Sabo

What Sabo does

SABO S.p.A. is a privately held Italian specialty chemicals manufacturer founded in 1937 in Levate (Bergamo), Italy, now headquartered administratively in Bergamo. The company operates five business units — Polymer Additives (HALS UV stabilizers and TAA-derivative intermediates), Personal Care (emollients, organic UV filters, surfactants, texturizing agents), Feed Additives (Sabonutreem brand technological additives for animal nutrition), Industrial Surfactants (ethoxylates, phosphate esters, sorbitan esters, polysorbates, sulfosuccinates), and Performance Intermediates — producing proprietary branded product families including SABOSTAB, SABODERM, SABOCARE, SABOPAL, SABOFOS, SABONOL, SABOSOL, and SABOSOFT. Following the 2024 acquisition of the TAA derivatives business from Evonik Industries AG, SABO holds full backward integration into the HALS production chain via its Marl, Germany site (in the Marl chemical park 'Verbund'), in addition to manufacturing operations in Levate (Italy) and Liaoyang (China) and sales/logistics nodes in Basel (Switzerland), Winter Park/Florida, Savannah/Georgia, and Houston/Texas.

SABO's technology base is rooted in classical specialty chemistry rather than digital or AI-enabled processes; the most differentiated technical position is the proprietary TAA-derivative intermediate chain (TAD, n-BUTYLTAD, HMBTAD) that anchors HALS production and is difficult for downstream competitors to replicate. The portfolio is backed by an unusually broad certification stack (ISO 9001/14001/45001, COSMOS, GMP EFfCI, FAMI-QS, RSPO, Responsible Care, REACH, ISO 16128, Seveso), and the company has begun layering digital ESG infrastructure via Omnisyst's blockchain-notarized Digital Offsetting Passport. The most recent ESG disclosure (third sustainability report, covering 2024, published November 2025) and EcoVadis Silver Medal (2023) evidence sustained sustainability positioning.

Commercially, SABO runs a hybrid go-to-market combining direct enterprise sales through wholly-owned international subsidiaries (SABO International SA, SABO International Americas, SABO GmbH, SABO Tianda) and regional distributor partnerships (Omya for Latin America, Eurosyn for Italy, Mäuler Logistik for polymer additives in Duisburg, Sevecom for animal nutrition in selected EU/Asian markets). Pricing is quote-based and project-specific. Following the June 2025 termination of the Songwon HALS distribution agreement, SABO sells its polymer additives portfolio directly. The company maintains ~300+ employees globally, with no external institutional or venture capital disclosed; ownership and chairmanship rest with Germano Peverelli.

Name

Sabo

Legal name

SABO S.p.A.

Website

https://sabo.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1937

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

SABO S.p.A. is a privately held Italian specialty chemicals manufacturer founded in 1937, producing polymer additives (HALS UV stabilizers), personal care ingredients, feed additives, industrial surfactants, and TAA-derivative intermediates across five production sites in Italy, Germany, China, and the USA for enterprise customers in plastics, cosmetics, animal nutrition, and industrial sectors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Chemicals

NAICS

Surface Active Agent Manufacturing (325613)

SIC

Industrial Organic Chemicals (2860), Miscellaneous Chemical Products (2890)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialty Surfactants & Performance Additives (IMAEABAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Personal Care & Cosmetic Ingredients (IMAEABAJ), Manufacturing, Private Label & Co-Manufacturing for Animal Diets (HLAMAHAO)

Keywords

• Specialty chemicals
• Polymer additives
• Cosmetic ingredients
• Industrial surfactants
• Feed additives

Headquarters

HQ city

Levata

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Polymer Additives: Sale of HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers), UV absorbers, anti-static agents, and anti-fogging additives for plastics and polymer applications.
2. Personal Care Ingredients: Sale of cosmetic ingredients including emollients, UV filters, surfactants, solubilizers, and texturizing agents to cosmetics and personal care product manufacturers.
3. Industrial Surfactants: Sale of ethoxylates, phosphate esters, sorbitan esters, sulfosuccinates, and specialty surfactants for agrochemicals, polymer emulsion, textiles, leather, paints, coatings, and metalworking fluids.
4. Feed Additives: Sale of technological feed additives for animal nutrition under the Sabonutreem brand, distributed in exclusive markets through Sevecom partnership.
5. Performance Intermediates: Sale of TAA-derivative intermediates for UV stabilizer manufacturing, acquired from Evonik Industries AG.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

SABO manufactures and distributes specialty chemicals across five business units: polymer additives (HALS light stabilizers for UV and thermal protection of plastics), personal care ingredients (emollients, UV filters, surfactants, texturizing agents for cosmetics), feed additives under the Sabonutreem brand for animal nutrition, industrial surfactants (ethoxylates, phosphate esters, sorbitan esters, sulfosuccinates for agrochemicals, textiles, leather, paints, coatings, metalworking), and performance intermediates (TAA derivatives including HMBTAD, n-BUTYLTAD, TAD for manufacturing HALS UV stabilizers). The company sells B2B to industrial manufacturers globally through wholly-owned subsidiaries in Italy, Switzerland, Germany, China, and the USA, plus a network of regional distributors.

