Orlichem

What Orlichem does

Orlichem is a privately held South African chemical manufacturer founded in 2008 and headquartered in Cape Town. The company formulates and supplies a broad range of industrial and hospitality cleaning chemicals, including biodegradable degreasers (Wipe Out, Eco-Kleen, Eco-Solve, Enviocare), stainless steel cleaners and pickling gels (Pro 41, Lumo Pickling Gel, SSC 500/50), CIP system cleaners (Acid CIP, Alkaline CIP LF, Circlean EF, Saniclean DF20), sanitizers and disinfectants (Germakill, HUD 577, Chlor 4F, Chlor Foam), laundry detergents (Laundry Powder 1044, Bio-Trend, Eco-Zyme), dishwashing products, and marine chemicals (fuel biocide, ballast tank inhibitor, C-Clean 750 oil spill dispersant). The technology base is proprietary chemical formulation, with several products holding SANS 1828 food-safe and EN1276 bactericidal certifications, and the company operating under ISO 9001 quality management.

Orlichem sells through a dual-channel model: an e-commerce storefront at orlichem.co.za/shop for SMB and individual buyers, and a field-based technical sales team that advises enterprise customers, provides on-site implementation support, and offers custom R&D and formulation refinement. Products are sold in pack sizes ranging from 5L containers to 1000L+ bulk volumes under a unit-pricing, pay-as-you-go model with no public price list. The company is privately held with no disclosed funding, acquisitions, or parent company affiliations, and operates exclusively within South Africa.

The customer base spans industrial (Netcare, Bidvest, EnviroServe, Leboy-Oil), hospitality (ATKV-Goudini Spa, The Vinyard), healthcare, marine, and institutional segments. Orlichem is B-BBEE certified and has 11-50 employees. The business is differentiated primarily through food-safe and environmentally friendly formulations, regulatory compliance, and bundled technical service, rather than through proprietary software or AI.

Name

Orlichem

Legal name

Orlichem

Website

https://orlichem.co.za

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Orlichem is a privately held South African chemical manufacturer founded in 2008, based in Cape Town. It formulates and supplies industrial and hospitality cleaning chemicals — including biodegradable degreasers, sanitizers, CIP cleaners, and metal treatment products — primarily to South African enterprise and SMB customers via e-commerce and a field sales team.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Cleaning Chemicals

NAICS

Soap and Cleaning Compound Manufacturing (32561), Soap, Cleaning Compound, and Toilet Preparation Manufacturing (3256)

SIC

Specialty Cleaning, Polishing And Sanitation Preparations (2842), Soap, Detergents, Cleang Preparations, Perfumes, Cosmetics (2840)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial & Institutional (I&I) Cleaning Chemicals (IMAEABAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Food & Beverage Process & CIP/Sanitation Chemicals (IMAEAJAK), Alkaline Cleaners & Heavy-Duty Degreasers (Caustic/Soda Ash) (CRAJAKAE), Heavy-Duty/Industrial-Strength All-Purpose Cleaners (Consumer) (CRAJAMAG)

Keywords

• Industrial cleaning chemicals
• Hospitality cleaning products
• Marine chemical treatment
• Metal treatment chemicals
• Laundry detergents

Headquarters

HQ city

Cape Town

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Chemical Products Sales: Sale of cleaning chemicals, degreasers, detergents, sanitizers, and industrial cleaning products to industrial and hospitality sectors. Products are sold in various pack sizes ranging from small containers to bulk 1000L+ volumes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Orlichem manufactures and sells a wide range of industrial and hospitality cleaning chemicals including degreasers, dishwashing detergents, laundry products, sanitizers, CIP cleaning systems, metal treatment chemicals (stainless steel cleaners, pickling gels, rust removers), marine chemicals (fuel biocides, ballast tank inhibitors, oil spill dispersants), and water treatment products. Many products are biodegradable, food-safe, and certified to SANS 1828 and EN1276 standards.

