through gender-based stereotypes, social norms and practices.
How are we inclusive at Libra Speciality Chemicals?
We are proud to have a diverse and inclusive team at Libra Specialty Chemicals. Currently, 53% of employees within our offices and laboratories are women and we are pleased to have two female Directors on our Board. We actively look for opportunities to develop and promote our staff and recognise their achievements. One example of this is our nomination of Internal Account Co-ordinator, Anna Holroyd for Chemical Northwest’s Young Talent of The Year award. We wish Anna all the best in the run up to the announcement of the winner in the awards ceremony we will be attending on 19th March 2020.
Here at Libra Speciality Chemicals, we also champion #womeninscience and, over the past few years, we have employed many female scientists and placement students who have excelled in their roles and contributed significantly to deliver growth for our company.
We strongly encourage all our people at Libra Speciality Chemicals to play their part in promoting equality and share their stories about female empowerment. #eachforequal #IWD2020 @libraspecialitychemicals
A Sustainable Impact – Libra’s RSPO Mass Balance Certified Product Range
Over the past few years there has been huge controversy as regards to the sustainability of palm oil in consumer products. To overcome the controversial implications of Palm Oil, The Round table of Sustainable Palm Oil mass balance (RSPO mass balance) organisation was created in 2004. The group was formed to generate awareness of unethical palm oil practices in corporations and to help ensure more sustainability is used with in the Palm Oil trade. Our RSPO Mass Balance products have been sourced by certified plantations, which meet RSPO Mass Balance certified standards.
What are the benefits of palm oil?
Palm Oil is rich with vitamin A, which has energy boosting properties and strengthens the immune system. The derivatives of Palm Oil /Palm Kernel Oil produces various properties suitable for a wide range of surfactants. The derivatives in palm oil includes: Fatty alcohols, Glycerol and Fatty Acids, which produces moisturising, emollient, texturising and foaming properties.
Why do we promote sustainable palm oil?
The effects of unsustainable Palm Oil can be detrimental causing: deforestation, habitat losses and pollution. As a socially responsible business we believe that we should offer sustainable Palm Oil options with in our product portfolio. Our aim is to reduce the damaging effects of Palm Oil on the environment and to accommodate consumer demands. When purchasing raw materials with in our supply chain we always look for sustainable, eco-friendly and naturally derived materials to use within our products. With our commitment to change we hope to make an impact towards generating a more sustainable future.
We offer you a range of RSPO Mass Balance products across our portfolio
Amine Oxides (Personal care, Oil & Gas, HI & I Cleaning)
Libranox CAO
Libranox AO12/14
Alkyl Polyglucosides (Personal care, Oil & Gas, Agriculture, HI & I Cleaning)
Libracare APG’s
Alkanolamides (Personal care, Oil & Gas, HI & I Cleaning, Agriculture)
Libranol CDG-RPO
If you require further information about our RSPO mass balance range, or any other enquiries contact our sales team:
Email – sales@librachem.co.uk / Tel – +44 161 775 1888
Having recently opened in Manchester, UK, Libra’s dedicated plant is now manufacturing a new series of 30% and 38% active betaines /amphoteric surfactants , serving its global customer base with a broader offering of top-quality amphoteric surfactants. Over just 30 months, the multi-million-pound fully computerised plant has been designed, built and fully commissioned to include a 30,000 litre intermediate cocamidopropyl amine reactor, two alkylation reactors – one of 60,000 litres and another of 35,000 litres – and a distillation column.
The alkylation reactors are constructed from an innovative duplex alloy to provide the highest purity of betaine. The Betaines are bound for both UK and export markets.The new plant equips Libra with an impressive additional production capacity of over 32,000 tonnes per annum of amphoteric surfactants, supplied in either 200 kg drums, 1,000 kg intermediate bulk containers, or full-bulk tankers, to suit customer requirements.
The plant is also accredited to EFfCI (European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients) to ensure the highest quality of betaines for the personal care and cosmetics markets, as well as for a whole range of HI&I applications.
Key plant benefits:
Reactors made from special materials of construction – 2205 duplex alloy stainless steel. Betaine contains salt, which can react with ordinary 304 and 316L stainless steel, resulting in iron contamination in the product from the reactor wall. 2205 provides superior pitting and crevice corrosion resistance to prevent this.
Free amine <0.3% (industry norm is <0.5%), therefore less irritancy.
Free MCA usually <10ppm (industry norm is <20ppm), therefore less irritancy.
Ability to produce 635 Tonnes per week (32,800tpa) at full capacity.
Large 100 Tonne bulk storage tanks, making product readily available for all customers.
Plant is fully automated – AI adapts process to improve product quality.
Full automation means low labour costs – only one operator/shift to run this 32,000tpa plant. More price competitive.
Large reactors, up to 60 Tonnes per batch with high yield and energy efficiency. More price competitive.
The Librateric product range:
The range of Librateric products offers everything that might be expected from top quality betaines – stability over a wide pH range; compatibility with anionic, non-ionic and cationic surfactants; all at a competitive price, and with market-leading manufacturing and sustainability standards.
The Librateric range product properties:
High foaming capabilities (even in high electrolyte solutions)
Low foamers
Viscosity Modifiers
Emulsifiers
Detergents
Stabilizers for rinse off hair and body products
Testimonial – Libra’s chairman & CEO, Graham Royle
‘Our new betaines plant is yet another landmark development for Libra, and for the UK chemical manufacturing industry as a whole. I am extremely proud of both my team and that we continue to drive innovation and investment in the chemical industry in the North West of England, whilst maintaining our reputation for combining market-leading quality with the World Class service that our global customers have come to know and expect from us.’
• Explore the benefits of Libra products or request a technical data sheet by contacting the Libra team:
• Enquire online
• Telephone: +44 161 775 1888
• Email: sales@librachem.co.uk
Student placement scheme at Libra Speciality Chemicals
At Libra we offer student internship programmes in all functions of the business, including accountancy, engineering, marketing, technical, operations and supply chain. Our internship scheme is designed to give students valuable, hands on work experience within the chemical industry. Our students are given the opportunity to gain experience of how a world-class chemical manufacturing business operates, they will be involved in the day to day operations but will also gain vital experience of future direction of a business. They will be expected to present ideas in meetings, contribute ideas towards new projects at Libra and some of our students are given the opportunity to visit international exhibitions.
How are our students supported?
Placement students are given full training and support from one of our line managers. Our line managers guide students through a personal development programme (PDP). A PDP has a series of individual SMART target’s which each student must complete over the course of the year with Libra. These targets are reviewed every month along with a 1 on 1 discussion to identify the student’s progression.
As part of Libra’s student PDP programme, our students shadow work in each of our functions. This provides our students with a good understanding about how businesses are run internally, to help prepare them for the real world of employment after their educational activities have finished. It also gives our students the opportunity to work and form relationships with all of Libra’s team members.
My placement experience – Extract taken from Ella Harding
Ella Harding – Technical operations placement student at the University of Manchester
One of our chemistry placement students, Ella Harding studies at The University of Manchester. Ella has worked in technical operations at Libra since September 2019 and has shared her experience at Libra.
‘The student internship scheme at Libra has been a very insightful and fun experience. I have been given the opportunity to work with new project development (NPD), sample testing, problem solving and using technical machinery. Libra has given me the opportunity to put into practice what I have learnt throughout previous academic institutions which I have attended. I have been given the chance to mirror my product testing skills on real life applications. I particularly enjoy working with the HPLC & GC machines.’
‘The placement has been challenging at times, the job specification involves a lot of problem solving particularly when working with NPD. As a technical team we develop new ways to overcome NPD challenges to ensure that we create high quality surfactants for Libra’s customers.’
My placed assessment
‘To showcase the skills and knowledge which I have learnt on placement, I will be writing a 40-70-page report about a development project at Libra. The assessment comprises of writing about the scientific development behind the project and what the aims of the project are. I will also be writing about how I planned out the experiments, how they are preformed and why. To finalise the report, I will write a conclusion which will consist of the results I obtained during the project.’ – Ella Harding, University of Manchester (2019)
For anyone who would be interested in a student internship scheme with Libra Speciality Chemicals please email a CV and covering letter to marketing@librachem.co.uk
Consumers are becoming increasingly more conscious of where their personal care products are sourced from. More than ever consumers are demanding naturally derived, sustainable and vegan raw materials within their day to day products. We have developed a range of Alkyl Polyglucosides (LibraCare APGs) made from high quality: Naturally derived, vegan, renewable and GMO-free raw materials.
The LibraCare APG series are a range of non-ionic surfactants derived from renewable raw materials – fatty alcohols from coconut and palm kernel oils, and glucose from corn. Where Palm Kernel Oil is used, we also supply RSPO Mass Balance certified products.
Our APG’s provide a range of properties including good wetting, dispersing and surface activity. They are effective surfactants in caustic, acidic and neutral formulations. Additionally, they are great viscosity modifiers and can produce rich and stable foam.
LibraCare APG’s are effective co-surfactants for rinse off hair and body products and have good compatibility with all other types of surfactants. This often results in synergistic effects including an improvement in the mildness of formulations. Additionally, APG’s are effective hydrotropes and solubilises and find applications in formulations with high concentrations of surfactants at both high and low pH.
APG’s are very mild, low in toxicity and readily biodegradable. The synergistic effects of LibraCare Alkyl Polyglucosides with other commonly used surfactants yield a performance improvement which can be the basis for a reduction of surfactant content whilst maintaining a high-performance level.
All our surfactants are available for worldwide distribution. If you would like to make any enquiries or sales contact – sales@librachem.co.uk / +44(0) 161 775 1888
Libra’s plant operator, Norman Nashir completes half marathon in the honour of the National Autistic Society
Last weekend our plant operator, Norman Nashir completed a half marathon in aid of The National Autistic Society. The National Autistic Society is the UK’s largest provider of specialist autism services. The society trains staff to support the lives of 100,000 autistic people every year. To support Norman we have donated £200 towards the fantastic cause.
“I have chosen to support the society as without their help and support many families like my own would struggle. My youngest daughter has Autism and Learning Difficulties and without charities like the National Autistic Society, our autism journey would have been very different. The National Autistic Society really deserve every penny and this will ensure they can help families like my own.” – Norman Nashir
Norman finished the half marathon in time. Norman said “the run was hard at times as his hip injury is very much ongoing”, however he was delighted with his finishing time.
