Cosalco

What Cosalco does

Cosalco is a privately held, family-owned B2B industrial distributor headquartered in Costa Rica, founded in 1984 by Álvaro López and Ana María Franco and led since approximately 2013 by CEO Santiago Salazar. The company supplies raw materials, consumables, equipment, software, and industrial machinery to the packaging industry across seven Latin American countries (Costa Rica, Colombia, Peru, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico), serving three primary customer segments: corrugated manufacturers, flexible packaging producers, and label converters. Cosalco operates four ISO 9001:2015-certified regional offices, and in 2022 the Salazar family completed acquisition of 100% of the company.

The company functions as an authorized representative and distributor for a deep portfolio of international industrial brands including 3M, Bostik, Dow, Henkel, Avery Dennison, and Miraclon, with product categories spanning raw materials (adhesives, films, inks, biodegradable inputs), printing supplies (mounting tapes, doctor blades, anilox rolls, plates), auxiliary equipment (viscosity controls, corona treatment, static control), QC testing equipment, industrial machinery (printing, laminating, extrusion), software (color management, prepress), and marking/coding equipment. Cosalco has progressively layered proprietary branded offerings on top of its distribution franchise, including the Cosalclean cleaning line, biodegradable resins such as GSCS-TC-50 launched in 2018, and a BECA sub-brand.

Revenue is generated primarily through B2B distribution margins on third-party industrial inputs, supplemented by sales of own-branded consumables and equipment. The go-to-market is a horizontal segmentation model targeting packaging converters across multiple sub-industries rather than concentrating on a single vertical. In 2020 the company repositioned around circular-economy principles, and 2025 has seen multiple product introductions including the Cosalclean line, Tower Products' SmartFlex, and the Vianord Easy-To-Plate platform, with an online store ("Tienda") supplementing the field-sales channel. The business model is therefore a classic multi-category industrial distribution franchise with a sustainability-aligned proprietary-products overlay rather than a technology or platform business.

Name

Cosalco

Legal name

Grupo Cosalco

Website

https://cosalco.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Cosalco is a family-owned B2B industrial distributor based in Costa Rica, supplying raw materials, consumables, equipment, software, and machinery to corrugated, flexible packaging, and label converters across seven Latin American countries under brand partnerships with 3M, Dow, Bostik, Henkel, and Avery Dennison.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

San Rafael

HQ country

Costa Rica

HQ region

Latin America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Product Distribution and Resale: Cosalco generates revenue through the distribution and resale of packaging industry products from international brand partners. The company acts as a distributor bringing products from brands like 3M, Bostik, Dow, Henkel, and Avery Dennison to the Latin American market.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Cosalco is a B2B distributor of packaging industry products across Latin America, representing and reselling international brands of adhesives, films, inks, biodegradable materials, flexographic plates, sleeves, printing and extrusion machinery, marking/coding equipment, color-management and workflow software, and quality-control instruments. Its portfolio is organized around the corrugated, flexible packaging, labels, and mass-consumption packaging industries, with a growing own-brand line of Cosalco biodegradable resins and Cosalclean/BECA cleaning and solvent products.

Product overview

Cosalco is a multinational distribution company (Grupo COSALCO) serving the flexible packaging, labels, and corrugated industries across Latin America. Rather than a single unified product, Cosalco operates as a comprehensive distribution platform offering an integrated portfolio spanning multiple categories: raw materials (adhesives, films, inks, biodegradable materials), printing supplies (mounting tapes, doctor blades, anilox rolls, plates), auxiliary equipment (viscosity controls, corona treatment, static control, gravimetric controls), quality control testing equipment, industrial machinery (bag making, printing, laminating, extrusion, plate making systems), software (color management, prepress, workflow, 3D design), marking/coding equipment, and cleaning/maintenance products. Key brand partnerships include 3M, DOW, Bostik, Miraclon, WIPF, TAKEBISHI, ALT, Fasnacht, Ferrarini & Benelli, Simco-Ion, Sysmetric, Troika, X-Rite, Flint Group Rotec, GMG, Hybrid Software, Vianord, CMD Corporation, Ibanez, and their own Cosalco-branded cleaning products and biodegradable resins.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Colsaco: Biodegradable and compostable resins brand under Grupo Cosalco
• Cosalclean
• BECA

