NuCera Solutions

What NuCera Solutions does

NuCera Solutions is a global specialty chemicals manufacturer that develops and produces differentiated specialty waxes and polymers for six primary end markets: Adhesives, Candles, Coatings & Imaging, Masterbatches, Personal Care, and Plastics. The company's product portfolio spans more than 120 SKUs organized around proprietary brand families including POLYWAX polyethylene waxes (narrow molecular weight distribution homopolymers with Mw/Mn of 1.08), VYBAR hyperbranched polyalphaolefins, UNICID long-chain synthetic acids (C25-C50), UNILIN long-chain synthetic alcohols (up to C50), UNITHOX ethoxylates, CERAMER functionalized polymers, BE SQUARE microcrystalline waxes, and PERFORMA biopolymers (up to 100% biobased). Manufacturing is concentrated at a 160-acre world-scale facility in Barnsdall, Oklahoma, supported by on-site synthesis laboratories, applications research labs, and pilot plant capabilities.

The company reaches customers through a hybrid go-to-market model combining direct technical sales with a global network of regional distributors, supported by regional offices in Paris (EMEA), Singapore (APAC), and Suzhou (China). Pricing is quote-based and tied to product grade, volume, and contract terms, consistent with B2B specialty chemicals industry norms, with multi-year contracts typical. NuCera's products function as performance additives — dosed at sub-1% levels in some applications — that improve end-product attributes such as candle opacity and fragrance retention, EPS foam nucleation, hot-melt adhesive viscosity control, personal care SPF boosting and skin conditioning, and coating surface modification.

Since September 1, 2022, NuCera has operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chase Corporation (NYSE: CCF), integrated into Chase's Adhesives, Sealants and Additives reporting unit following a $250 million acquisition from SK Capital Partners. SK Capital had previously carved the specialty polymers business out of Baker Hughes in September 2020 and rebranded it as NuCera Solutions, with Steve McKeown appointed as CEO and Shawn Ham as CFO. The company traces its origins to Bareco Oil Company, founded in 1934 in Oklahoma as the first manufacturer of refined microcrystalline wax.

Name

NuCera Solutions

Legal name

NuCera Solutions

Website

https://nucerasolutions.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1934

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

NuCera Solutions is a global specialty chemicals manufacturer of differentiated waxes and polymers serving six end markets — adhesives, candles, coatings, masterbatches, personal care, and plastics — with ~120 products made at a 160-acre Oklahoma facility.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Chemicals

NAICS

Resin and Synthetic Rubber Manufacturing (32521), Surface Active Agent Manufacturing (325613)

SIC

Industrial Organic Chemicals (2860), Plastic Materials, Synth Resins & Nonvulcan Elastomers (2821), Miscellaneous Chemical Products (2890), Adhesives & Sealants (2891)

akta.pro primary industry

Commodity Surfactants & Detergent Base Chemicals (IMAEAAAI)

Keywords

• Specialty polymers
• Polyethylene waxes
• Hyperbranched polyalphaolefins
• Specialty waxes
• Synthetic wax additives

Headquarters

HQ city

Barnsdall

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Specialty Polymers and Waxes Sales: NuCera generates revenue through the manufacture and sale of specialty waxes and polymers including polyethylene waxes, specialty polymers, synthetic acids, alcohols, and ethoxylates. The company offers more than 120 products to customers across various industries including adhesives, candles, coatings, masterbatches, personal care, and plastics.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

NuCera Solutions manufactures and sells specialty waxes and specialty polymers (including polyethylene waxes, hyperbranched polyalphaolefins, long-chain synthetic acids and alcohols, ethoxylates, functionalized polymers, and microcrystalline waxes) for industrial manufacturers in the adhesives, candles, coatings and imaging, masterbatches, personal care, and plastics markets. The company supplies more than 120 differentiated products from its Barnsdall, Oklahoma manufacturing facility, supported by onsite R&D, applications laboratories, and a pilot plant.