Product overview

SABO is a specialty chemical company with over 80 years of experience producing a diversified portfolio organized into four core business units: Polymer Additives (including SABOSTAB® UV HALS stabilizers for polymer protection), Personal Care (cosmetics ingredients including SABODERM emollients, SABOCARE® UV filters, and SABOSOFT texturizing agents), Feed Additives (Sabonutreem line for animal nutrition), and Industrial Surfactants (SABOPAL ethoxylates, SABOFOS phosphate esters, SABONOL/SABOLEN sorbitan derivatives, and SABOSOL sulfosuccinates). The company also produces Performance Intermediates (TAA derivatives including HMBTAD, n-BUTYLTAD, and TAD for manufacturing UV stabilizers). With five production sites across Italy, Germany, China, and the U.S.A., SABO serves global markets in plastics, cosmetics, agriculture, textiles, leather, and industrial applications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SABOVision: Corporate television channel with five channels informing employees about company updates including institutional and business news, HR, quality, environment and safety

Products and services

• Polymer Additives (HALS and UV stabilizers) HALS light stabilizers, UV absorbers, anti-static agents, and anti-fogging additives that protect polymers from UV and thermal degradation, sold directly to plastics manufacturers globally.
• SABOSTAB UV (HALS polymer stabilizers) HALS-based UV stabilizer sub-brand for polymer protection, sold directly by SABO following the end of the Songwon distribution partnership.
• Personal Care Ingredients Cosmetic ingredient portfolio including emollients, UV filters, surfactants, solubilizers, film-forming agents, texturizing agents, and pearlizing agents for skincare, sun care, hair care, and color cosmetics formulations.
• SABOCARE UV (organic UV filters) SABOCARE UV is a range of three organic oil-soluble UV filters for sun care formulations: EHT for UVB protection, BMT for broad-spectrum UVA-UVB protection and avobenzone stabilization, and DHHB for UVA protection.
• SABODERM (emollients range) Range of emollients for personal care formulations including SABODERM CVC (Coco-Caprylate/Caprate), CSO (Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate), ODM (Octyldodecyl Myristate), DOE (Dicaprylyl Ether) for tailored skin feel textures including silkiness, lightness, comfort, and elegance.
• SABOSOFT RP (Oryza Sativa Starch texturizing agent) Natural texturizing agent based on rice starch for cosmetic formulations.
• SABOCARE APG and GMS-SE emulsifiers APG-based ingredients and Glyceryl Stearate SE emulsifier for personal care formulations.
• Sabonutreem (Feed Additives) Technological feed additives under the Sabonutreem brand for poultry, swine, bovine, and aquaculture nutrition, including the Avi-Mul Top multicomponent formulation, exclusively distributed by Sevecom in selected markets.
• SABOPAL (ethoxylated surfactants) Wide range of ethoxylated surfactants based on natural alcohols, oxo alcohols, fatty amines, TSP, castor oil, and fatty acid polyglycol esters for various industrial applications.
• SABOFOS (phosphate esters) Phosphate esters with emulsifying and detergent properties plus alkali stability, used in lubricants, agrochemicals, leather, and textiles.
• SABONOL (sorbitan esters) and SABOLEN (polysorbates) Sorbitan ester and ethoxylated sorbitan ester surfactants used as emulsifiers and solubilizers in home care and technical applications.
• SABOSOL (sulfosuccinates) Anionic surfactants with high wettability, good cleaning properties, and medium foaming power for various industrial applications.
• SABOMIN, SABOTAN and ANTISCHIUMA EST 2 Specialty industrial surfactants including SABOMIN (PEG dioleate and PPG stearate ester for lubricants and antifoaming), SABOTAN (leather treatment products including primer oil applications), and ANTISCHIUMA EST 2 (silicone-free anti-foaming agent).
• TAA-Derived Performance Intermediates (HMBTAD, n-BUTYLTAD, TAD) Triacetoneamine (TAA) derivative intermediates used as precursors for manufacturing Amino HALS and as chain length modifiers for polyamide polymerization: HMBTAD (Hexamethylen Bis-Triacetondiamine), n-BUTYLTAD (n-Butyl Triacetondiamine), and TAD (Triacetondiamine) for PA6 fiber stabilization.
• Digital Offsetting Passport (DOP) carbon tracking service Blockchain-notarized tracking and offsetting service for CO2e emissions from manufacturing waste, using VCS carbon credits and serial-numbered digital passports to eliminate double-counting risk, delivered through the Omnisyst technology partnership.

