Univar Solutions and Ashland Forge Exclusive Partnership for Cellulose Ethers in Food and Beverage Sector Throughout EMEA

Core Insights - Univar Solutions has announced an exclusive distribution partnership with Ashland Inc. to enhance the availability of cellulose ethers in the EMEA food and beverage market, starting January 1, 2026 [1][3][4] Group 1: Partnership Details - The collaboration will introduce a wide range of cellulose ethers, including methylcellulose (MC), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), ethylcellulose (EC), and polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) [3][4] - This partnership aims to meet the rising demand for functional ingredients, particularly in the context of alternative and plant-based proteins [3][4] Group 2: Market Impact - The partnership is expected to provide significant value through enhanced product availability, faster delivery, specialized expertise, and improved support services for food manufacturers in EMEA [4] - The collaboration will help food manufacturers innovate and meet evolving consumer expectations regarding health, convenience, and quality [4] Group 3: Strategic Goals - Univar Solutions aims to leverage its global distribution network and technical expertise to support customers in creating innovative food and beverage products [3][4] - The partnership is positioned to drive advancements in food and beverage innovation, particularly in vegan foods, plant-based meats, and gluten-free products [3][4]