Chemisphere

What Chemisphere does

Chemisphere Limited is an independent UK-headquartered chemical distributor and international trading agent, established in 1979 and based in Chester, Cheshire. The company supplies approximately 43 specialty chemical products organized across 10 industrial categories — including Agriculture, Animal Feeds, Catalysts and Synthesis, Ceramics and Glass, Fine Chemicals and Intermediates, Food, Industrial chemicals, Metal Treatment, and Paints and Polymers — to industrial manufacturers primarily in the UK and, via Chemisphere Europe B.V. (established in the Netherlands in December 2021), in mainland Europe. Under Managing Director David Culliford, the firm positions itself as a flexible on-demand supplier rather than a high-volume commodity wholesaler.

The business operates a relatively traditional distribution model: competitive on-demand quoting, direct sales via phone and email, and a warehouse network that supports both UK and EU customers. Chemisphere holds ISO9001:2008 accreditation, maintains REACH compliance (with active engagement in UK REACH consultations), is a member of the Chemical Business Association (CBA) Responsible Care Programme, and retains an in-house Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA) — a combination that is materially difficult to replicate for new entrants and serves as a real procurement qualification with risk-averse industrial buyers. The firm also partners with an independent laboratory to provide quality assurance on supplied materials.

The go-to-market is low-tech and relationship-driven: a static product website, direct phone/email sales, and a presence on LinkedIn and Twitter. There is no disclosed use of digital marketing automation, no e-commerce portal, and no AI/ML capability visible in the materials. Pricing is on-demand and competitive per RFQ rather than subscription or contract-based, and revenue, headcount, and ownership structure are not publicly disclosed. Geographic distribution is the most evident recent strategic axis, with the December 2021 Netherlands subsidiary explicitly created to preserve post-Brexit EU customer continuity rather than to pursue new market capture.

Name

Chemisphere

Legal name

Chemisphere Ltd

Website

https://chemisphere.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Chemisphere Limited is an independent UK-based specialty chemical distributor and international agent, established in 1979, supplying 43 chemicals across 10 industrial categories to UK and mainland European manufacturers via a warehouse and post-Brexit EU subsidiary.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Chemical Distribution

NAICS

Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers (4246), Other Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers (42469), Other Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers (424690)

SIC

Wholesale-Chemicals & Allied Products (5160), Chemicals & Allied Products (2800), Industrial Inorganic Chemicals (2810), Industrial Organic Chemicals (2860)

akta.pro primary industry

Cleaning Chemicals & Disinfectants Distribution (CRAOAGAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Chemical Management & Toxic Substances Compliance (TSCA, REACH, GHS/SDS, PFAS Programs) (EUAHABAE)

Keywords

• Chemical distribution
• Specialty chemicals
• Industrial chemicals
• REACH compliance
• Chemical supply

Headquarters

HQ city

Chester

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Chemical Distribution Sales: Direct sale and distribution of industrial, specialty, and fine chemicals to customers. Products supplied on demand at competitive prices with specifications, samples, and safety data sheets provided.
2. International Agent Services: Act as international agent for chemical products, facilitating connections between manufacturers and buyers across UK and European markets.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Chemisphere is a chemical distribution company that supplies industrial, specialty, and fine chemicals to customers across the UK and mainland Europe. The company operates as both a chemical distributor and international agent, offering competitively priced on-demand supply of over 40 chemical products spanning 10 industry categories, with tailored logistics arrangements, product specifications, samples, and Health and Safety Data Sheets. Its portfolio includes metal compounds (copper, zinc, nickel, aluminium), ammonium compounds, titanium dioxide, organic acids, and other specialty chemicals used in agriculture, animal feeds, ceramics, glass, food processing, metal treatment, and paints/polymers.