Libra continues to engage in CSR by supporting our local community
About Cadishead JFC
Cadishead Sports Junior Football club (JFC) is a local football team for U7’s. Cadishead Sports JFC was established in the Irlam/Cadishead community in 1974. The football club has over 40 years of establishment and is Cadishead’s longest running community football team. Cadishead Sports JFC has boys’ and girls’ teams between the ages of 6 to 15.
Libra’s player of the match Samuel who won the Libra trophy for his well played game.
Our corporate social responsibility
It is our corporate duty to give back to the community. We have previously sponsored Cadishead JFC and have recently renewed our sponsorship.We believe that all children should be active, socialise and enjoy participating in sports. Not only this but active engagement helps with a child’s well being and social skills. To help support the under 7s team at Cadishead JFC we have provided the team with a kit for the new season.
We are hoping that there will be many more wins from Cadishead JFC this season! Libra will closely be keeping up an eye on the scores. We will also be updating our social media with weekly sporting news from our sponsored teams.
Libra speciality chemicals continues to invest for the future; as you may be aware from November 1st, 2019, we will be changing our computer system to a more user-friendly alternative. The new system will continue to enable us to improve our customer service future proofing our site.
Small changes which may affect you are as follows:
Once the computer system is running you will see a slight difference to the layout of your paperwork.
Our monthly price list will stay the same throughout November. All pricelists will still be issued at the start of the month. Please note that from the 1st December 2019 our price list will be on our new, improved format.
All transport will still be quoted as required.
If you have any questions about our new system, please contact us:
Libra Speciality Chemicals are exhibiting their personal care range at In-Cosmetics Asia ( INCOS ) in Bangkok, Thailand.
INCOS Asia is the leading event in the Asian pacific for personal care chemical ingredients, fragrances, lab equipment and regulatory solutions.
Exhibition dates:
Tuesday 5th November (10:00am-18:00pm)
Wednesday 6th November (10:00am-18:00pm)
Thursday 7th November (10:00am-17:00pm)
Stand: X31
About our personal care products:
At Libra Speciality chemicals we produce a wide range of personal care Raw Materials, which are available for world wide distribution. Our products are currently used with in a wide range of well known brands across the world. The personal care range at Libra are renowned for providing market leading properties, this is why we have such a high customer retention rate. We have a great relationship with all our customers and take great pride in our positive customer feedback.
What is the secret to our world-class personal care products?
What personal care industries can our products be applied to?
Hair-care
Skin-care
What will you expect from visiting us at INCOS?
At the Libra stand customers have the chance to chat with Libra’s technical manager (Dr Rob Wiles) and CEO (Graham Royle). Our senior representatives will be showcasing our wide range of personal care products, whom will advise customers which formulations will provide the best result for their personal care products. Exhibition attendees will also have the chance to browse through our wide range of samples.
Come along and visit our stand at stand X31 we hope to see you there!
Libra Specialty Chemicals signs a letter of Intent with Israeli distributor, BSC
On Wednesday 4th September Libra Speciality Chemicals and Israeli distributor BSC (Distributor of speciality chemicals) signed a letter of intent. The signed agreement solidifies that BSC will distribute Libra products forthcoming thoughout Israel. BSC distributes Libra products from the following market sectors: Personal Care, Household Care, Industrial & Institutional, Metal Working and Agriculture for the next ongoing year.
Shira MccNair (BSC) and Jon Dutton (Libra Specialty Chemicals) after signing the letter of intent in Israel
About us:
We are a growing UK speciality chemicals manufacturer. We produce surfactants for a wide range of market sectors. Our surfactants have market leading properties, which are retained by hundreds of customers worldwide. Our priority as a business is to provide every customer with exceptional customer service. When choosing our international partners we make sure that they align with our customer service requirements.
About BSC:
BSC is a rapidly growing distributor of specialty chemicals they have proven to provide a high standard of service and is Israeli’s largest speciality chemicals distributor. BSC’s market sectors are: Pharmaceutical, Food, Personal care, Home care, Equipment and Agriculture. BSC are the largest Israeli distributor and have an efficient distribution system. We trust that BSC will provide our customers with high quality service throughout Israel.
More about our international distributors:
We ensure that all our distributors meet with our customer service requirements to make sure our customers are satisfied. Our global network has expanded we have partnered with 5 distributors in over 45 countries worldwide. Furthermore, the signed agreement further reinforces the importance of the international market for Libra as it continues to grow.
For any information of sales or distribution at Libra Speciality Chemicals contact:
Email: sales@librachem.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 161 775 1888
Alternatively contact BSC any distribution enquiries:
The Libratex series of anionic surfactants consists of dodecylbenzene sulphonic acid (DDBSA)/(LABSA), dioctyl sulphosuccinates (DOS) and neutralised salts.
DDBSA and DOS are compatible with other anionic and non-ionic surfactants and may be used as raw materials in the manufacture of a wide range of detergent products. The Libratex Series of products are soluble in several liquids from aqueous to organic solvents.
DDBSA, also known Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA) is neutralised using several alkalis to form the salts in the Libratex Series. The salts exhibit a wide range of properties making them suitable for use in a variety of applications. The sodium salts have excellent detergency for use in cleaning formulations, whilst the ammonium and amine salts are excellent emulsifiers in water soluble systems.
DOS products in the Libratex Series are all sodium salts and are manufactured in several aqueous/solvent and solvent only carriers. This allows the flexibility and compatibility required for use in both aqueous and solvent formulations.
The Libratex Series can be selected to perform surfactant tasks including:-
Detergency
Emulsification
Foaming
Dispersing
Wetting
Solubilisation
Products in the Libratex Series may be used in a wide range of applications including:-
The Libraphos series of free-acid phosphate esters from Libra Speciality Chemicals are anionic surfactants, suitable for use in a wide range of applications and industries. With market-leading quality that guarantees their stability at high temperatures, whether in acidic or alkaline conditions, Libraphos products offer a significant competitive advantage over other surfactants on the market.
Libraphos phosphate esters are manufactured by either a polyphosphoric acid route (yielding predominantly monoesters) or a phosphorous pentoxide route (yielding predominantly diesters). While the Libraphos range comprises mainly 100% active anionic surfactants, the products of the manufacturing process can also be neutralised to achieve a variety of salts, such as Libraphos L66 – a 65% active potassium salt.
Libraphos – the leading choice for performance and utility
Unlike many of their competitors, Libraphos surfactants are stable at high temperatures, whether in acidic or alkaline conditions. This makes them suitable for use in a wide range of applications, including alkaline detergents, metalworking fluids, agricultural formulations, emulsion polymerisation and textile auxiliaries.
Boasting a broad range of performance functions, products in the Libraphos portfolio are designed to give specific properties, depending on the hydrophobe, phosphation agent and molar ratios used. These properties can determine the selection of Libraphos products for use, for example, in hydrotropes, corrosion inhibitors, lubricants and antistatics.
Top-tier customer service guarantees customer loyalty
‘When choosing Libraphos phosphate esters, our customers know they are getting far more than a top-quality product with broad utility,’ said Richard Lock, Commercial Director, Libra. ‘They are also getting an unparalleled level of customer service from a UK manufacturer that they can trust.’
Customer testimonial
‘We have introduced Libraphos P4 ester as an alternative product for our customer, who had supply issues from a large multinational producer in Europe. Thanks to our good contact with the customer and excellent support of Libra, we were able to supply a sample and trial order quickly. Our customer is using this product in the production of resins that are used in the construction industry and we have forecasted significant consumption in 2019.’ – Miguel Vol, Country Manager, Ravago Chemicals
Libra Speciality Chemicals International Sales Manager (Jon Dutton) participated in MOPO relay race with the company’s long-standing German distributor and partner, Biesterfeld on 8th August 2019.
The MOPO relay event was a charitable relay event in Hamburg, Germany. The overall objective of the relay race was to achieve great teamwork and to further reinforce the relationship between Libra Speciality Chemicals and Biesterfeld.
Libra Speciality Chemicals will be participating in the Sepawa congress in Berlin, Germany. Sepawa is one of Europe ‘s largest professional associations for the detergent/cleaner, cosmetic and perfume industry.
A day at Sepawa consists of a lecture programme, which covers industry areas including detergents, cleaners, cosmetics and perfumery in Europe. A large turnout is expected for the action-packed day. During the day there will be 150 industry experts from around the world whom will be sharing their knowledge, innovative developments and research within the chemical sector. Throughout the day there will be a schedule of poster presentations and innovative, cutting-edge industry talks.
Libra’s specialist advisors will be able to advise on specific customer applications. Libra will also be showcasing their products through a series of samples, along with technical sheets and leaflets. Come along for an informal chat with Libra’s advisors. We hope to see you all there!
Congress date(s) 23rd October 2019- 25th October 2019
Libra Speciality Chemicals have recently sponsored Christleton RUFC team in Chester. Christleton RUFC are a community orientated team, they welcome everyone along to their rugby matches and encourage everyone of all ages to participate in Rugby. Last season they sealed victory of the league. Christleton RUFC have high hopes of maintaining their performance during their next season.
Libra has provided the team with a new rugby kit which they will receive in September 2019. Libra have decided to sponsor Christleton RUFC as they want to encourage people to be healthy, participate in sports and be social in the local community.
Libra have also decided to sponsor Christleton as we believe they have mutual shared values, success and encouragement. These positive attributes are what Libra strives to achieve when working in the local community. We want to support our local communities and make sure clubs such as Christleton RUFC thrive and succeed.
At Libra we will be keeping track of the matches and scores and be posting them on our social media pages (Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn). Everyone at Libra be rooting for Christleton RUFC to win their matches and hopefully win the league once again!
The picture above is the RUFC rugby boys following the victory that sealed the league last season.
A new photo of the boys in their brand-new kit will be uploaded on our news-feed and social media over the following weeks. Make sure to keep up to date with our sponsorship following Christleton RUFC.
Libra Speciality Chemicals celebrates a 10 year’ partnership with major Italian chemicals distributor Eurosyn
Eurosyn is one of the largest chemical distributors in Italy. Eurosyn are a highly trusted distribution company whom delivers excellence and efficiency when distributing Libra Speciality Chemicals. Eurosyn specialises in distributing cleaners and detergents, cosmetics, formulators and I.P.C throughout Italy. The company has distributed speciality chemicals for 36 years, Libra and Eurosyn are one of its’ longest, trusted partners.
