20 years of “Energizing Chemistry”
Editor: Kerstin Stenger
Our new motto: “Energizing Chemistry”. Being fast, agile, resilient and flexible –these were the qualities we committed to, and we have consistently proven them ever since.
These are characteristics still define us today. They have helped us to succeed in an ever-changing world with highly dynamic markets. With fresh thinking, new approaches, and adaptability, we have overcome many challenges and reinvented ourselves time and again.
Spun off from Bayer with a diverse and unprofitable product portfolio and mocked as a “leftover shelf,” our early years were characterized by a fundamental realignment and restructuring. The challenges were significant, but soon we started achieving our first successes. LANXESS became a leading provider of synthetic rubber and high-performance plastics for sustainable mobility.
Just when a company feels secure, the markets are once again shaken up. But in business, as in life, when one door closes, another one opens.
When Matthias Zachert became the new CEO of LANXESS in April 2014, he restructured the company. The struggling polymer business was transferred to a joint venture under the name Arlanxeo, and the focus shifted to Consumer Protection.
Through acquisitions such as:
- the “Clean and Disinfect” business of the U.S. company Chemours,
- the Chemtura acquisition, making us a leading global supplier of flame retardants and lubricant additives,
- the acquisition of the American company Emerald Kalama
- and the acquisition of the Microbial Control business from International Flavors & Fragrances,
LANXESS strengthened its position and step by step reduced its dependence on the automotive industry.
The development
Over the past decade, we have consistently developed into a specialty chemicals group. Today, our portfolio is based on the three central segments:
- Consumer Protection,
- Specialty Additives, and
- Advanced Intermediates.
With our products, we are helping to find solutions to key challenges such as climate protection, health, world nutrition, mobility and safe living environments.
Sustainable solutions for the future of nutrition
By 2050, the world population will grow up to 10 billion people. LANXESS provides innovative solutions to increase agricultural yields and ensure a sustainable supply of food and water. From crop protection to water treatment, our company is helping to improve crop quality, provide clean drinking water and ensure the safety and taste of food.
Innovative solutions for sustainable mobility
Climate change demands sustainable mobility solutions. LANXESS supports this with battery materials for electric vehicles, flame retardants, coolants and high-performance lubricants.
Our products increase battery safety, reduce wear and improve efficiency in the automotive, aerospace, rail and shipping industries.
Health solutions for a changing world
Climate change and globalization present new health challenges. LANXESS provides solutions for improved hygiene and health protection, including preservatives, disinfectants, and insect repellents.
Our products protect against pathogens and support the pharmaceutical industry to ensure safety and health in a rapidly changing world.
Safe living: A vision for a better future
LANXESS is helping people live in a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment. Our innovative solutions improve hygiene, ensure household safety, and provide effective fire protection. We promote sustainability with environmentally friendly products and technologies, ensuringbetter water quality, safe food and, and overall well-being.
Sustainability in focus
We have set the benchmark for sustainability and committed to reducing our CO2 emissions to zero by 2040. By 2050, we aim to be carbon neutral across our entire value chain. Our environmental standards are among the highest in the industry, and our safety record is among the best worldwide. We are a key partner for our customers on the road to sustainable business practices. At the end of 2024, we again received top marks in several sustainability ratings.
The success story continues
Twenty years have passed. We are determined to make the third decade of LANXESS an ongoing success story. Our goal: develop solutions together with innovation, and a deep understanding of our customers' needs.
We are well-positioned to tackle the key challenges of our time and lead the transformation of our industry into a climate-neutral future.
We also have the right team with the right spirit! So we are ideally placed to continue to live up to our motto: LANXESS - Energizing Chemistry.
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