Omya, a global industrial mineral producer, andArkema, a globalchemicals company, have entered into an exclusivepan-European distribution agreement.

Under this distribution agreement, Swiss firm Omya will market Arkema's Plastic Additives range for variouspolymer markets (impact modifier and processing aid solutions), which includePlastistrength, Durastrength,Clearstrength and Biostrengthacross Europe, except Spain and Portugal. These plastic additives are manufactured in Vlissingen, Netherlands.

With the deal, France-headquartered Arkema will be leveraging on Omya’s strong European region customer base, established over the past 130 years.

Arkema has operations in more than 40 countries, some 14,000 employees and 10 research centres; and generates an annual revenue of EUR6.1 billion. Omya, a specialist in industrial minerals – mainly fillers and pigments derived from calciumcarbonate and dolomite – is a worldwide distributor of specialty chemicals. The company’s major marketsare forest products (fibre based products such as paper, board and tissue), polymers, building materials(paints, coatings, sealants, adhesives and construction), as well as life sciences (food, feed, pharmaceuticals,cosmetics, environment and agriculture). Omya has a global presenceextending to more than 150 locations in over 50 countries with 8,000 employees.