Libra Speciality Chemicals and Eurosyn have recently celebrated their 10 year’ anniversary of becoming partners at a restaurant in Milan during July 2019. Libra’s trip attendees included; Richard Lock (Commercial Director) and Jon Dutton (International Sales Manager).
During Libra’s visit to Milan both parties bonded over dinner reinforcing the long-term partnership delivering world class surfactants to the Italian markets. This celebration was highly successful and well-deserved. The meeting was mutually beneficial to both parties as it helped them to retain a long-lasting relationship. Libra Speciality Chemicals and Eurosyn are committed to increased success and strengthened relationship over the years to come. Both parties are continuing to work hard to deliver high quality goods with in a highly efficient and effective distribution system.
For Italian distribution enquiries of Libra Speciality Chemicals products visit: http://www.eurosyn.it/?lang=en
I’m a practiced sales professional with a background in Industrial Lubrication and experience working in regions all around the world.
In the past I have aided in expanding organisational customer base, ensuring a strong presence in the market and given the highest quality of service, all of which I intend on carrying forward into my new role.
I am looking forward to developing commercial relationships with customers and establishing new markets. Not only that, I will emphasise offering unparalleled technical and commercial support for Libra Speciality Chemicals’ extensive range of products.
Prior to moving into sales, I worked as a developmental chemist which has informed the technical aspects of my career so far.
I’m very excited to have joined Libra Speciality Chemicals and look forward to the future.
Libra is pleased to announce that we have been shortlisted for an ABB manufacturing and resource efficiency award on 13th June 2019 at St George’s Hall, Liverpool
The Chemical Industry Awards
The UK chemical awards is a prestigious event which offers an opportunity for chemical related businesses to showcase their company. The chemicals industry awards helps to promote multiple businesses performance and product selection along with celebrating the achievements and advancements with in the chemicals industry.
What is the ABB manufacturing industry award?
Libra was shortlisted for the award on May 10th 2019. The award is open to manufacturing companies whom manufacturer: chemicals, food, packaging, rubber, plastics, petroleum or pharmaceutical products. The award will be delegated to world class manufacturers which demonstrates improvements with in the industry as well as overall excellency within its’ performance.
What will the award mean for Libra?
The success of the award will highly credible as it analyses key strengths with in the chemicals sector. The award will be delegated to a company which has achieved excellent manufacturing & resource efficiency performance, high quality products, distribution & delivery achievement.
Libra Speciality Chemicals is the proud recipient of two prestigious Chemicals Northwest Awards for 2019! The results of the hotly contested awards were announced at the 9th Chemicals Northwest Awards dinner on 28 March at The Imperial War Museum North, Manchester.
Leading the way in international trade
Libra’s success in the International Trade category commends how we have revolutionised our approach to export business over the past year, extending our reach beyond Europe to new territories to strengthen and future-proof our trade position.
An impressive 24% growth in export sales was achieved in just one year through our focus on personalised, face-to-face engagement with our customers, and our commitment to a true partnership approach that goes well beyond supply.
Richard Lock, Commercial Director, Libra, commented: ‘Our Chairman and CEO, Graham Royle, set out a three-pronged growth strategy for Libra – more chemistry on the plant, sell into more global geographies and sell into more industry sectors. We are absolutely delighted to win this award, which demonstrates our ongoing success to take Libra’s products around the world. We are now selling on every continent into many industries and we continue to grow each year.’
Nurturing the next generation of chemical graduates
Our win in the Young Talent in Technical Operations category highlights our continuing focus on developing the talent and expertise of our skilled workforce. It commends an exemplary first year in industry for our Graduate Process Engineer James Chatterton, and the significant contribution he made in helping Libra to deliver its largest and most complex project in history – the creation of a new, world-class, multifunctional manufacturing plant.
Graham Cox, Operations Director, Libra, commented: ‘Libra has an excellent reputation for developing our staff and also for engaging with universities for work placements to help train the next generation of chemical graduates. We are extremely proud of James, who joined Libra at a time when we were part-way through constructing a new factory unit with some of the largest batch reactors in the world. James dived into this multi-million-pound project with incredible enthusiasm and truly demonstrated his technical abilities.’
Libra is a proud supporter and active member of Chemicals Northwest – the UK’s largest industry-led organisation for the chemical sector. Read more about the organisation and this year’s awards on the Chemicals Northwest website here.
CHEMUK 2019 will open it’s doors on 1st & 2nd May 2019 at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate. We look forward to welcoming you there, please come and meet the team at Stand K8.
Please contact sales@librachem.co.uk or contact the team on +44 (0) 161 775 188 for any questions or requirements.
After an exciting and intensive two and a half years of design and construction, the first shipments of Librateric cocamidopropyl betaines have now left Libra’s new state-of-the-art, multifunctional manufacturing plant, bound for both UK and export markets.
Having recently opened in Manchester, UK, Libra’s dedicated plant is now manufacturing a new series of 30% and 38% active betaines, serving its global customer base with a broader offering of top-quality amphoteric surfactants. Over just 30 months, the multi-million-pound fully computerised plant has been designed, built and fully commissioned to include a 30,000 litre intermediate cocamidopropyl amine reactor, two alkylation reactors – one of 60,000 litres and another of 35,000 litres – and a distillation column. The alkylation reactors are constructed from an innovative duplex alloy to provide the highest purity of betaine.
The new plant equips Libra with an impressive additional production capacity of over 32,000 tonnes per annum of amphoteric surfactants, supplied in either 200 kg drums, 1,000 kg intermediate bulk containers, or full-bulk tankers, to suit customer requirements.
The new range of Librateric products offers everything that might be expected from top quality betaines – stability over a wide pH range; compatibility with anionic, non-ionic and cationic surfactants; and high foaming capabilities (even in high electrolyte solutions) – all at a competitive price, and with market-leading manufacturing and sustainability standards.
The new plant is also accredited to EFfCI (European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients) to ensure the highest quality of betaines for the personal care and cosmetics markets, as well as for a whole range of HI&I applications.
Libra’s Chairman & CEO, Graham Royle, commented: ‘Our new betaines plant is yet another landmark development for Libra, and for the UK chemical manufacturing industry as a whole. I am extremely proud of both my team and that we continue to drive innovation and investment in the chemical industry in the North West of England, whilst maintaining our reputation for combining market-leading quality with the World Class service that our global customers have come to know and expect from us.’
Find out more…
Explore the benefits of Libra products or request a technical data sheet by contacting the Libra team:
An experienced sales professional with a background in Oilfield chemical applications with key focus in providing Production Chemistry/Account Management support to onshore and offshore oil and gas platforms. Proactively provided specialist service on chemical process, corrosion management and flow assurance related matters by solving complex problems safely.
I am looking forward to developing technical and commercial partnerships with our valued customers with focus in exceeding their expectations. Engaging and exploring new markets and applications for Libra Speciality Chemicals’ fantastic range of products and toll manufacturing services.
I am a passionate and a driven individual with a proven track record of strategically delivery sales, efficiency enhancements and continuous success for all stakeholders involved.
I’m very excited to have joined Libra Speciality Chemicals and look forward to working with you all in the future.
We are delighted to announce that Libra Speciality Chemicals has been named as a finalist for three Chemicals Northwest Awards for 2019!
These prestigious nominations recognise Libra’s excellence across a wide spectrum of business activities:
The Manufacturing Company of the Year Award 2019 nomination acknowledges our ability to technologically innovate, optimising efficiency and maximising production capacity for our existing product ranges, while also expanding our portfolio to include cocamidopropyl betaines through our new world-class, multi-million-pound, multifunctional manufacturing plant, which comes on stream in March.
Our shortlisting in the International Trade Award 2019 category commends how we have revolutionised our approach to export business over the past year, extending our reach beyond Europe to new global territories to strengthen and future-proof our trade position.
In addition, our focus on nurturing the talent and expertise of our skilled workforce has been recognised with a nomination in the Young Talent in Technical Operations Award 2019 category.
The results of these hotly contested awards will be revealed in a ceremony on 28 March at The Imperial War Museum North in Manchester, so watch this space! It will be a great night and we urge you to book a table if you can.
Libra is a proud supporter and active member of Chemicals Northwest – the UK’s largest industry-led organisation for the chemical sector. To find out more about the organisation and the awards scheme, please visit the awards homepage here.
Libra Speciality Chemicals will be attending in-cosmetics Global, the leading exhibition and conference in Paris for personal care ingredients.
Heading into its 30th edition in 2019, in-cosmetics Global is the leading event for personal care ingredients. The exhibition brings together personal care ingredients suppliers (exhibitors) with finished product manufacturers (visitors), each looking to network, learn about future trends and discover new products.
Please contact Sales@librachem.co.uk or contact the team on +44 (0) 161 775 188 for any questions or requirements
The exhibition brings over 450 international exhibitors of ingredients, fragrances, lab equipment, testing and regulatory solutions with over 10,300 Asia Pacific personal care creators.
in-cosmetics Asia is the Asia Pacific launch place for innovation in ingredients and technologies, providing 100% free education and consumer insights for formulators, R&D and regulatory professionals.
Showcasing industry trends throughout Asia-Pacific, in-cosmetics Asia offers the most cost-effective business and networking opportunities for the personal care ingredients community in the region.
Please contact Sales@librachem.co.uk or contact the team on +44 (0) 161 775 188 for any questions or requirements
Navigating Global Transformation—Are you on course?
Join fellow leaders to help shape the future of the global fabric and home care business in Boca Raton, Florida, USA! Be a part of the premier executive forum for knowledge sharing and networking in the industry by attending the Fabric and Home Care World Conference when it comes to the United States for the first time.
Please contact Sales@librachem.co.uk or contact the team on +44 (0) 161 775 188 for any questions or requirements
SCS Formulate is the UK’s largest event of its kind, focusing on raw materials, ingredients and formulation services used in creating personal care and cosmetic products.
In the exhibition you will be able to find every conceivable ingredient, raw material and other vital tool of your trade used in creating innovative cosmetic and personal care products.
It is a unique opportunity to see the new, the innovative, the proven, the everyday and the obscure – everything you need to create, make and market cosmetics for today and tomorrow.
Libra Speciality Chemicals continue to expand our manufacturing site in Manchester, UK and we have an exciting new Technical Commercial role available.