Product overview

Chemisphere is a global chemical distribution company established in 1979, offering a portfolio of industrial and specialty chemical products distributed across ten categories: Agriculture, Animal Feeds, Catalysts and Synthesis, Ceramics and Glass, Fine Chemicals and Intermediates, Food, Industrial, Industrial and Speciality Chemicals, Metal Treatment, and Paints and Polymers. The company distributes over 40 chemical products including metal compounds (copper, zinc, nickel, aluminium), ammonium compounds, titanium dioxide variants, and organic chemicals. With over 60 years of collective experience and warehouses throughout the UK and mainland Europe, Chemisphere serves industrial customers requiring bulk chemical supply with specifications, samples, and Safety Data Sheets. The product portfolio spans flame retardants, catalysts, pigments, fertilizers, metal plating chemicals, food-grade chemicals, and specialty additives for paints, polymers, ceramics, and glass manufacturing.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Aluminium Hydroxide Fire retardant filler used in ceramics and glass applications. CAS No. 21645-51-2, EC Number 244-492-7, Formula AlH3O3.
• Aluminium Nitrate, nonahydrate Corrosion inhibitor, nitrating agent, and oxidising agent. CAS No. 7784-27-2, EC Number 236-751-8.
• Ammonium Bicarbonate Chemical compound used in catalysts, synthesis, food, and industrial applications. CAS No. 1066-33-7, EC Number 213-911-5.
• Ammonium Chloride Chemical used in fertilisers, metal treatment, and batteries. CAS No. 12125-02-9, EC Number 235-186-4, Purity 98.5%.
• Ammonium Polyphosphate Flame retardant used in paints and polymers. CAS No. 68333-79-9, EC Number 269-789-9.
• Ammonium Sulphate Fertiliser chemical with white powder/granule appearance. CAS No. 7783-20-2, EC Number 231-984-1.
• Antimony Pentoxide Chemical compound with white powder or suspension appearance. CAS No. 1314-60-9, EC Number 215-237-7.
• Antimony Trioxide Flame retardant and ceramic material. CAS No. 1309-64-4, Categories: Ceramics and Glass, Paints and Polymers.
• Azelaic Acid Corrosion inhibitor for metal treatment applications. CAS No. 123-99-9, EC Number 204-669-1.
• Barium Carbonate Chemical for ceramics, brick and tile manufacture. CAS No. 513-77-9, EC Number 208-167-3.
• Behenamide Anti-block agent for paints and polymers. CAS No. 3061-75-4, EC Number 221-304-1.
• Calcium Formate Animal feed additive and cement/grout additive. CAS No. 544-17-2, EC Number 208-863-7.
• Copper Carbonate Pigment and wood preservative used in ceramics, glass, and industrial applications. CAS No. 12069-69-1, EC Number 235-113-6.
• Cupric Oxide Chemical for animal feed, ceramics, wood preservatives, and glass. CAS No. 1317-38-0, EC Number 215-269-1.
• Cuprous Oxide Red powder used in agriculture and coatings. CAS No. 1317-39-1, EC Number 215-270-7.
• Dicyandiamide Chemical for resins, fertilisers, and water treatment. CAS No. 461-58-5, EC Number 207-312-8.
• Erucamide Slip-agent and anti-fog compound for paints, polymers, and inks. CAS No. 112-84-5, EC Number 204-009-2.
• Ethylenediamine Synthesis chemical, solvent, and corrosion inhibitor. CAS No. 107-15-3, EC Number 203-468-6.
• Ferrous Sulphate Green crystal chemical for agriculture applications. CAS No. 7782-63-0, EC Number 231-753-5.
• L-Aspartic Acid Amino acid for food industry, rubber, and plastics. CAS No. 56-84-8, EC Number 200-291-6.
• Lithium Carbonate Chemical for ceramics and glass applications. CAS No. 554-13-2, EC Number 209-062-5.
• Lithium Hydroxide Chemical for lubricants in metal treatment. CAS No. 1310-66-3, EC Number 215-183-4.
• Magnesium Chloride Chemical for agriculture and animal feed, with 46.5% purity. CAS No. 7791-18-6, EC Number 232-094-6.
• Magnesium Hydroxide Flame retardant for paints and polymers. CAS No. 1309-42-8, EC Number 215-170-3.
• Magnesium Nitrate Fertiliser, water treatment, and catalyst chemical with 98% purity. CAS No. 10377-60-3.
• Manganese Sulphate Pale pink crystal for agricultural applications. CAS No. 10034-96-5, EC Number 232-089-9.
• Nickel Hydroxy Carbonate Catalyst and ceramic chemical. CAS No. 12607-70-4, EC Number 235-715-9.
• Nickel Nitrate Electroplating chemical for metal treatment. CAS No. 13478-00-7, EC Number 236-068-5.
• Potassium Borohydride Synthesis chemical for catalysts and synthesis applications. CAS No. 13762-51-1, EC Number 237-360-5.
• Sebacic Acid Chemical for lubricants and nylon in metal treatment and paints/polymers. CAS No. 111-20-6, EC Number 203-845-5.
• Sodium Hypophosphite Metal plating chemical with 99% purity. CAS No. 10039-56-2, EC Number 231-669-9.
• Stearamide Slip-agent and anti-fog compound for paints and polymers. CAS No. 63163-80-4, EC Number 931-695-7.
• Succinic Acid Chemical for food and resins applications. CAS No. 110-15-6, EC Number 203-740-4.
• Tartaric Acid Food-grade chemical. CAS No. 87-69-4, EC Number 201-766-0.
• Titanium Dioxide anatase Titanium dioxide in anatase form for paints and polymers. CAS No. 1317-70-0, EC Number 215-280-1.
• Titanium Dioxide rutile Titanium dioxide in rutile form for coatings with 95% purity. CAS No. 13463-67-7, EC Number 236-675-5.
• Zinc Carbonate Sulphur absorption chemical for catalysts, synthesis, and industrial applications. CAS No. 51839-25-9, EC Number 257-467-0.
• Zinc Nitrate hexahydrate Catalyst and synthesis chemical for agriculture applications. CAS No. 7779-88-6, EC Number 231-943-8.
• Zinc Oxide Chemical for animal feed, coatings, and catalysts. CAS No. 1314-13-2, EC Number 215-222-5.
• Zinc Sulphate Chemical for agriculture and animal feeds. CAS No. 7446-20-0, EC Number 231-793-3.
• Copper Cyanide Metal treatment chemical. CAS No. 544-92-3, EC Number 208-883-6.
• Copper Sulphate Chemical for metal plating, agriculture, and animal feed. CAS No. 7758-99-8, EC Number 231-847-6.
• Copper Nitrate Chemical for agriculture, synthesis, and catalysts with 97% purity. CAS No. 10031-43-3, EC Number 221-838-5.
• International Chemical Agency Services Act as an international agent for chemical products, facilitating connections between manufacturers and buyers across UK and European markets, enabling supply of competitively priced chemicals on demand.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 47 years of continuous operation as independent chemical distributor
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Chemical Business Association (CBA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChemisphere is a member of the Chemical Business Association and its Responsible Care Programme, an international initiative adopted by the UK chemical industry and 45 other countries worldwide. This partnership provides regulatory guidance, industry best practices, and demonstrates commitment to health, safety, and environmental performance within the chemical industry.
• Independent LaboratorycoreTechnology or IntegrationChemisphere works closely with an independent laboratory to analyse products and ensure they conform to agreed specifications, providing quality assurance for customers.
• Chemistry with CabbageminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChemisphere sponsored the 'Chemistry with Cabbage' full-day science workshop at Tarvin Primary School, Cheshire. This community engagement activity supports science education and aligns with CBA's Responsible Care programme obligations.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Broad incumbents