Products and services

• 3M Industrial and Flexographic Supplies Distribution of 3M flexographic mounting tapes (E10-E19 series, 2205), 9498 adhesive transfer tape, and industrial maintenance products (Citrus Base Cleaner, 5-Way Penetrant, Silicone Spray) for corrugated and packaging printers in Latin America.
• Bostik Flexible Packaging Adhesives Distribution of Bostik solvent-less, solvent-based, water-based, and extrusion/tie-layer lamination adhesives for flexible packaging applications in Latin America, including Low PAA and foil-adhesion grades.
• DOW Packaging Materials and Adhesives Distribution of DOW RHOBARR emulsion barrier coatings, ADCOTE solvent-based adhesives, MOR-FREE solventless polyurethane adhesives, and ROBOND water-based adhesives for flexible packaging and paper/cardboard applications.
• Miraclon FLEXCEL Flexographic Plate Solutions Distribution of Miraclon FLEXCEL NX imaging/laminating/design systems and FLEXCEL SR analog photopolymer plates for flexographic label and packaging printers.
• WIPF Coffee Degassing Valves Distribution of WIPF degassing valves for coffee and food packaging, available for thermal and ultrasonic sealing, manufactured in Switzerland with 100% quality control.
• TAKEBISHI Plastic Zippers Distribution of TAKEBISHI patented plastic zippers and zipper tapes for flexible packaging, including retort-grade and mono-material options, with ISO 9001:2015, BRC, HACCP, FDA, and RoHS certifications.
• Leibinger Industrial Coding and Marking Systems Distribution of Leibinger continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers (IQJET, JET2neo, JET3se, JET3up) for coding and industrial marking on packaging lines, featuring Sealtronic automatic nozzle closure and 5-year maintenance-free operation.
• DOW RHOBARR Barrier Coatings Distribution of DOW RHOBARR 214 and RHOBARR 325 aqueous emulsion coatings providing oil, acid, and barrier properties for paper, cardboard, and thermal packaging applications.
• ALT Anilox Rollers Distribution of ALT anilox rollers (Ani-Flow, Ani-Plus, Anti-Max, Ani-Pro, Nano Tech) for UV, water-based, and solvent flexographic printing applications.
• Fasnacht Viscosity Control Systems Distribution of Fasnacht automatic viscosity and temperature control systems with integrated solvent mixing (up to 5 solvents) for printing units.
• Ferrarini & Benelli Surface Treatment Systems Distribution of Ferrarini & Benelli corona treatment stations, In Air Plasma systems, and Ozo-no ozone catalytic elimination systems for plastic and packaging surface treatment.
• Simco-Ion Static Control Equipment Distribution of Simco-Ion static neutralization, ionized air, particle aspiration (V-Force 30), and high-frequency power supply equipment for industrial printing and converting lines.
• Sysmetric Gravimetric and Extrusion Control Systems Distribution of Sysmetric gravimetric and line control systems, coextrusion units, dosing units, automatic loaders, and distribution manifolds for plastics extrusion processes.
• Troika Anilox Inspection Equipment Distribution of Troika AniCAM HD high-resolution (1024x768) anilox inspection device with PIXELOC closed-loop control for improved analysis precision.
• X-Rite Color Measurement and Software Distribution of X-Rite eXact portable densitometer, InkFormulation software, Color iQC quality control software, and Netprofiler remote certification for printing and packaging color management.
• Flint Group Rotec Print Sleeves and Adapters Distribution of Flint Group Rotec polyurethane and fiberglass print sleeves (Smart, Blue Light, Compressible, Hybrid) and adapter systems (Eco Bridge, Bridge, Unifit, Airo, Atlas, CFX Bridge, ULW) for flexographic printing.
• Graymills Industrial Ink Pumps Distribution of Graymills peristaltic, centrifugal, and double diaphragm pumps for ink handling in printing processes, including XP encapsulated motors for solvent vapor areas.
• Rotometal Print Sleeves Distribution of Rotometal ECO sustainable fiberglass sleeves (Bisfenol F epoxy, Vulkollan polyurethane, recycled PET honeycomb core) and antistatic sleeves for solvent-based ink printing.
• Prin Tech Flexographic Cleaning Machines Distribution of Prin Tech flexographic plate washers (Solvent Speedy, Basic Wash 46-70-90) and high-pressure Anilox Cleaner Pro systems for plate and anilox roller cleaning.