Are you a proactive problem solver with drive and determination to succeed and want to make a commercial impact in the UK and Global surfactant markets?
If you would like to find out more about the role, please contact our sales department sales@librachem.co.uk.
SEPAWA is just around the corner, come and visit us on stand A112
The annual SEPAWA Congress is the most significant meeting point of the detergents/cleansers, cosmetics and perfumery industry in Europe. In the exhibition area, over 250 companies present their latest products, trends and wide-ranging know-how.
We look forward to seeing you all there.
Please contact Sales@librachem.co.uk or contact the team on +44 (0) 161 775 188 for any questions or requirements
Last week, Libra’s team of talented golfers participated in the CUPS 2018 golf event, in aid of two local charities: Neonatal unit at Leighton hospital Cheshire and St Luke’s hospice.
Libra Speciality Chemicals is proud and grateful to be part of such a worthy event, that helps make such a difference, to every day local charities.
A huge thank you to the organisers and venue for their wonderful hospitality.
We will be exhibiting at SEPAWA CONGRESS 2018 in Berlin from the 10th – 12th October.
We are excited to be a part of this exhibition again this year and you can find us on stand A112.
The annual SEPAWA Congress is the ground breaking event for the detergents/cleansers, cosmetics and perfumery industry in Europe. With over 130 lectures and presentations and above 250 exhibitors, the SEPAWA Congress offers a wealth of information to more than 3,000 participants.
We look forward to seeing you all there!
Please contact Sales@librachem.co.uk or contact the team on +44 (0) 161 775 188 for any questions or requirements
Libra is pleased to announce the official appointment of Biesterfeld (www.biesterfeld-spezialchemie.com) as our official distributor for all Libra Products.
The agreement solidifies the ever-strengthening partnership between our two companies and was signed today between Sergej But (Marketing Manager, Biesterfeld) and Richard Lock (Commercial Director, Libra). Libra is an Independent UK manufacturer of high quality surfactants to industries including Personal Care, Household Care, Industrial & Institutional, Textile, Oil & Gas and Metal Working.
Biesterfled Spezialchemie GmbH is part of the Biesterfeld Group, It is a pan- European, rapidly growing distributor of speciality chemicals in the areas of Life science, Nutrition, CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, Elastomers) and Performance products.
The agreement with Biesterfeld as an official distributor, further reinforces the importance of this market for Libra.
Libra continues to grow by providing excellent quality surfactants and customer service from a team that really cares about the needs of its customers.
Libra is looking to further expand its global distributor network, so if you are interested to distribute for us, please contact us at: sales@librachem.co.uk
Libra and Biesterfeld are partnering to participate in this in upcoming relay race.
This is more than just a running event, it’s “Achieving a goal together” further cementing the long standing collaboration between both Libra and Biesterfeld.
Check out the progress of our new Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) plant in Manchester, UK. Construction is well underway, allowing further progress on site.
With a state of the art design including a distillation column and two main reactors of 35,000 litres and 60,000 litres, we will be able to produce over 30k t/pa of surfactants used in personal care and cleaning applications.
Providing best in class quality and service we will be able to produce surfactants in 200kg drums, 1000kg IBC’s and Full Bulk tankers and continuing to deliver across the world.
This is a great step forward for the UK chemical manufacturing industry and Libra Speciality Chemicals is proud to be investing in this critical industry, cementing our future in the North West.
If you have any questions or would like any samples for pre-approval please feel free to contact us at sales@librachem.co.uk
Polyquaternium-7 (PQ7) is a cationic, water-soluble surfactant with excellent properties for personal care. In its first year on the market, Libraquat PQ7 from Libra Speciality Chemicals Ltd has already won over customers based around the world, thanks to its superior performance and quality.
Designed to give skin and hair a silky-smooth feel, PQ7 has a wide range of applications across the personal care market, particularly in haircare products. The attraction between the positive charges within PQ7 and the naturally anionic characteristics of hair enables it to coat hair strands with a thin, invisible film. This makes it perfect for use in spray-on, leave-in hair conditioners and detangling products, resulting in smooth, soft hair that holds its shape, with a glossy finish.
We are also seeing a large increase in the use of our PQ7 in bath & body wash-off products, where the PQ7 leaves the skin feeling silky-smooth after drying.
Formulated for superior performance and quality Libra has optimised the formulation of Libraquat PQ7 to ensure that it provides both enhanced performance and market-leading, cosmetic-grade quality.
From a technical perspective, what sets Libraquat PQ7 apart from competitors is the specific ratio of highly stable monomers (acrylamide and diallyldimethylammonium chloride)
used during manufacture. ‘There are other PQ7’s available on the market but their performance levels vary greatly. By ensuring the correct ratio of monomers in Libraquat PQ7, we can guarantee that our customers are receiving a highly stable copolymer that provides superior performance,’ said Libra’s technical team.
During manufacture, the process water is guaranteed microbiologically pure through the use of ozonation and reverse osmosis techniques. This, along with analysis using state-of-the-art high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC), ensures the highest quality standards of the finished, INCI-registered product. ‘Our testing is so rigorous that we can guarantee Libraquat PQ7 is free from all organic and inorganic contamination,’ said Libra’s technical team.
Partnering for success As is true for all of Libra’s products, customers purchasing Libraquat PQ7 benefit not only from the quality of the product itself, but also from a bespoke service that is tailored to their particular requirements. Whether the request is for formulation to a specific viscosity (which can be met through careful control of the molecular weight during the polymerisation process), or to a specific quantity (from 25 kilos up to 25 tonnes bulk), Libra’s partnership approach offers a tailored solution.
‘As well as praising the quality of our service, our customers comment regularly on the ease with which they have transitioned Libraquat PQ7 seamlessly into their approval process, with no stability issues,’ said Richard Lock, Commercial Director, Libra. ‘By partnering with Libra, you are guaranteed market-leading quality from a UK manufacturer that you can trust, at competitive pricing and delivered globally.’
Find out more…
Explore the benefits of Libraquat PQ7 or request a technical data sheet by contacting the Libra team:
Just 6 days to go, create the best future for your business by visiting the
industry event of the year! We look forward to welcoming you at Chemspec
Europe 2018. Please come by our stand G8, Hall 8 to discuss your contract
manufacturing requirements.
Libra Speciality Chemicals will be exhibiting at Chemspec Europe in Cologne, Germany on the 20th -21st June 2018. Please come by our stand G8, Hall 8 to discuss your contract manufacturing requirements.
Renowned for their detergency, foam-boosting and foam-stabilising properties, amine oxides are widely used in the cleaning and personal care markets. But with a vast array of these non-ionic surfactants available on the market, what makes the Libranox range from Libra Speciality Chemicals Ltd the top choice for so many of our loyal customers around the world?
Since their introduction to the market in 2014, Libranox Amine Oxides have provided a great-value, top-quality solution to both multinational corporations and smaller, local companies alike. Whether the need is for a low-foaming agent with excellent cleaning power, or a foam-boosting, cosmetic-grade ingredient for shampoo or bubble bath, the Libranox portfolio has the answer.
Applications for Libranox products (AO10, AO12/14, AO14, CAO and CAP)
Shampoos
Bubble baths
Hair conditioners
Dishwashing detergents
Laundry detergents
All-purpose cleaning agents
Liquid bleach products
Foam stabilisers in rubber and polymer industries
Importantly, Libranox products are compatible with most surfactants. Evidence shows that they can even exhibit synergistic effects when combined with anionic and other non-ionic surfactants. For example, use in combination with anionic sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES) is proven to give an increased detergency effect.
Furthermore, they do not hydrolyse in strongly acidic or alkaline systems, and they are used extensively with both sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide to produce bleach-based cleaning products.
In fact, Libranox products offer everything you would expect from amine oxides in terms of their ability to provide viscosity, grease emulsification and soil suspension, with the added benefit of superior quality versus competitor products.
Purity ensures superiority over other amine oxides
All of Libra’s amine oxides are made with very pure water. A tightly honed manufacturing process involving ozonation, reverse osmosis and UV filtration ensures that Libranox products are microbiologically pure, and free from bacteria and other contaminants -– ideal for high-end personal care.
‘We are intently focused on ensuring the purity of our products,’ said Rob Wiles, Technical Manager, Libra. ‘Even by eye, you can see that Libranox products are crystal clear, not yellow or white like other amine oxides on the market. All of our Libranox products are rigorously tested and INCI and REACH registered, and in the history of production, we have never had a single instance of bio-bloom.’
Libra’s control over its manufacturing process also brings other important benefits. Customers can be assured that, with residual hydrogen peroxide levels of just 300 parts per million, Libranox products will not affect dyes. In addition, Libra’s thorough knowledge of the decay curve means that these peroxide levels can be carefully adjusted to ensure that Libranox remains contaminant-free in transit, regardless of the length of its journey.
Quality and service guarantee value for money
With a keen focus on both sustainability and health and safety compliance, Libra can produce 66,000 tonnes of amine oxides per annum (including RSPO certification grades, where required) in its dedicated EFfCI-registered plant. This volume of scale, coupled with a highly efficient and low-cost manufacturing process (which allows for the production of up to 90 tonnes by one person in a single batch cycle), means that Libra customers have access to the best value, top-quality amine oxides on the market.
‘With Libranox, not only do our customers have access to the very best quality and value amine oxides available; they are also assured of an unparalleled level of customer service that is tailored to their specific requirements,’ said Richard Lock, Commercial Director, Libra. ‘This is what our loyal customers have come to expect from partnering with Libra.’
Find out more…
Explore the benefits of Libranox Amine Oxides or request a technical data sheet by contacting the Libra team:
As one of the largest independent chemical manufacturers in the UK, Libra Speciality Chemicals continues to invest in the global chemicals market, providing its customers with reassurance of supply and the promise of continuous improvement. Here, we take a look back at the 47-year journey that propelled Libra to the forefront of the UK chemical industry.
Starting out in 1971, Libra began as a small company supplying formulated products and surfactants to the textile industry. In response to changing market needs, years of major investment in more recent years saw a dramatic increase in Libra’s footprint, capacity and product range, with the construction of brand new production facilities, warehouses and offices that would see the company move beyond blending and formulation into pure chemistry. This move allowed Libra to broaden its offering, venturing into specialist products for new industry sectors, whilst also expanding its contract manufacturing business. Since then, Libra has continued to invest and grow year on year, further expanding its reach, unlocking its future potential and cementing its position as a major contract manufacturer for multinational blue-chip companies.