Product overview

Orlichem is a South African chemical manufacturer founded in 2008, offering a diversified portfolio of cleaning products and chemicals across hospitality, industrial, marine, and institutional sectors. The product portfolio is organized into distinct categories: Hospitality products include dishwashing detergents (ORLI AUTODISH, DISH-DET), rinse aids (ORLI AUTO-RINSE), oven and grill cleaners (ORLI OVEN & GRILL), laundry products (LAUNDRY POWDER 1044, BIO-TREND, ECO-ZYME), floor care (HDBC, FLOOR STRIP A), sanitizers (GERMAKILL, HUD 577), and hand hygiene (BLITZVINNIG HAND CLEANER). Industrial products span CIP cleaning systems (ACID CIP, ALKALINE CIP LF, CIRCLEAN EF, SANICLEAN DF20), degreasers (WIPE OUT, ECO-KLEEN, ECO-SOLVE, ENVIROCARE), metal treatment (PRO 41, LUMO PICKLING GEL, RUST REMOVER HD, COPPER GLOW), electrical/solvent cleaners (C-SOLVE 100/300/330/550, COLD SOAK), and water treatment (BOILERSTAB 30, Fleet Cool NB). Marine products include ballast water treatment (BALLAST TANK INHIBITOR), fuel treatments (FUEL BIOCIDE, FUEL CONDITIONER), oil spill dispersants (C-CLEAN 750), and emulsion degreasers (CLEAN BREAK). The company also offers biological treatments (BIO-ZYME, BIO-LIVE, BIO-SCALE) and specialty products. All products emphasize biodegradability, environmental friendliness, and compliance with SANS 1828 standards.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• WIPE OUT | Heavy Duty Multi-Purpose Degreaser A red alkali, low foaming detergent liquid containing selected bio-degradable detergents, sequestering agents and soil releasing compounds. Food approved, water-based, SANS 1828 certified degreaser ideal for cleaning and degreasing floors, walls, heavy equipment, kitchen areas, windows, and engines.
• PRO 41 | Stainless Steel Cleaner A clear acidic liquid compound for cleaning stainless steel that retards re-dulling of the cleaned surface by leaving the surface fully passivated. Removes ferrous oxide stains, hard water scale, industrial atmospheric fallout, and algae growth.
• ORLI OVEN & GRILL | Non-Fuming Oven and Grill Cleaner A powerful grease remover containing selected blend of alkalis, wetting agents, corrosion inhibitors and powerful grease busting detergents. Safe for food contact surfaces, biodegradable and low-fuming.
• ORLI AUTODISH | Automatic Liquid Dishwashing Detergent A strong alkaline liquid detergent incorporating caustic alkali, high levels of sequestrants and corrosion inhibitors, formulated for use in commercial and industrial dishwashing machines.
• ORLI AUTO-RINSE | Rinse Aid for Automatic Dishwashers A special blend of low foaming, non-ionic detergents and mild acids with excellent wetting and draining properties, effective in both soft and hard water conditions.
• DISH-DET | Manual Liquid Dishwashing Detergent A powerful degreasing dishwashing liquid detergent formulated with high-quality surfactants providing high foam and excellent cleaning ability for manual cleaning applications.
• ACID CIP | Heavy-Duty Liquid Acid Descaler Heavy-duty liquid acid descaler for CIP (Clean-in-Place) applications.
• ALKALINE CIP LF | Caustic Based Circulation Cleaning Caustic-based circulation cleaning product for CIP systems.
• CIRCLEAN EF | Alkaline CIP Cleaner Alkaline CIP cleaner for industrial cleaning applications.
• SANICLEAN DF20 | Non-Foaming Chlorinated Liquid Detergent Non-foaming chlorinated liquid detergent for sanitizing applications.
• FUEL BIOCIDE | Biocide for Fuel Storage Tanks and Systems A liquid biocide additive formulated for treatment and prevention of microorganisms including fungi and bacteria in diesel or gas fuel storage tanks and systems.
• FUEL CONDITIONER | Fuel Combustion Improver and Conditioner Specially formulated to react with heavy fuel oil particles during combustion to reduce ignition temperature, improve efficiency, decrease carbon emissions and reduce depositing.
• C-CLEAN 750 | Oil Spill Dispersant & Degreaser (Type 1) Highly effective, low toxicity dispersant for all forms of oils, specifically at sea, on boats, ships, harbours, beaches and aircraft. Conforms to SABS 1025.
• BALLAST TANK INHIBITOR | Corrosion Inhibitor for Marine Steel A unique blend of organic and inorganic corrosion inhibitors specifically developed for the protection of steel when in contact with sea water.
• HUD 577 | Peracetic Acid Based Sanitizer Broad spectrum fast acting sanitizer which rapidly kills bacteria, moulds, yeasts, and viruses. At 0.20% dilution it removes scale and hard water deposits while sanitizing in CIP applications. EN1276 compliant.
• ECO-KLEEN | Environmentally Friendly Multi-Purpose Degreaser State of the Art Multi-Purpose Degreaser that is biodegradable and hydrocarbon free. EDTA, Phosphate, 2-Butoxyethanol and Nonylphenol Ethoxylate Free. Best suited for removal of heavy oil deposits.
