Univar Solutions and Ashland partner to expand next‑generation cellulose‑ether solutions

Univar Solutions and Ashland have entered into an exclusive partnership to supply cellulose ethers to the food and beverage sector across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), aiming to accelerate innovation in fast‑growing categories such as vegan foods, plant‑based meats and gluten‑free bakery.

The agreement brings together Univar Solutions’ extensive distribution network and technical expertise with Ashland’s portfolio of high‑performance cellulose‑ether ingredients, which are increasingly recognised as essential functional tools in modern formulation.

The companies say the partnership will help manufacturers respond to rising consumer demand for clean‑label, plant‑based and allergen‑friendly products without compromising texture, stability or sensory quality.

Cellulose ethers – plant‑derived functional polymers – play a critical role in delivering structure, mouthfeel, moisture retention and heat stability across a wide range of food applications. Their ability to mimic the functional properties of gluten, dairy proteins and animal‑based binders makes them particularly valuable in:

• Vegan and dairy‑alternative beverages, where they support creaminess, suspension and stability
• Plant‑based meats, where they enhance juiciness, binding and thermal performance
• Gluten‑free bakery, where they improve dough elasticity, crumb structure and shelf life.

By combining Ashland’s ingredient innovation with Univar Solutions’ application laboratories and formulation support, the partnership aims to help producers accelerate development of next‑generation products that meet both regulatory and consumer expectations.

Univar Solutions will distribute Ashland’s cellulose‑ether portfolio throughout EMEA, providing customers with technical guidance, formulation troubleshooting and market‑specific insights. The companies say this integrated approach will help brands reduce development timelines and bring more resilient, high‑quality products to market.

The partnership also reflects broader industry momentum toward plant‑based and functional ingredients as manufacturers look to reformulate for sustainability, clean labels and improved nutritional profiles.

With demand for vegan, plant‑based and gluten‑free foods continuing to surge, cellulose ethers are emerging as one of the most versatile and future‑ready ingredient systems available to formulators. Their multifunctionality allows manufacturers to replace multiple additives with a single plant‑derived solution – an advantage in markets where consumers increasingly scrutinise ingredient lists.

The collaboration between Univar Solutions and Ashland is expected to support significant category growth, offering food and beverage producers a stronger platform for innovation and a reliable supply of high‑performance functional ingredients.

Photo: “Ashland’s specialty ingredients are a strategic addition to our existing portfolio,” said Aaron Lee, global vice president of Health & Nutrition for Univar Solutions.