Trusted partnerships with a customer-centric ethos Throughout decades of evolution, the company ethos has remained the same – to provide unparalleled customer service and quality. According to Richard Lock, Commercial Director, this mantra runs through the whole organisation: ‘From start to finish, everyone is committed to making sure that Libra remains the number-one supplier – from the sales team, all the way through to the warehouse staff who load the wagons with the care and consideration that we and our customers expect.’ Richard believes it is this deeply embedded ethos that retains the long-term loyalty of Libra’s many blue-chip partners: ‘When our customers need us, we pull out all of the stops for them – everyone goes above and beyond to deliver.’
And hand-in-hand with service comes a keen focus on environmental, quality, and health and safety standards, demanding a culture of continuous improvement. Libra operates an upper-tier COMAH (Seveso III) site and is already accredited to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, EffCI and RSPO. ‘We’re always looking for ways we can improve even further. We set out to be the very best, and we will engineer things not just to match the quality expectations of our customers, but to surpass them,’ said Richard.
Industries supported by Libra products
Personal Care
Home, Industrial & Institutional Cleaning
Lubricants
Oil and Gas
Agrochemicals
Water Treatment
As many of its competitors look to hold back on capital investments, Libra continues to invest heavily in the future of the UK chemical industry. Currently under construction, the new multi-million-pound, state-of-the-art cocamidopropyl betaine plant in Manchester will equip Libra to produce an additional 32k tpa of surfactants for the cleaning and personal care sectors.
The promise of an even brighter future for speciality manufacturing While it continues to stay rooted in the surfactant industry, Libra prides itself on its forward-looking approach and the agility that comes from being an independent manufacturer. ‘We’ve worked hard to build a strong reputation over the years, and to retain the flexibility that allows us to respond quickly to market needs,’ said Richard. ‘I’m confident that this heritage, coupled with our customer-centric focus, will ensure that Libra continues to thrive in the years to come.’
Find out more…
Contact us to learn more about how Libra Speciality Chemicals could support you:
A fantastic start to In-Cosmetics Global, Libra is pleased to announce the official appointment of Ravago, as a distributor for Libra products.
The agreement solidifies the ever-strengthening partnership between our two companies and was signed on the 18th of April between Manfred Schade (Business Unit Director- Ravago) Richard Lock (Commercial Director Libra).
Ravago is, in the true sense of the word, a family company. During its 55 years of existence the family has grown from a local Belgian team to an international group with headquarters in Luxembourg. Over 5200 employees across the globe work together in the same spirit and partnership.
The agreement with Ravago as an official distributor further reinforces the importance of growth for Libra, enhancing our global presence with the support and distribution expertise of Ravago in the following countries: Austria, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Greece, Hungary, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Turkey.
Libra continues to grow by providing excellent quality surfactants and customer service from a team that really cares about the needs of its customers.
Libra is looking to further expand its global distributor network, so if you are interested in distributing our products, please contact us at: sales@librachem.co.uk
Enquiries for Ravago contact: http://www.ravagochemicals.com/
The building industry’s choice of construction and insulation materials is coming under increasing scrutiny due to environmental and safety issues. Concrete certainly offers fire retardancy, but how can you ensure excellent thermal insulation without making compromises in terms of weight or structural integrity? The answer – Libradet 40.
Libradet 40 is a synergistic blend of surfactants and foam stabilisers. Its ability to create a high-foaming product with consistent bubble size means it is well-suited to the production of lightweight foamed concrete. Libradet 40 was first introduced to the Middle East in 1997 and now has over two decades of proven use as a cost-effective solution for the production of superior-quality, lightweight concrete mixes that offer excellent thermal insulation. Lightweight concrete may vary from 300 to 1600 kg/m3. The compressive strength of foamed concrete, determined at 28 days, ranges from 0.2 to 10 N/mm2, and thermal conductivity from 0.1 to 0.3 W/mK.
‘Libradet 40 was developed through our experience of formulating products used for firefighting foams,’ said Richard Lock, Commercial Director, Libra Speciality Chemicals. ‘Its similar technology and application techniques enable the creation of a honeycomb structure in the concrete, which gives great thermal insulation properties.’
A multitude of applications for minimal capital investment
Inclusion of Libradet 40 in concrete blends can assist in the creation of high-quality, low-cost and lightweight concrete beams, blocks and panels. However, it also has a strong track record in a variety of alternative applications, such as improving insulation performance in roofing and floor screeds, enhancing fire retardancy in mixes for service voids and fire walls/doors, and reducing the costs involved with trench reinstatement and roadworks.
Importantly, all these benefits can be realised with minimal investment in specialist equipment. ‘Essentially, the difference between making concrete and lightweight concrete comes down to a foam-generation unit, water and Libradet 40. That’s all that is needed,’ said Richard.
Benefits of Libradet 40
Excellent thermal insulation in lightweight concrete blends
Suitable for use with all types of Portland cement
Excellent stability over a wide range of temperature and water qualities
Suitable for use even in cold weather
Shaping the future of European construction
Until now, lightweight concretes have not played a major role in European construction, while their popularity in the Middle East continues to grow. Over the last two decades, demand for Libradet 40 has increased in the Middle East and Indian markets, mainly through word-of-mouth recommendations. Today, hundreds of tonnes are sold per year and the customer base continues to expand.
‘The long-term success of Libradet 40 in the Middle East speaks volumes about its function and stability,’ said Richard. But beyond just its proven technology, Libradet 40 also offers compliance with the ASTM C869 international building standard, offering the European industry a viable alternative to hazardous polyurethane insulation.
‘The building insulation market in Europe has changed dramatically over the last 2–3 years,’ said Richard. ‘There is much to be learnt from what the Middle East has done with lightweight concretes and infill structures. Their experience provides a solid springboard for the transformation of the European construction industry.’
Find out more…
Explore the benefits of Libradet 40 or request a technical data sheet by contacting the Libra team:
It is with mixed feelings that Libra Speciality Chemicals announce the retirement of Frank O’Neill.
Frank began his journey with us twenty nine years ago and has always been a dedicated, hardworking, well-loved member of the Libra team.
He has been a pleasure to work with and we will miss him a lot.
We would like to say a huge thank you for the twenty nine years Frank has contributed to Libra and the wealth of experience he has gifted us. Franks achievements will not be forgotten.
Please join me in wishing him all the best in the next steps of his journey.
Libra Speciality Chemicals has achieved EFfCI certification, confirming compliance with the EFfCI Supply Chain Certification Standard. This reinforces our commitment to the quality of cosmetic ingredients. This is critical in assuring the safety and high a standard of cosmetic products and related personal care products. Therefore, applying the EFfCI principles to cosmetic ingredients is essential in guaranteeing our customers can be assured of consistent quality, providing peace of mind.
“The Formula to our success has been, and will continue to be… Total Customer Satisfaction; it’s the driving force behind everything we do”
Meeting the Needs of customer Quality
As the demand from both consumers and retailers for outstanding quality and traceability of product manufacturing gathers momentum. This is momentum is met with EFfCI-accreditation, a globally recognised body, giving confidence that all cosmetic products manufactured at Libra are fully traceable from start of manufacture to delivery to the customer. Libra’s ability to provide EFfCI-certified cosmetic products, provides Libra’s customers the added confidence of “peace of mind” manufacturing and traceability.
Guaranteeing EFfCI quality across the Libra portfolio
Product ranges that will carry the EFfCI certification include Libranox (Amine Oxide, non-ionic surfactants), Libranol (alkanolamide surfactants) and Libraquat PQ7 (Polyquaternium 7, Cationic) have a large number of applications across the household cleaning and personal care industries.
“The quality of cosmetic ingredients is critical to meeting the requirements of our customer. Achieving EFfCI certification demonstrates we are not only meeting those expectations but striving to exceed them.” commented Dr. Rob Wiles, Technical Manager, Libra.
Find out more…
Explore the benefits of EFfCI-certified products by contacting the Libra team:
Exciting day at Libra Specialty Chemicals, the arrival of our new reactor vessels for our Cocamidopropyl Betaine Plant, craned into position, allowing progress to take the next steps.
With a state of the art design including a distillation column and two main reactors of 35,000 litres and 60,000 litres, we will be able to produce over 30k t/pa of surfactants used in personal care and cleaning applications.
Providing best in class quality and service we will be able to produce surfactants in 200kg drums, 1000kg IBC’s and Full Bulk tankers and continuing to deliver across the world.
This is a great step forward for the UK chemical manufacturing industry and Libra Speciality Chemicals is proud to be investing in this critical industry, cementing our future in the North West.
If you have any questions or would like any samples for pre-approval please feel free to contact us at sales@librachem.co.uk
Libra Speciality Chemicals continue to strengthen our distribution partnerships as official UK distributors of KLK Kolb for ethoxylates and KLK Tensachem, expanding our portfolio to include Tensachem’s range of products for Personal Care, Home Care and I&I.
This will ensure continued commitment to our customers and provide access to an extended range of carefully selected products, made with high quality ingredients.
Working with their full range of marketing leading surfactants such as;
Tensaryl – Linear Alkylbenzene Sulphonic Acids and Salts
Tensagex – High and Low Active Fatty Alcohol Ether Sulphates
Tensopol – High and Low Active Fatty Alcohol Sulphates
KLK Tensachem, based near Liège in Belgium, is a large scale, global manufacturer of Anionic surfactants for the home care and personal care markets.
Our modern sulphonation and sulphation capabilities allow us to produce liquid, paste, and powder formulations. Additionally, the facility features its own formulated Syndets and hot melts while also offering contract manufacturing services.
Since KLK Tensachem became part of the KLK group in 2014, it has been able to reap the benefits of backward integration by having attained a source of sustainable fatty alcohols and alkoxylates supplied by KLK Oleo and Kolb, respectively.
KLK Tensachem has also been granted the RSPO certification for Mass Balance products.
At Libra Speciality Chemicals our mission and formula to success has been and will continue to be total customer satisfaction: it’s the driving force behind everything we do.
Please contact our sales team who will be on-hand to assist with any advice or quotations you may require.