Product overview

NuCera Solutions is a global leader in specialty waxes and polymers with over 85 years of experience. The company offers a portfolio of approximately 120 functional polyethylene and specialty polymer products organized into distinct product families: POLYWAX™ polyethylene waxes (used as nucleating agents, lubricants, and performance additives), VYBAR™ hyperbranched polyalphaolefin polymers (for candle and specialty applications), PERFORMA™ V biopolymers (sustainable plant-based polymers for personal care), PERFORMA™ SW synthetic waxes, UNICID™ long chain synthetic acids, UNILIN™ long chain synthetic alcohols, UNITHOX™ ethoxylates, CERAMER™ functionalized polymers, DIAX™ polymers, and microcrystalline waxes under the BE SQUARE™ brand. These products serve diverse markets including Adhesives, Candles, Coatings & Imaging, Masterbatches, Personal Care, and Plastics.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• POLYWAX: Polyethylene wax product line - fully saturated homopolymers of ethylene with high linearity and crystallinity, used for EPS nucleation, adhesives, coatings, and other applications.
• VYBAR
• UNICID
• UNILIN
• UNITHOX
• CERAMER
• DIAX
• CARDIS
• POLYMEKON
• BE SQUARE
• VICTORY
• PERFORMA
• PERFORMACOL
• PERFORMATHOX
• PERFORMA SW-76
• New Phase Technologies

Products and services

• POLYWAX Polyethylene Waxes Fully saturated homopolymers of ethylene with high linearity and crystallinity, narrow molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn of 1.08), sharp melting points, and densities from 0.93 to 0.98 g/cc. Used as nucleating agents, lubricants, and performance additives across multiple markets.
• VYBAR Polymers Hyperbranched polyalphaolefins with tunable branching for distinctive physical properties. Family includes VYBAR 103, 108, 260, 343, and 825 polymers, used extensively in candle manufacturing to improve opacity, hardness, fragrance retention, and reduce mottling.
• UNICID Long Chain Synthetic Acids Long chain, linear primary carboxylic acids with carbon chain lengths from 25 to 50 carbons. Low polydispersities (Mw/Mn) of 1.1 or less, approximately 80% linear carboxylic acids. Provide hardness and low melt viscosity for industrial applications.
• UNILIN Long Chain Synthetic Alcohols Fully saturated, long chain, linear primary alcohols with higher molecular weight, greater crystallinity, and 80% primary alcohol concentration. Available with average carbon chain lengths up to C50 for cosmetic and industrial applications.
• UNITHOX Ethoxylates Nonionic emulsifiers and wetting agents produced from ethoxylation of UNILIN long chain alcohols (C20 to C50). High molecular weights and melt points with tailored surface-active properties for dispersions and coatings applications.
• CERAMER Polymers Maleic anhydride derivatives grafted onto hydrocarbon polymers to add high levels of acid and ester functionality without significantly degrading the hydrocarbon backbone. Used for surface modification applications.
• DIAX Polymers Hyperbranched hydrocarbon polymers; DIAX 2770 is liquid at room temperature and reduces foaming-related defects in solvent-based coatings and inks.
• CARDIS Polymers CARDIS WB-17 polymer is a urethane derivative of an oxidized synthetic polymer.
• POLYMEKON Polymers Potassium salt derived from an oxidized hydrocarbon; also available in ground form as POLYMEKON T60N polymer for easier incorporation into liquid and powder systems.
• BE SQUARE Microcrystalline Waxes Petroleum-derived microcrystalline waxes consisting of complex mixtures of paraffinic, isoparaffinic, and naphthenic hydrocarbons. Available in grades from hard, high-melting crystalline waxes to soft, low-melting flexible waxes.
• PERFORMA V Biopolymers Novel biopolymers combining synthetic wax polymerization with plant-based triglycerides from soy. Biobased content up to 100%. Provide creamy texture, skin conditioning, emollient, and film-forming properties for personal care formulations.
• PERFORMA SW-76 Synthetic Wax Highly crystalline, linear, narrow molecular weight distribution synthetic wax with lower melt points than traditional synthetic waxes. Chemically inert and non-irritating to skin. Used in hair care, color cosmetics, lip care, skin care, sun protection, and antiperspirants.
• PERFORMACOL Alcohols Long-chain, linear alcohols available in grades 350, 425, and 550 for personal care formulations. Provide formulation flexibility, thicken silicones and other cosmetic oils, and deliver film-forming and conditioning properties.
• PERFORMATHOX Ethoxylates Long chain, ethoxylated alcohols providing primary and secondary emulsification. Disperse heavy pigments for rich, even color application with a unique light, silky feel in cosmetic formulations.
• Bareco G 6001 Micronized Wax Powder Anti-static and lubricating micronized wax powder providing mold release, antiblocking properties, and enhanced foam appearance for EPS production.
• UNITHOX D-1038 Dispersant VOC-free dispersant based on ethoxylated polymer with HLB of 18. Delivers superior color development when dispersing pigments in water-based coating and ink systems.
• VICTORY Wax Wax product line for candle applications.
• VYBAR 108 Polymer Latest member of the VYBAR hyperbranched polyolefin family, launched March 2022. Enhances candle wax properties by retaining fragrance, binding residual oil, and adjusting wax crystallinity.
• New Phase Technologies Dedicated brand platform for NuCera's personal care portfolio, launched in 1997 to serve cosmetic and personal care formulators.