• GBPI Quality Control Testing Equipment Distribution of GBPI testing equipment for packaging: universal testing machines, package integrity/leak testers, COF testers, heat sealers, melt flow indexers, OTR/WVTR analyzers, dart impact testers, and compression testers.
• Monarch Stroboscopic Inspection Lights Distribution of Monarch Iluminova fixed-mount LED stroboscopic lights and Nova-Strobe digital controller stroboscopes for high-speed printing inspection.
• VACMET Films and Metallized Materials Distribution of VACMET polyester and polypropylene films (transparent, metallized, high barrier, coated, holographic) and metallized paper/cardboard for flexible packaging converters.
• CMD Corporation Bag and Pouch Making Machines Distribution of CMD Corporation 1270GDS drawtape bag machines (up to 30 cycles/min, 183 mpm) and CMD 760 stand-up pouch machines for high-productivity bag and pouch production.
• DCM ATN Printing and Converting Machines Distribution of DCM ATN flexographic and rotogravure printing machines, coating and lamination machines, and slitter/rewinders for flexible packaging, tobacco, labels, and paper/cardboard converters.
• General Converting Laminating Machines Distribution of General Converting Olympia HD, Venus, and Mustang multifunctional laminators (solventless, solvent-based, water-based) for laminating and coating operations up to 600 mpm.
• Soma Flexographic Printing Presses Distribution of Soma Optima flexographic printers designed for short runs with quick job changes, intelligent platforms, and automated functions minimizing changeover times and waste.
• Vianord Flexographic Plate Making Systems Distribution of Vianord EVO and FREEDOM flexographic plate processing systems and the new Easy-To-Plate modular fully integrated platform for end-to-end flexographic plate production.
• Ibanez Extrusion Lines Distribution of Ibanez customizable monolayer, multilayer, HDPE, and agricultural film extrusion lines for packaging, food, sanitary, and greenhouse applications.
• GMG Color Management Software Distribution of GMG ColorProof color proofing, GMG OpenColor spectral conversion, GMG ColorPlugin Adobe Photoshop plugin, and GMG ProofControl FOGRA verification software.
• Hybrid Prepress and Workflow Software Distribution of Hybrid PACKZ prepress PDF editor, CLOUDFLOW workflow automation, and iC3D 3D packaging visualization software for labels and packaging prepress.
• Interactive Inks and Coatings Distribution of Interactive specialty inks (Poseidon, Active Cure LED, Dura-Max, Solventless Lamination, Paper, True Metalic, Fluorescence, Shrinkable) and InhibiCoat antimicrobial coatings for packaging and label printing.
• Tower Products SmartFlex Cleaning Line Distribution of the Tower Products SmartFlex line of cleaners for flexographic printing: anilox roller cleaners, UV flexo cleaners, adhesive removers, and photopolymer plate wash solutions.
• Recyl Anilox Cleaning Products and Machines Distribution of Recyl COBRA anilox deep cleaners, Recyl CLEAN anilox cleaners, Quick Wash solvent products, and anilox cleaning machines (chemical spray, ultrasound, pulverization) for flexographic operations.
• CBG Acciai Doctor Blades Distribution of CBG Wing Lamella patent-protected, SG Lamella pre-polished, and Redonda high-rigidity doctor blades for flexographic printing.
• Cosalclean Cleaning and Solvent Products Cosalco's own-brand line of cleaning and solvent products for the graphic industry: Cosalclean (alkaline), Cosalclean Pasta (anilox), Cosalclean X (high-adherence), Cosalflex (universal UV flexo), Cosalflex F (UV flexo, low odor), Cosalflex M (UV inks), CosalWash C (water-based), CosalWash WU (low viscosity), and SolFlexco M (high-capacity).
• BECA Chemical Products for Graphic Arts Distribution of BECA specialty chemicals for the graphic arts industry, including SOLFLEXO and SOLFLEXO 60 solvent mixtures for photopolymer plate etching and SOLVENT LO wash solution for processors.
• Cosalco Biodegradable Resins and Compostable Masterbatches Cosalco's own-brand biodegradable and compostable materials: GSCS-TC-50 biodegradable resin (corn starch/biopolyester, 30% biomass) and BIO-MBC-PBAT compostable masterbatches in black, white, and green, certified per EN 13432, ASTM D6400, ISO 14855, ISO 17088, ISO 18606, and TÜV OK Compost.
• FKUR Bioplastic Compounds Distribution of FKUR bioplastic compounds: BIO-FLEX PLA (biodegradable per EN 13432/ASTM D6400), BIO-GRADE cellulose acetate, FIBROLON natural fiber, TERRALENE Green PE (sugarcane-based), TERRALENE rPP (biobased + recycled PP), and TERRAPRENE biobased TPE.