Call us on: +44 (0) 161 775 1888 or Email: sales@librachem.co.uk
Libra Speciality Chemicals has received certification from Intertek GmbH confirming compliance with the RSPO Supply Chain Certification Standard, reinforcing its commitment to using ethically sourced raw materials and providing sustainable solutions for its customers.
Certification from the RSPO (a not-for-profit organisation committed to the sustainable procurement and use of palm oil across the entire supply chain) will guarantee that sustainability standards have been met for Libra’s use of palm kernel oil-based materials to manufacture coco alkanolamides, amide oxides and cocamidopropyl betaines.
Meeting the growing demand for sustainable products
As the demand from both consumers and retailers for ethically sourced, sustainable products gathers momentum, Libra’s ability to provide RSPO-certified ingredients marks a step change for its customers. For the first time, Libra customers can be reassured that they are making a meaningful contribution to the global drive for sustainable palm oil use, supporting efforts to limit deforestation, damage to natural habitats and the relocation of indigenous people in palm oil-producing regions. At the same time, choosing RSPO-certified products will help Libra customers to meet their own environmental policy targets and strengthen their competitive edge by offering certified sustainable products to their buyers.
‘Importantly, this RSPO certification will give our customers peace of mind that the standard of production for Libra’s palm oil products is sustainable,’ commented Rob Wiles, Technical Manager, Libra.
The dangers of unsustainable palm oil
Large-scale deforestation in high‑conservation-value ecosystems
Guaranteeing sustainability across the Libra portfolio
Product ranges that will carry the RSPO certification include Libranox (non-ionic surfactants) and Libranol (alkanolamide surfactants), which have a large number of applications across the household cleaning and personal care industries.
Maintaining the certification to guarantee sustainability across the supply chain demands adherence to a set of strict conditions, which help to minimise the negative impact of palm oil cultivation on the environment and communities in palm oil-producing regions.
In manufacturing these products, Libra will only source raw palm kernel oil-based materials from RSPO-certified suppliers, verifying their compliance independently through additional specification checks. Furthermore, Libra will maintain accurate and transparent records of palm-oil procurement and product-manufacturing volumes, submitting an Annual Communication of Progress report to the RSPO at the end of every year.
‘Libra has been affiliated with the RSPO since 2014 and we are proud to support its endeavour to transform markets to make sustainable palm oil the norm. With this recent certification, we are delighted that we and our customers are able to play our part in helping to protect the planet, its animals and its people, while also promoting fair trade for plantation workers,’ said Rob.
Find out more…
Explore the benefits of RSPO-certified products by contacting the Libra team:
Libra Speciality Chemicals are exhibiting at in-cosmetics Global 2018 and we would like to invite you to meet us on our stand F110.
The event will take place at the RAI Amsterdam on 17-19 April. in-cosmetics Global is the launch pad for innovation in ingredients and technologies for personal care, providing high-level scientific education and consumer insights for formulators, R&D and regulatory professionals.
Check out the progress of our new Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) plant in Manchester, UK. Construction is well underway of the duplex reactors, allowing progress to take the next step on site.
With a state of the art design including a distillation column and two main reactors of 35,000 litres and 60,000 litres, we will be able to produce over 30k t/pa of surfactants used in personal care and cleaning applications.
Providing best in class quality and service we will be able to produce surfactants in 200kg drums, 1000kg IBC’s and Full Bulk tankers and continuing to deliver across the world.
This is a great step forward for the UK chemical manufacturing industry and Libra Speciality Chemicals is proud to be investing in this critical industry, cementing our future in the North West.
If you have any questions or would like any samples for pre-approval please feel free to contact us at sales@librachem.co.uk
Check out the progress at our Manchester site, the New Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB)
plant is starting to really take shape.
With a state of the art design including a distillation column and two main reactors of 35,000
litres and 60,000 litres, we will be able to produce up to 30k t/pa of surfactants used in
personal care and cleaning applications.
Providing best in class quality and service we will be able to produce surfactants in 200 litre
drums, 1000 litre IBC’s and Full Bulk tankers and continuing to deliver across the world.
This is a great step forward for the UK chemical manufacturing industry and Libra Speciality
Chemicals is proud to be investing in this critical industry, cementing our future in the North
West.
If you have any questions or would like any samples for pre-approval please feel free to contact us at sales@librachem.co.uk
Polyquaternium-7, Libraquat PQ7 is an excellent cationic co-polymer that is highly soluble, compatible with anionic systems and provides clarity in formulation. This co-polymer is ideal for use in hair and skin care applications.
In hair care it can improve wet and dry compatibility, reduced static, contributes shine and silky feel and provide a rich lather with improved foam stability. For skin care products it provides excellent moisturisation, good spread-ability, non-greasy feel and improves foam quality and stability in shower gels. Find out more on our product page.
Libra Speciality Chemicals have been manufacturing this product for customers around the world and we are able to offer competitive pricing for a high-quality product that is produced at our UK manufacturing facility.
If you have any questions regarding Libraquat PQ7 or any of our other products, please contact our sales team who will be on-hand to assist with any advice or quotations you may require.
With 20+ years of technical and manufacturing experience across a wide range of markets (including Cosmetics, Personal care, HI&l, Oilfield and Coatings), Jeremy is eager to utilize this experience in developing lasting customer relationships and ensuring that Libra Speciality Chemicals consistently meet with requirements for quality manufacture of your products.
Jeremy Yates – Contract Manufacturing Manager
Tel: 07806767893 | Email: Jeremy.Yates@librachem.co.uk | Connect on Linkedin
The construction of our bespoke 60,000 litre and 35,000 litre betaine vessels are almost complete and arriving on site by the end of 2017.
We will be able to produce up to 32k t/pa of Betaines used in Personal Care, Cleaning and Agrochemical applications to EFfCI (European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients) manufacturing standards.
Providing best in class quality and service we will be able to produce Betaine Surfactants in 200 litre drums, 1000 litre IBC’s and Full Bulk tankers and continuing to deliver across the world.
This is a great step forward for the UK chemical manufacturing industry and Libra Speciality Chemicals is proud to be investing in this critical industry, cementing our future in the North West.
If you have any questions or would like any samples for pre-approval please feel free to contact us at sales@librachem.co.uk
Libra is pleased to announce the official appointment of Surfachem Nordic http://www.surfachem-nordic.com as the official Nordic distributor for all Libra Products .
The agreement solidifies the ever-strengthening partnership between our two companies and was signed on the 27th November between Lasse K. Hammerstad (Managing Director Surfachem Nordic) and Richard Lock (Sales & Marketing Director of Libra).
The agreement with Surfachem Nordic as an official distributor for the Nordic’s, further reinforces the importance of this market for Libra.
Surfachem Nordic is a market leading distributor of speciality chemicals and ingredients to the personal care, household and industrial & institutional cleaning, pharmaceutical and industrial chemicals markets.
Libra is proud to be an Independent UK manufacturer of high quality surfactants to industries which include: Personal Care, Household Care, Industrial & Institutional, Textile, Oil & Gas and Metal Working.
Libra’s continued success is driven by ensuring we offer the highest quality surfactants and the best customer service, backed by a team that care about the needs of their customers.
Libra is looking to further expand its global distributor network, so if you are interested to distribute for us, please contact us at: sales@librachem.co.uk
Check out the progress at our Manchester site, the New Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) plant is starting to really take shape.
With a state of the art design including a distillation column and two main reactors of 35,000 litres and 60,000 litres, we will be able to produce up to 30k t/pa of surfactants used in personal care and cleaning applications.
Providing best in class quality and service we will be able to produce surfactants in 200 litre drums, 1000 litre IBC’s and Full Bulk tankers and continuing to deliver across the world.
This is a great step forward for the UK chemical manufacturing industry and Libra Speciality Chemicals is proud to be investing in this critical industry, cementing our future in the North West.
If you have any questions or would like any samples for pre-approval please feel free to contact us at sales@librachem.co.uk
An experienced supply chain professional with a background predominately in FMCG
(Fast Moving Consumer goods) but also the Insurance industry.
I am looking forward to developing partnerships with our valued suppliers in order to
optimise growth and value to deliver mutual benefits through working together.
I am also an advocated challenger of ways of working in order to reduce waste and
drive efficiency within our supply chains.
I am really excited to have joined Libra Speciality Chemicals and look forward to
working with you all in the future.
With experience working globally across a number of different chemical sectors and geographies, I work diligently to develop a strong business relationship with all customers and distributors. I will continually work to ensure Libra provide the highest quality of service by becoming a single point of contact for all enquiries.
Working with the team at Libra Specialty Chemical’s to ensure we can continue to offer outstanding technical and commercial support as well as exploring new markets and applications for our extensive range of products.
Libraquat PQ7 by Libra Speciality Chemicals, is an aqueous Polycationic copolymer of acrylamide and diallyldimethylammonium chloride. Polyquaterium is the International Nomenclature for Cosmetic Ingredients designation for several polycationic polymers that are used in the personal care industry.
Libraquat PQ7 is an excellent cationic conditioner for hair and skin. It is especially useful in surfactant based systems such as shampoo and shower gel and is perfect for use in spray on, leave in hair conditioners. Libraquat PQ7 is a very good hair detangler and provides slip for easier wet-combing.
In addition it will add softness and shine to dry hair. Libraquat PQ7 is also an excellent emollient for skin cleansers. When combined in a liquid hand soap formula, it provides a smooth, silky feel to the hands.
Libra Speciality Chemicals is synthesising Libraquat PQ7 at its Manchester (UK) Manufacturing site. Libraquat PQ7 is an aqueous Polycationic copolymer of acrylamide and diallyldimethylammonium chloride. Polyquaterium is the International Nomenclature for Cosmetic Ingredients designation for several polycationic polymers that are used in the personal care industry. Find out more on our product page.
For competitive pricing give our sales team a call or drop us an email for personalised advice and quotes.
Call us on: +44 (0) 161 775 1888 or Email: sales@librachem.co.uk
In Q4 of 2017 we have again seen dramatic volatility in the CNO and PKO markets, this has been attributed to many different effects; El Nino, increased usage in biofuels and use of coconut oil in the personal care and food industry.
Overall this has led to significant increases in prices of Coco-Diethanolamide (Libranol CDG).
However, is there an answer that formulators haven’t considered?
Rapeseed Oil (RSO) remains stable, is highly sustainable, greener than alternative, majority is EU produced, while adding excellent properties and savings on raw material costs.
