BioBased Technologies expands customer reach into Europe

BioBased Technologies LLC (BBT), based in Rogers, AR, USA, is marking the tenth anniversary of its Agrol line by announcing the product’s expansion into Europe and a growing list of customers.

“Similar to the debut and early success of Agrol in the United States 10 years ago, our expansion into Europe originated by pursuing the right partners,” said Amy Sorrell, BioBased Technologies Chief Executive Officer. According to Sorrell, beginning in 2016, the company will have Agrol stocked in Europe. This will provide easier access to meet the demands of European customers immediately desiring a variety of products throughout the product line. The initial Agrol customers in Europe are primarily manufacturers of furniture, bedding and automotive moulded foams. Sorrell says the products will be price competitive with petroleum-based chemicals in the European market. The company has appointed Cellular Technology Europe Limited based in the United Kingdom to represent BBT as its sales agent in Europe.

Agrol is a family of natural, oil-based polyols used as the building blocks for polyurethane foams. They are used in manufacturing items such as lubricants, building products, furniture, automotive parts, adhesives, carpet backing and industrial coatings. By using natural ingredients such as soy, cashew nuts and castor oil as a base versus harsher petroleum, many Agrol products meet the high standard of being named USDA Certified BioBased Products, says the manufacturer.

BBT commercialised its first Agrol product in 2005. The following year, the US Environmental Protection Agency named Agrol a P2 Awardee due to its innovative chemistry enabling the product to decrease pollution and meet other EPA goals. According to BBT, the first Agrol customer in 2005 was Universal Textile Technologies (UTT), a leader in environmentally conscious practices and products. UTT, based in Dalton, GA, USA, provides backing technology to the carpet and synthetic turf industry including AstroTurf, Signature Carpets and SYNLawn.

“We were the first company to use Agrol in our products and we continue that partnership to this day,” said Doug Giles, Universal Textile Technologies Global Marketing Director. “When dealing with BioBased Technologies and its Agrol team, we know we have the technical support if needed. They are a caring partner and show genuine concern and professionalism. We look forward to continuing our partnership with BBT focusing on sustainable technology to create additional new products we can market together.”

“When we started 10 years ago with one Agrol client we knew our focus was to pursue and help an abundance of customers increase the sustainability of their products without sacrificing performance,” said Sorrell. “As the importance of alternative fuel has continued to increase, so has our customer base and our expanding line of natural Agrol products. We’re looking forward to the next decade.”