• ECO-SOLVE | Natural Solvent Degreaser A blend of natural hydrocarbon solvents, carbon remover and surfactants specifically formulated to dislodge and reduce carbonaceous soils, gelled oil, and grease masses.
• ENVIROCARE | Biodegradable Solvent Degreaser and Heavy Oil Remover Multi-purpose degreaser produced with a blend of natural solvent (non-petroleum) and surfactants. Dislodges and removes carbaceous deposits, gelled oil and grease masses.
• ECO-ZYME | Enzymatic One-Shot Liquid Laundry Detergent An enzymatic eco-friendly, organic solvent based, one-shot liquid detergent formulation of bio-degradable anionic and non-ionic surfactants blended with buffered alkalis. Contains enzymes that break down fats, oils and protein stains.
• LAUNDRY POWDER 1044 | Fully Built High Alkali Low Foaming Industrial Laundry Detergent High quality laundry detergent containing moderated alkalis, peptisers, sequestering and wetting agents engineered to hydrolyze and remove peptide bonds found in oil saturated linen and garments.
• BIO-TREND | Eco-Friendly Fully Built Laundry Detergent Powder High quality enzyme based laundry detergent containing biodegradable moderated alkalis, peptisers, sequestering and wetting agents engineered to hydrolyze and remove peptide bonds found in oil saturated linen.
• GERMAKILL | QAC General-Purpose Detergent Disinfectant Highly concentrated disinfectant and deodorising detergent containing eucalyptus oil with effective bactericides. EN1276 compliant, tested to kill 99.9% of E.Coli, S.A.Aueus, P.Aeruginos and E.Hirae.
• HUDDET 99 | General Purpose Light Duty Versatile Detergent Highly versatile liquid detergent with maximum cleaning power while being neutral and biodegradable. SANS 1828 certified for use in food manufacturing industry. Suitable for both hard and soft water including sea water.
• LUMO PICKLING GEL | Stainless Steel Pickling Gel High adhesion stainless steel pickling gel used to remove black oxide marks and heat tint left during welding of stainless steel. Leaves clean professional finished stainless-steel weld area.
• RUST REMOVER HD | Acid Based Rust and Stain Remover and Metal Brightener Effective general-purpose acid based de-scaler for rust and stain removal caused by oxidation. Used in marine, vehicle, and general industrial applications.
• CLEAN BREAK | Emulsion Degreaser Degreaser containing a quick break emulsion for use when residue is routed through an oily water separator. Suitable for removal of most mineral oils, fats, greases and preserving agents.
• C-SOLVE 300 | Safety Solvent Degreaser Clear water-white high flash point safety solvent for degreasing and general cleaning of fine machine parts where water cannot be tolerated. Complies with SABS Mark 1365 (Type 1).
• C-SOLVE 330 | Medium Drying Safety Solvent Clear solvent designed for cleaning of all electrical and electronic equipment. Safe for all commonly encountered metals and alloys. Complies with SABS Mark 1365.
• C-SOLVE 550 | Safety Solvent Highly effective fast-drying safety solvent for degreasing and cleaning electrical motors, switch gear, generators, and other electrical parts. Non-arcing and non-conductive.
• BOILERSTAB 30 | Scale and Alkalinity Control for Boilers Boiler water treatment based on neutralized organic acids, pH, corrosion, scale and sludge conditioners. Prevents caustic corrosion with low Totally Dissolved Solids.
• Fleet Cool NB | Diesel Engine Water Treatment Liquid nitrate chelate diesel engine water treatment with colour indicator to prevent corrosion and condition water scale build-up. Protects common metals in cooling systems.
• BIO-ZYME | Biologically Active Powder for Waste Management Proprietary blend of superior aerobic and anaerobic bacteria selected for their ability to degrade and digest organic waste. Used for septic tanks, industrial effluent, sewage plants, and agricultural waste.
• COLD SOAK | Heavy Duty Carbon and Paint Remover Heavy duty carbon and paint remover designed to remove oil, grease, soft carbon and combustion sludge from engine parts and painted metal components at room temperature. Safe on all metals.
• BITUMEN STRIP | Oil and Grease Remover Highly concentrated (100% Active) oil and grease remover. A synergistic blend of refined solvents, emulsifiers, wetting agents for heavy grease, tar or bitumen cutting problems.
• CHAIN GLIDE | Food Safe Machine Lubricant Food safe machine lubricant for use in food processing environments.
• COPPER GLOW | Copper, Brass & Bronze Cleaner Specialized cleaner for copper, brass and bronze metal surfaces.
• SSC 500/50 | Stainless Steel Cleaner, Brightener and Passivation Stainless steel cleaner, brightener and passivation product for industrial applications.
• CHLOR 4F | Powdered Chlorine Detergent Disinfectant Powdered chlorine detergent disinfectant for sanitizing applications.
• CHLOR FOAM | Chlorine Based Detergent Disinfectant Chlorine based detergent disinfectant in foam form.