Quantifiable outcome

• Typical concentrations of specialty polymers in candle applications amount to less than 1% by weight
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Croda International: UK-based specialty chemicals company with strong personal care, polymer additives, and coatings businesses. Competes directly with NuCera's PERFORMA biopolymers, UNILIN alcohols, and UNITHOX ethoxylates in personal care formulations.
• Clariant: Global specialty chemicals major with a broad portfolio including wax additives, performance polymers, and personal care ingredients. Directly competes with NuCera in candle, coatings, and personal care additive markets, but operates at significantly larger scale across many other chemistries.
• Sasol Chemicals: Produces specialty alcohols, surfactants, and polymer intermediates including long-chain linear alcohols comparable to NuCera's UNILIN product family. Serves similar personal care, industrial, and coatings markets.
• Evonik Industries: German specialty chemicals company producing specialty waxes, polyalphaolefins, and polymer additives used in adhesives, coatings, and personal care. Direct competitor in many of NuCera's end markets with comparable technology platforms but a much broader portfolio.
• Lubrizol (Berkshire Hathaway): Specialty chemical manufacturer with a substantial personal care and coatings additives portfolio, including specialty waxes and polymers. Overlaps with NuCera's PERFORMA and UNILIN product lines serving cosmetic formulators globally.
• Eastman Chemical Company: Diversified specialty chemical producer with polymer additives and wax products serving adhesives, coatings, plastics, and personal care markets. Competes with NuCera in performance polymer additives and shares similar customer segments.
• Honeywell Specialty Additives: Through its Performance Materials and Technologies segment, Honeywell produces specialty waxes and polymer additives serving adhesives, coatings, and plastics end markets — overlapping with several NuCera product families.
• BASF: World's largest chemical company offering wax additives, polymer dispersants, and masterbatch additives across the same end markets as NuCera (candles, plastics, coatings, personal care). Operates as a broad incumbent with massive R&D and global sales reach.

Direct peers

• Kraton Corporation: Specialty polymer producer (now part of DL Chemical) manufacturing styrenic block copolymers and other functionalized hydrocarbon polymers. Comparable in scale and end-market focus (adhesives, coatings, personal care) to NuCera's specialty polymer platform.
• Innospec: Specialty chemicals company with Performance Chemicals and Fuel Specialties divisions producing polymer additives and surfactant-like chemistries. Comparable in scale to NuCera and competes in polymer additives and personal care formulation space.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about NuCera Solutions