Scientists at Libra Speciality Chemicals have successfully reformulated one of our laundry detergent concentrates (Libradet 55) to incorporate Libranol RDG-LA, which maintains performance and addresses the price challenges compared to coconut oil based products.
To help reformulate with Libranol RDG please contact the sales team at Libra who will be happy to help, or see our presentation.
Call us on: 0161 775 1888 or Email: sales@librachem.co.uk
Libra Speciality Chemicals will be attending in-cosmetics Asia, the leading exhibition and conference in Asia Pacific for personal care ingredients.
The exhibition brings together up to 400 international exhibitors of ingredients, fragrances, lab equipment, testing and regulatory solutions with over 8,700 Asia Pacific cosmetic manufacturers.
in-cosmetics Asia is the Asia Pacific launch place for innovation in ingredients and technologies, providing 100% free education and consumer insights for formulators, R&D and regulatory professionals.
Showcasing industry trends throughout Asia-Pacific, in-cosmetics Asia offers the most cost-effective business and networking opportunities for the personal care ingredients community in the region.
Plenty of progress on the new betaine facility at Libra Speciality Chemicals, four new tanks arrived and more to follow!
New Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) at our manufacturing facility at Manchester (UK). We are on schedule for full scale commercially approved production at the end of Q1 2018
With a state of the art design including a distillation column and two main reactors of 30,000 litres and 60,000 litres, we will be able to produce up to 30k t/pa of surfactants used in personal care and cleaning applications.
Providing best in class quality and service we will be able to produce surfactants in 200 litre drums, 1000 litre IBC’s and Full Bulk tankers and continuing to deliver across the world.
This is a great step forward for the UK chemical manufacturing industry and Libra Speciality Chemicals is proud to be investing in this critical industry, cementing our future in the North West.
If you have any questions or would like any samples for pre-approval please feel free to contact us at sales@librachem.co.uk
Libra is pleased to announce the official appointment of Eurosyn (www.eurosyn.it) as an Italian distributor for all Libra Products .
The agreement solidifies the ever-strengthening partnership between our two companies and was signed on the 7th of September between Enrico Campana (CEO of Eurosyn) and Richard Lock (Sales & Marketing Director of Libra).
Libra is an Independent UK manufacturer of high quality surfactants to industries including Personal Care, Household Care, Industrial & Institutional, Textile, Oil & Gas and Metal Working.
Eurosyn is a major distributor of surfactants and speciality chemicals for industry throughout Italy.
The agreement with Eurosyn as an official distributor for Italy further reinforces the importance of this market for Libra.
Libra continues to grow by providing excellent quality surfactants and customer service from a team that really cares about the needs of its customers.
Libra is looking to further expand its global distributor network, so if you are interested to distribute for us, please contact us at: sales@librachem.co.uk
The first concrete trucks have started to pour the foundation slab and bunding for the new Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) at our manufacturing facility at Manchester (UK). We are on schedule for full scale commercially approved production at the end of Q1 2018.
With a state of the art design including a distillation column and two main reactors of 30,000 litres and 60,000 litres, we will be able to produce up to 30k t/pa of surfactants used in personal care and cleaning applications.
Providing best in class quality and service we will be able to produce surfactants in 200 litre drums, 1000 litre IBC’s and Full Bulk tankers and continuing to deliver across the world.
This is a great step forward for the UK chemical manufacturing industry and Libra Speciality Chemicals is proud to be investing in this critical industry, cementing our future in the North West.
If you have any questions or would like any samples for pre-approval please feel free to contact us at sales@librachem.co.uk
Paving the way for further growth and success at Libra
A new modular office extension is well underway at Libra Speciality Chemicals, creating an additional 120sq of modern space and complementing the new Betaine plant.
A major fire at Shell Rotterdam on the 29/07/2017 has been extinguished, however this is still having a knock on effect on the production of surfactants.
Please contact the sales team Libra to help maintain your production lines.
Libra Speciality Chemicals is excited to announce the recruitment of two new sales positions; Contract Manufacture Manager and International Sales Manager.
An experienced sales professional with a background in surfactants for personal care, automotive and HI&I applications.
I am looking forward to developing technical and commercial partnerships with our valued customers as well as exploring new markets and applications for Libra Speciality Chemicals’ fantastic range of products.
SCS Formulate is the UK’s largest event of its kind, focusing on raw materials, ingredients and formulation services for personal care and cosmetic products.
In the exhibition you will be able to find every conceivable ingredient, raw material and other vital tool of your trade.
Over the 2 days you will find the new, the innovative, the proven, the everyday and the obscure – everything you need to create, make and market cosmetics for today and tomorrow.
Bringing a wealth of knowledge and over 20 years external sales experience within the Chemical Industry, across various sectors which include: Cosmetic, Personal care, pharmaceutical, metal plating, automotive, rubber, food ingredients, equestrian and carpet manufacturing, managing blue chip companies such as Boots, Avon, Kraft foods, McVities, TRW, Bostik, Malibu Sun Care, Pecksniff Fragrances and Mibelle.
A strong background in Distribution and Manufacturing, supplying a vast array of products from Acids, food ingredients, Vitamins, Surfactants, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, Base oils Oil Blends, contract toll blending, working closely with R&D teams to develop specific and bespoke products.
I am covering the Midlands region of England and will be happy to help with all your product needs.
The takeover of a cosmetics business by a Sheffield-headquartered group headed up by one of Yorkshire’s most successful entrepreneurs has been named Deal of the Month.
I Love Cosmetics (ILC), which is headquartered in Birchwood, Warrington, is set to “grow with flair and passion” after being snapped up by Graham Royle’s GRI Group in early May.
The business has now become a subsidiary of GRI Brands Ltd.
The annual SEPAWA Congress is the groundbreaking event for the detergents/cleansers, cosmetics and perfumery industry in Europe. With over 130 lectures and presentations and 300 exhibitors, the SEPAWA Congress offers a wealth of information to more than 2,500 participants. The Congress is therefore the European communication platform for experts in the above-mentioned fields.
Libra Speciality Chemicals will be attending in-cosmetics Asia, the leading exhibition and conference in Asia Pacific for personal care ingredients.
The exhibition brings together up to 400 international exhibitors of ingredients, fragrances, lab equipment, testing and regulatory solutions with over 8,700 Asia Pacific cosmetic manufacturers.
in-cosmetics Asia is the Asia Pacific launch place for innovation in ingredients and technologies, providing 100% free education and consumer insights for formulators, R&D and regulatory professionals.
Showcasing industry trends throughout Asia-Pacific, in-cosmetics Asia offers the most cost-effective business and networking opportunities for the personal care ingredients community in the region.
Please be informed that Netherlands will have a maintenance shutdown from 04.05.2017 to 15.06.2017, which will affect the production of ethylene oxide (EO).
Kolb is fully prepared to handle this situation and will be able to produce and serve our customers as usual.
Thanks to major investments, we expanded our tank farm for products and raw materials and we doubled our capacity of EO intake by rail-cars at our Moerdijk site.
We will optimize our production by planning pre-production of forecasted volumes and by increasing our safety stocks.
We encourage you to place your product orders as early as possible.
With this information, we can take your demand into account and supply you with the reliability you know of Kolb.
We remain personally at your disposal for any additional information.
Thank you in advance for your kind cooperation.
Chemspec Europe 2017 is the international exhibition for fine and speciality chemicals.
It is the key platform for manufacturers, suppliers and distributors of fine and speciality chemicals to showcase their products and services to a dedicated audience of professionals in the industry sector.
The 32nd edition of this highly successful industry event will take place from 31 May – 1 June 2017 in Munich, South Germany’s central location for the chemical industry.
Highly successful research partnerships between companies and research institutes are a growth engine for a prospering business environment in and around the Bavarian capital. Munich is well connected to numerous international destinations and is, therefore, an excellent venue to reach a global audience.
The visitors attending Chemspec Europe are corporate managers, production / process managers, R&D managers, product designers, procurement managers, technical managers, chemists and consultants from a wide range of industries.
Visitor registration for Chemspec Europe 2017 is now open! Register online to benefit from FREE entry to the show http://ow.ly/6Wv730amulr
I have over 14 years’ experience combined between technical and commercial accountabilities from R&D, Product Development and Large Account management with P&L, within household, Industrial and Institutional markets.
I believe customers should have access to great service and the very best products to ensure success.
Sales is much more than just selling, it is about technical service before and customer service after, my team and I embody that message here at Libra Speciality Chemicals.
Libra Speciality Chemicals has a variety of Non-ionic surfactants ranging from C8 Alcohol Ethoxylates to C16-18 Alcohol Ethoxylates
The most widely used products are the Libranone 91 Range:
Libranone 91 series of C 9-11 synthetic alcohol ethoxylates range in ethoxylation levels from 2.5EO to 12EO and are the work horse Nonionic’s of detergent formulations. The product most widely used in this range is:
Libranone 91/060 (C9-11 alcohol +6EO), it is a very versatile non-ionic and can be used as a go to surfactant, due to its excellent wetting and emulsification properties. This product is used extensively in both cosmetics and toiletries as a perfume solubiliser and household and Industrial products as a general wetter / emulsifier which enhances removal of oily stains when cleaning.
The Libranone 91- series are compatible in with both Anionic or Cationic based surfactant systems making it ideal for a wide range of formulations.
Libra Speciality Chemicals can supply C9-11+6EO as 100% active or 96% active (for improved flowability in cold temperatures), below is the example specifications and properties of Libranone 91/060 (C9-11 +6 Ethoxylate), allowing a formulator to incorporate this product into products straight away.
Libranone 91/060 – Specification and Typical properties
Competitive Pricing for C-9 11 6EO
Give our sales team a call or drop us an email to get personalised advice and quotes.
Deal Direct with a UK manufacturer of Anionic, Non-Ionic, Cationic & Amphoteric Surfactants.
Libra are exhibiting at the leading event for personal care ingredients – In-Cosmetics Global.
The exhibition brings together personal care ingredients suppliers, exhibitors with finished product manufacturers (visitors) looking to network, learn about future trends and discover new products.
In-cosmetics Global is the global launch place for innovations in ingredients and technologies, providing high-level scientific education and consumer insights for formulators, R&D and regulatory professionals.
Please come and Join Libra on stand Stand FF50 on 4th April 2017 in London, alternatively email us to arrange an appointment for your specific requirements.