Quantifiable outcome

• SANS 1828 Certified products for food manufacturing industry compliance
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Broad incumbents

• Ecolab: World's largest provider of water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions serving food service, hospitality, and industrial customers. Overlaps with Orlichem's hospitality, kitchen hygiene, and industrial cleaning portfolios at the multinational level.
• Sealed Air: Global provider of food safety, hygiene, and cleaning solutions for food processing, hospitality, and industrial markets. Overlaps with Orlichem's CIP, sanitization, and food-safe product range at a multinational scale.
• Diversey (Solenis): Global I&I cleaning and hygiene chemical manufacturer serving hospitality, healthcare, and industrial markets. Direct competitor to Orlichem in the broader cleaning chemical category, though significantly larger in scale and geographic reach.

Direct peers

• Christeyns: Belgian-headquartered chemical manufacturer with significant South African operations, specializing in laundry, dishwashing, and industrial cleaning chemicals. Directly comparable to Orlichem's hospitality and laundry product lines.
• Skye Specialty Chemicals: South African specialty chemical manufacturer producing cleaning, sanitation, and maintenance chemicals for industrial and institutional markets. Direct local competitor to Orlichem in the South African market.
• Orca Chemicals: South African manufacturer of industrial and specialty cleaning chemicals serving food processing, hospitality, and manufacturing sectors. Comparable product portfolio and customer base to Orlichem.
• Zep Inc. US-based manufacturer of industrial and institutional cleaning and maintenance chemicals, including degreasers, sanitizers, and specialty cleaners. Closely aligned with Orlichem's industrial cleaning product range.
• Hydrachem: UK-based manufacturer of cleaning, degreasing, and sanitation chemicals for industrial, marine, and food processing applications. Comparable specialty chemical range including degreasers and sanitizers.

Regional players

• Calachem: South African-based supplier of industrial and specialty chemicals, with focus on cleaning, water treatment, and process chemicals. Direct overlap with Orlichem's industrial and CIP product offerings in the local market.
• National Chemical (NatChem): South African manufacturer and distributor of industrial and institutional cleaning chemicals, including degreasers, sanitizers, and laundry products. Comparable to Orlichem's hospitality and industrial portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Orlichem
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/orlichem
• Instagraminstagram.com/orlichemsa
• Xx.com/ORLICHEM1

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 Orlichem