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• 3McoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor3M is one of the key brand partners represented by Cosalco for packaging and industrial adhesive solutions in Latin American markets.
• BostikcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBostik provides smart adhesive solutions that Cosalco distributes across its regional footprint in Latin America.
• DowcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDow is a major brand partner for packaging materials and solutions distributed by Cosalco in Latin American markets.
• HenkelcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHenkel provides adhesive technologies that Cosalco represents and distributes across its Latin American distribution network.
• Avery DennisoncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAvery Dennison supplies labeling and packaging materials that Cosalco distributes across its regional offices in Latin America.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Brenntag: Global leader in chemical and ingredients distribution with substantial Latin American operations. Comparable to Cosalco as a B2B specialty distributor serving industrial customers, but with vastly broader product portfolio and global footprint.
• IMCD NV: Specialty chemicals and ingredients distributor operating globally with strong presence in Latin America. Closely comparable business model to Cosalco—distributing specialty raw materials from principals to industrial customers in packaging, coatings, and plastics.
• Univar Solutions: Global chemical and packaging distributor with operations across the Americas. Same core business model—merchant wholesaler of chemicals and packaging raw materials to industrial buyers.
• Azelis: Specialty chemicals and food ingredients distributor with EMEA and APAC dominance and growing Latin American presence. Comparable to Cosalco in distributing specialty products from brand partners to industrial customers.
• Klockner Pentaplast: Global rigid and flexible films manufacturer with Latin American operations. Comparable to Cosalco's film distribution business (VACMET polyester/polypropylene films), though as a manufacturer rather than distributor.

Regional players

• Carvajal Empaques: Colombian-headquartered packaging company with strong Latin American presence in flexible packaging and labels. Comparable to Cosalco's customer base and geographic focus, though vertically integrated as a converter rather than pure distributor.
• Grupo Convermex: Latin American flexible packaging converter with operations across Mexico, Central America, and South America. Represents Cosalco's end customer base—the type of packaging manufacturer that Cosalco serves as a distributor.
• Trichem (Trichem Group): Specialty chemicals distributor focused on packaging and graphic arts in Latin America. Directly comparable to Cosalco's BECA and Cosalclean product lines (photopolymer and flexo cleaning chemicals).
• Distribuidora Comeca: Central American packaging distributor operating in similar markets (Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador). Directly comparable regional distributor serving the same corrugated and flexible packaging customer base.
• Specialty coating distributors (e.g., Quimica Internacional): Specialty chemicals distributor in Latin America focused on adhesives, coatings, and graphic arts raw materials. Directly comparable to Cosalco's Bostik/Dow adhesives business and BECA chemical product line.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UClRq9JxW3ZNRd-o6mfr4lEQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/Grupo-Cosalco-174250646100
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/grupo-cosalco

Compliance22 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 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 Cosalco