Natural based products have seen a 4th consecutive month of significant increases and the forecast for the coming months is that there will be further increases in the market. This is due to price pressures and availability of feedstock.
From January 2016 to December 2016 we have seen over at 83% increase in the natural oil prices which are reflected in the raw materials we use for our amine oxides.
Substantial Savings of over 30%
Ask about our Coconut Diethanolamide alternative: Rapeseed Diethanolamide (Libranol RDG-LA)
We value our customers and would like to work with you to try and help in these challenging times.
Please contact us to see how we can work together in 2017 and beyond. Enquire online, Call us on: 0161 775 1888 or Email: sales@librachem.co.uk
Staff at Libra Speciality Chemicals have been supporting the Key 103 Mission Christmas Cash for Kids Campaign with a week of fantastic fundraising events, including a Dress Down Christmas Jumper Day, Cake and cookies sales, Curry Club and a Prosecco raffle.
“On behalf of all the directors at Libra Speciality Chemicals we would like to thank all the staff for their fundraising efforts for a great local charity ‘Cash for kids’. To show our support for your efforts we have rounded off your efforts up to a total of £1000. I am sure this will go towards make a very Happy Christmas to some of the most deserving kids in Manchester. We wish you all Best wishes for Xmas and well done for your efforts this year for this deserving cause”. – Frank O’Neill, Commercial Director
Totaliser: £1,000
More about the campaign:
1 in 3 children are living in severe poverty in Greater Manchester.
This means there are children going to bed without a hot meal in a house without central heating, and over 150,000 children in our city might not have a present to open on Christmas Day.
Over the last 12 months we have seen dramatic volatility in the coconut oil market, this has been attributed to many different effects; El Nino, increased usage in biofuels and use of coconut oil in the personal care and food industry.
Overall this has led to significant increases in prices of Coconut Diethanolamide (Libranol CDG). However, is there an answer that formulators haven’t considered?
Figure 1: Price Variation (£/tonne) between Coconut Oil and Rapeseed Oil Sources http://www.indexmundi.com/
Overall this has led to significant increases in prices of Coconut Diethanolamide (Libranol CDG). However, is there an answer that formulators haven’t considered?
Rapeseed Diethanolamide (Libranol RDG-LA)
There is a variation in carbon chain length distribution between Libranol RDG-LA and Libranol CDG that will require alterations to end formulations, however Libranol RDG-LA is a real alternative that could be considered and used in various Household, I&I and toiletry applications available to all formulators.
Table 1: Typical carbon chain distributions for raw material coconut oil and rapeseed oil, from certificates of analysis’s delivered to Libra Speciality chemicals
Scientists at Libra Speciality Chemicals have successfully reformulated one of our laundry detergent concentrates (Libradet 55) to incorporate Libranol RDG-LA, which maintains performance and addresses the price challenges compared to coconut oil based products.
The main differences a formulator may encounter are:
Lower cloud point, due to increased chain lengths
Can be adjusted if required, by using hydrotropes, such as Librateric AA30, Librateric BA40, MPG (Mono-propylene glycol) or SXS (sodium xylene sulphonate).
Increased viscosity of the end product
Can help improve stability and product performance. If required, viscosity can be lowered with the addition solvents or co-solvents such as Glycerol or MPG.
Nominal difference in foam profile in comparison to Libranol CDG
Can be adjusted by altering the ratios of linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LABSA – Libratex NSA 25) and Sodium lauryl ether sulphate (Libratex SLES)
The overall results lead to achieving substantial savings and maintained performance in formulated products.
In some cases, making savings of 33% when using Libranol RDG-LA compared to Libranol CDG.(Based on Libra Sales prices of Libranol-RDG-LA vs Libranol CDG in September 2016)
Request a Technical Data Sheet and your personalised quote
Enquire online, Call us on: 0161 775 1888 or Email: sales@librachem.co.uk
Join Libra Speciality Chemicals and the GRI group at Stand 321.
SCS Formulate is the UK’s largest event of its kind, focusing on raw materials, ingredients and formulation services for personal care and cosmetic products.
Libra Speciality Chemicals manufactures and distributes a wide range of speciality products to service the many industrial, personal care and household care requirements of our customers.
Products include amphoteric, non-ionic, anionic and speciality surfactants, amine oxides, phosphate esters and an array of speciality chemicals in liquid, emulsion and powder form.
We also provide a bespoke contract manufacturing capability used by a wide variety of customers.
A BIG thank you to John Hibbs and Dr David Karsa for making the conference yesterday possible, it was a great insight into the future of surfactants, what the current demands are within the industry and different peoples perspectives on the term ‘Bio’.
It was a pleasure to meet our guest speaker Dr Pietro Alfarano from KOLB who had flown in from Switzerland to attend the surfactants Formulation Group Meeting. Pietro had kindly agreed to present a speech on KOLB’s Rapeseed Methyl Ester Derivative (Greenbentin – MLS/XES) and highlighted……
The next formulation meeting ‘Non-surfactant ingredients in cleaning formulations’ will again be held at The Lymm Hotel on the 26th November ’15.
From Left to Right: Dr David Karsa, Dr Pietro Alfarano, Miss Rebecca Plaistow and Mr John Hibbs.
We’re attending the BACS “Get some backbone! – Hydrophobe choices” meeting 29th July. Dr. Pietro Alfarano from KOLB KLK will be presenting, rapeseed methyl Ester derivative (Greenbentin-MLS-XES).
Please contact sales@librachem.co.uk for more information.
We will be exhibiting at SEPAWA 2015 in Germany from the 14th-16th October.
Last year more than 2,100 participants from over 40 countries attended the 61st SEPAWA Congress and it was a great success. SEPAWA’s success is continuing this year with almost all booth space being sold for the congress and once again it will be an important, international meeting point for its represented industry sectors such as detergents, cosmetics and perfumery. The exhibition will include a variety of lectures on scientific research and current innovations which will be presented at the “forum of innovation”.
We are excited to be a part of this exhibition again this year and you can find us on the SEPAWA 2015 Floor Plan below at stand 163.
We will be exhibiting at Chemspec Europe in Cologne, Germany on the 24th-25th June 2015. Please come by our stand CS08 to discuss your contract manufacturing requirements!!
We have now launched LIBRANOX TOD. This is an Amine Oxide that will thicken acid, neutral & alkali products upon dilution. Ideal for vertical and/ or horizontal cling of cleaning products and disinfectants. Contact us for more information.
Young Talent in the Chemical Industry Award 2021
International Trade Award 2021
In this plant we currently perform:
“Working whilst studying goes hand in hand, as I can apply the theory directly to practice especially within the management accounting tasks, I currently undertake. I have already learnt so much about costings and stock which is something I had not previously had experience within the service sector, which has improved my understanding of costings and the importance of stock. I am excited to delve further into the second level of the exam syllabus and gain more understanding of setting budgets and looking at variances against forecasts and actual results.” 
Furthermore, long-standing buyer, Melanie Nunn, is in the process of becoming a member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS). CIPS, as the professional body for the procurement and supply profession, is using its global standard, network, education, expertise, and charter for public good to ensure that procurement and supply chain professionals like Mel have the capabilities and responsibility to deliver sustainability goals.
Uses of Libranox AO12/14
Libra can provide a bespoke chemical manufacturing and supply solution service to an extensive range of industries around the globe. We are an official BCMPA member, a UK association for contract and toll manufacturers, meaning we are experts in providing efficient and cost-effective toll manufacturing solutions for businesses. For over 40 years we have honed and enhanced our expertise in the chemical industry, acquiring multiple accreditations, including top tier COMAH, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 9000:2015, ISO18001:2007 and EFfCI (European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients).
At Libra Speciality Chemicals we pride ourselves on being adaptable enough to cater to all our customers’ needs. Our formula for success has been, and will continue to be total customer satisfaction; it is the driving force behind everything we do.
Libra Speciality Chemicals have been the proud distributor of Kolb’s range of ethoxylates in the UK for an impressive 35 years. With a wide range of products that complement Libra’s own range of manufactured surfactants, our enduring partnership with Kolb is one which brings tremendous value to our customers.
If you’re looking for a non-ionic surfactant that is compatible with most surfactant types to incorporate into your products, Libranol CDG is exactly what you need. Libranol is a high-quality alkanolamine, a chemical compound that contains amino (-NH, -NHR, and -NR) and hydroxyl (-OH). The compound is a viscous liquid which produces moderate foam, as well as excellent wetting and thickening properties making it useful for a variety of applications.
Chem UK stated, “We are pleased to offer a virtual booth for up to 100 UK companies to showcase their products and services and also to hold meetings with other UK chemical companies, representatives from DIT offices in British Embassies, Consulates and High Commission across the globe; as well as potential overseas buyers.”
Libramul IPA is a high-quality anionic surfactant that can be used in a variety of industries. It is an amine salt and functions as an emulsifying agent for organic solvents, waxes, and mineral oils. In an agricultural setting, Libramul IPA performs as an excellent emulsifiable concentrate and suspension concentrate. This makes Libramul IPA great at emulsifying pesticides. This product can also be used in cleaning products. It is especially suitable for the manufacture of emulsion degreasers and kerosene-based hand cleaning gels. Libramul IPA excels at providing cleaning power in non-aqueous formulations.
Libra Speciality Chemicals Ltd
This series of internal promotions see Dr Rob Wiles promoted to the newly created role of Technical Services Director. Upon receiving his promotion, Rob stated: “I am very honoured and flattered to be appointed the new Technical Services Director at Libra Speciality Chemicals Ltd and I am looking forward to developing and growing the business with a fantastic team of people.”
The Libranox series of amine oxides perform as excellent detergents, as well as providing foam boosting and foam stabilising properties. They are often used to provide viscosity and possess strong cleaning powers as they excel at grease emulsification and soil suspension. The series produces a dense, stable foam which can be used in the formulation of high alkalinity cleaning compounds. It performs exceptionally when used in industrial cleaning; once the product is sprayed on to contaminated surfaces, the amine oxide allows for excellent adhesion to the surface, providing an extended dwell time. Libranox products are extensively used with both sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide to produce bleach-based products.
I’m a practiced sales professional with a background in Industrial Lubrication and experience working in regions all around the world.
+44 (0) 161 775 1888
sales@librachem.co.uk
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