Quantifiable outcome

• Levate plant produced approximately 850 tons of CO2e in 2025, fully offset through VCS credits certified via blockchain-based Digital Offsetting Passport

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• OmyacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 July 2026Omya became the authorized distributor of SABO's full product portfolio (UV protection, anti-fogging, and anti-static additives) in Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia, effective July 1, 2026. The partnership expands on an existing collaboration in Mexico and is designed to provide greater market proximity and improved responsiveness in Latin American markets.
• OmnisystcoreTechnology or Integration · 26 May 2026SABO is the first industrial chemical company to adopt Omnisyst's Digital Offsetting Passport (DOP) for tracking and offsetting CO2e emissions from waste. The DOP uses blockchain notarization for immutable, verifiable, and audit-ready environmental claims, aligning with EU Directive 2024/825 on consumer empowerment for the green transition. The partnership began with an industrial rationalization process in 2021.
• SevecomcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 March 2025Strengthened partnership for international animal nutrition market. Sevecom holds exclusive distribution rights for SABO's Sabonutreem feed additive range in selected northeastern Europe and Far East markets. SABO produces exclusively Sevecom's patented Avi-Mul Top multicomponent formulations. The partnership combines SABO's manufacturing capabilities with Sevecom's raw material expertise and distribution network in the animal nutrition sector.
• Mäuler Logistik GmbH & Co. KGminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 October 2023Partnership to open a distribution centre in Duisburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, primarily dedicated to polymer additives, starting November 1, 2023. Mäuler Logistik brings nearly 90 years of experience in logistics for special chemical goods, with proximity to North European ports for global shipping.
• EurosynminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 4 November 2020Distribution agreement making Eurosyn the exclusive distributor of SABO products for Italian markets including Textiles, Leather, Metal Treatments, Lubricants, Inks and Coatings. Eurosyn has operated in surfactants and specialty chemicals distribution since 1983.
• Evonik Industries AGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSABO acquired the TAA derivatives business from Evonik Industries AG. This acquisition propels SABO into a new phase of growth, providing full integration over its entire HALS production chain and widening its global production footprint. The German site at the chemical park of Marl offers a 'Verbund' industrial concept with integrated services.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• BASF SE: World's largest chemical company with a broad portfolio overlapping SABO's polymer additives (light stabilizers), personal care ingredients (UV filters, emollients), and industrial surfactants. Competes across most of SABO's five business units as a broad incumbent rather than a niche specialist.
• Lanxess AG: German specialty chemicals company with material positions in polymer additives (including light stabilizers and UV absorbers) and industrial chemicals. Direct overlap with SABO's polymer additives and performance intermediates business units.
• Lubrizol (Berkshire Hathaway): Specialty chemicals division of Berkshire Hathaway producing personal care ingredients, performance additives, and industrial surfactants. Competes with SABO across multiple business units including personal care emollients and polymer additives.
• Evonik Industries AG: German specialty chemicals major from which SABO acquired the TAA derivatives business in 2024. Evonik continues to operate in adjacent specialty chemical segments including polymer additives and personal care, making it a former supplier-now-competitor in overlapping categories.

Direct peers

• Clariant AG: Swiss specialty chemicals company with strong positions in personal care ingredients (especially natural/cosmetic actives), industrial surfactants, and polymer additives. Directly comparable to SABO's personal care and industrial surfactants business units with similar customer base of formulators.
• SI Group: Global specialty additives manufacturer focused on polymer stabilizers (including HALS and UV absorbers), industrial resins, and performance intermediates. Closely comparable to SABO's polymer additives and performance intermediates (TAA derivatives) businesses.
• Songwon Industrial Group: Korean specialty chemicals producer and one of the world's largest HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers) manufacturers. SABO previously distributed through Songwon for HALS and transitioned to direct sales in June 2025, making Songwon SABO's most direct competitor in polymer light stabilizers.
• Italmatch Chemicals: Italian-headquartered specialty chemicals group producing performance additives, lubricants, and flame retardants with global operations. Comparable mid-sized European specialty chemical peer with overlapping industrial additives and surfactants portfolios.
• Croda International plc: UK-listed specialty ingredients supplier with leading positions in personal care emollients, UV filters, and specialty surfactants. Closely comparable to SABO's SABODERM emollient, SABOCARE UV filter, and SABOPAL ethoxylate portfolios serving cosmetic formulators globally.
• Ashland Inc. US-listed specialty ingredients supplier focused on personal care (emollients, UV filters, rheology modifiers) and pharmaceutical specialties. Direct comparable to SABO's SABODERM and SABOCARE personal care ingredient lines.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sabo-spa

Compliance11 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries4 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 Sabo