A Partnership for Progress:
CIM Chemicals and KAO Chemicals Europe together for a More Innovative Africa
For more than 15 years, CIM Chemicals and KAO Chemicals Europe have collaborated closely to deliver world-class chemical solutions to the South African market. What began as a focused supply relationship has grown into a strategic alliance built on trust, innovation, and shared values. Together, both organisations continue to reshape the region’s chemical industry by delivering advanced, high-performance technologies across multiple sectors and industrial applications.
CIM Chemicals: Pioneering Raw Material Solutions for Africa
As one of Southern Africa’s leading raw material distributors, CIM Chemicals has built a strong reputation for technical expertise, reliability, and long-standing international partnerships. Through deep market understanding and a commitment to customer support, CIM enables manufacturers across the region to formulate with confidence and deliver products that meet global standards.
KAO Chemicals Europe: Enhancing Lives Through Chemistry
KAO Chemicals Europe, part of the globally recognised Kao Group, is a leading manufacturer in the hygiene, beauty and industrial sectors. Its Chemical Business supports a wide range of industries through advanced oleochemicals, derivatives, surfactants, and other specialised solutions.
KAO’s approach, guided by the Kirei Lifestyle philosophy, is a commitment to responsible production, environmental care, and enabling people to live the sustainable lifestyles they aspire to.
In South Africa, CIM Chemicals proudly distributes KAO’s technologies across several key industries:
• Personal Care and Cosmetics
• Laundry and Cleaning
• Asphalt
• Fertilizer
KAO’s mission “to contribute to the satisfaction and enrichment of people’s lives and toward sustainable development” aligns deeply with CIM Chemicals’ vision of building a more sustainable and innovative African market.
A Partnership with Purpose
The partnership has always been more than a distribution agreement. By aligning KAO’s global chemical expertise with CIM’s strong regional presence and customer relationships, the collaboration has consistently introduced advanced, reliable, and environmentally conscious technologies to South African manufacturers.
This long-standing relationship has helped customers improve:
• Product quality
• Production efficiency
• Environmental responsibility
• Technical performance across multiple applications
The partnership continues to evolve as market needs grow and sustainability demands increase.
Driving Sustainability and Innovation
KAO Chemicals Europe embeds sustainability throughout its operations via the Kirei Lifestyle Plan, a comprehensive ESG framework that promotes responsible production, safety, transparency, and long-term environmental stewardship.
CIM Chemicals supports this vision by helping South African manufacturers transition toward greener, more efficient production systems, offering technical guidance and sourcing expertise that aligns with global sustainability trends.
A Shared Vision for a Better Future
United by shared values and strengthened by more than a decade of successful collaboration, CIM Chemicals and KAO Chemicals Europe continue to set new standards for excellence within the South African chemical sector.
Their partnership demonstrates how commercial success and environmental stewardship can work together, creating long-term value for customers, communities, and the planet.
As this partnership progresses, stakeholders can expect:
• Continued innovation in high-performance chemical technologies
• Expanded technical support and formulation guidance
• A strengthened commitment to sustainable chemistry
• Ongoing growth across South Africa and neighbouring regions
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For more information about KAO Chemicals Europe and its product range, visit:
🔗 https://www.kaochemicals-eu.com
To learn more about CIM Chemicals’ portfolio and technical expertise, visit:
🔗 https://www.cim.co.za