• IMCD: Global specialty chemicals and ingredients distributor focused on high-growth end-markets including coatings, food, and personal care. Comparable business model of distributing third-party manufactured chemicals with technical sales support.
• Univar Solutions: Major North American and European chemical distributor offering a broad industrial and specialty chemical portfolio. Comparable as a chemical distribution intermediary serving industrial customers.
• Azelis: Specialty chemicals and food ingredients distributor with strong European footprint. Comparable in serving industrial and specialty chemical end-markets with formulation support and regulatory expertise.
• Brenntag: World's largest chemical distributor with a full-line portfolio spanning industrial and specialty chemicals. Comparable to Chemisphere as a chemicals distribution intermediary, though at vastly greater scale and global reach.

Direct peers

• Cornelius Group: UK-based specialty raw materials distributor serving personal care, home care, and industrial markets. Comparable UK-headquartered specialty distributor with similar agent/distributor model.
• Barentz: European-headquartered specialty chemical and ingredients distributor serving life sciences, personal care, and industrial markets. Comparable mid-sized specialty distributor with similar geographic and product positioning.
• Biesterfeld: Hamburg-headquartered chemical distributor with strong specialty distribution in polymers, rubber, and industrial chemicals across Europe. Comparable mid-sized European specialty chemical distributor serving industrial customers.
• Caldic: European specialty ingredients and chemicals distributor with operations in food, personal care, and industrial markets. Comparable as a regional specialty chemical distributor with similar customer profile and supplier model.
• TER Group: Hamburg-based specialty chemicals distributor focused on industrial intermediates, additives, and pigments. Comparable as a specialty industrial chemical distributor with European warehouse footprint.
• Manuchar: Belgian chemical distribution group serving industrial, agro, and consumer goods customers across Europe and emerging markets. Comparable mid-sized European chemical distributor with international agent-style operations.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/chemisphere
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/chemisphere-limited

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

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 Chemisphere