Celebrating 30 Years of Southern Chemicals, Now Safic-Alcan South Africa
This year, Safic-Alcan Southern Chemicals proudly celebrates 30 years of activity in South Africa — three decades built on local expertise, strong relationships, and a service-driven mindset.
Founded on an intimate understanding of the South African market, Southern Chemicals (now Safic-Alcan Southern Chemicals) has always placed customers at the center of its operations. From the beginning, the company combined technical know-how with close client relationships and a strong ethical foundation — principles that continue to define its identity today.
Over the years, the company has evolved into a well-recognised national speciality chemical distributor. Key milestones along the journey include its expansion across South Africa, sustained post-Covid growth, and, importantly, its integration into the Safic-Alcan group — a step that has further strengthened its position in the market.
Marking this important milestone, Matthias Pfaffernoschke, Member of the Executive Committee, joined the anniversary celebrations in South Africa. During his visit, he met with the team led by Mike Formo, Managing Director South Africa, and discussed opportunities to further expand the company’s offerings in Coatings, Polyurethanes, Rubber, and more recently Personal Care.
Strengthened by Safic-Alcan
Becoming part of Safic-Alcan in 2023 marked a significant new chapter for Southern Chemicals.
Access to a broader and higher-quality product portfolio has allowed the company to widen its offering and respond to increasingly diverse customer needs. At the same time, integration into a global group has enhanced technical expertise, providing strong support from highly qualified colleagues and access to international know-how.
Customer service has also been reinforced. The financial strength and global footprint of Safic-Alcan have improved supply reliability — a critical factor in a market where long sailing times require careful planning and strong inventory management.
Today, customers benefit from an expanded basket of goods combined with responsive, local technical support — a powerful combination of global capability and local presence.
Meeting the Realities of the South African Market
The South African market presents specific challenges and opportunities.
Long international shipping routes mean that locally available stock is essential. At the same time, technical support is highly valued, particularly in a context where advanced formulation expertise may not always be readily available.
Through its integration with Safic-Alcan, Southern Chemicals is able to address these realities more effectively. Greater inventory availability, technical innovation, and a diverse product portfolio allow the company to tailor solutions to local needs while maintaining international standards.
Looking Ahead: Growth, Innovation and Expansion
As we enter into our fourth decade, our ambition remains clear.
The company plans to continue strengthening its technical capabilities and expanding into new sectors, including the recently established Personal Care Business. Beyond South Africa, Safic-Alcan Southern Chemicals is also expected to play a growing role in supporting Safic-Alcan’s broader African growth strategy.
Being part of the Safic-Alcan group opens new opportunities — from access to innovative global product lines to sustainability initiatives such as ECO Vadis qualification, as well as exposure to international market trends shaping the future of speciality chemicals.
Thirty years after its founding, Safic-Alcan Southern Chemicals stands as a strong local partner backed by global expertise — combining proximity, agility, and technical depth with the stability and reach of an international group.
The journey continues, with Africa firmly at the heart of its next chapter.