Chemtrade was established in 2007 to supply the South African paint industry with speciality raw materials and additives. From humble beginnings in a small office in Durban, representing a single international principal with one product, the company has grown into a trusted distributor of speciality chemical solutions across Southern Africa.
Today, Chemtrade supplies speciality raw materials and performance additives to manufacturers operating in the following sectors:
• Paint and coatings
• Ink and printing
• Construction and building materials
• Manufacturing and industrial production
Our role is to connect local manufacturers and formulators with innovative technologies from leading global principals, ensuring consistent product quality, technical expertise and reliable supply.
Global principals and speciality product ranges
Chemtrade represents a number of internationally recognised suppliers of speciality chemicals and advanced materials.
Our portfolio includes:
• Nouryon. Cellulose ethers, performance additives, wetting agents, compatibilisers, multifunctional additives, Levasil colloidal silica and Thioplast® polysulphides
• Dairen. Redispersible polymer powders used in construction applications
• Chempart. Polysaccharide resins, dispersing agents and emulsifiers
• CLiQ SwissTech. Advanced coating additives
• HPF Minerals. High performance mineral fillers
• Sepiolsa. Sepiolite and attapulgite clays and bleaching earths
• EnviroSpheres. Hollow ceramic microspheres
In March 2026, Chemtrade was appointed the South African distributor for BIOSILICO®, a bio-based nanoporous silica technology developed by BSB Nanotechnology.
These partnerships allow Chemtrade to support customers with high performance formulation solutions across multiple industries.
View our Product range here.
Serving Southern African industry
Chemtrade operates throughout South Africa and the southern parts of sub-Saharan Africa, supplying speciality raw materials to manufacturers who rely on consistent quality and technical expertise.
We are also a proud member of the South African Paint Manufacturers Association (SAPMA), reflecting our long-standing involvement in the coatings industry.
Our team brings decades of combined experience in the speciality chemicals sector. We pride ourselves on a forward-thinking approach, strong technical insight and excellent customer service.
Looking for speciality raw materials for your formulations?
Contact the Chemtrade team here
Our team is highly experienced in the chemical industry, and we pride ourselves in our forward-thinking approach and excellent customer service.
Tel: +27 31 563 7491 Email: sales@chemtrade.co.za