Our Winning Differentiators
We are recognised as a leader in rheology and in formulation solutions. We also own one of the largest commercial high-grade hectorite mines in the world, whose premium rheological qualities in combination with our formulation expertise leads to superior performance across a wide range of sectors.
Together, these are our winning differentiators.
Hectorite
Our California based mine is one of the largest known commercial high-grade hectorite mines in the world.
Hectorite is a high-purity clay mineral that delivers excellent rheology in both water- and oil-based systems, making it an attractive alternative to synthetic materials. It can be processed at lower temperatures, leading to lower costs and improved sustainability. It also delivers important attributes, such as excellent texture and colour for Personal Care and long term stability for Coatings.
What makes it different to other clays
Unlike conventional clays, hectorite is naturally functional. Its particle shape, consistency and stability – especially in water-based systems – make it ideal for clean-label, high-performance formulations. While hectorite itself has special rheological properties, its real value comes from how it is modified and activated for use in formulations, which is where our expertise comes in. This process enhances its performance and enables tailored natural solutions to be made across a range of applications.
Rheology
Rheology is the study of how materials flow and deform under stress. It helps formulators understand and control the viscosity, texture, and stability of liquids, gels, and semi-solids – critical for product performance across several industries.
Why rheology matters
Rheology determines how a product behaves during manufacturing, storage, and application. It affects everything from spreadability in cosmetics to sag resistance in paints, making it essential for quality, efficiency, and user experience.
Formulation solutions
Formulation solutions refers to the expertise and technologies used to help customers create high-performing, stable, and efficient products. For a specialty additives business such as Elementis, this means going beyond selling ingredients – it’s about partnering with customers to solve formulation challenges and optimise product performance. Additives are a small but critical part of any formulation. They control key properties such as viscosity, texture, stability and sensory feel, often determining whether a product performs as intended. Without the right additive, even the best formulations can fail.
Why rheology expertise matters
Rheology is central to formulation success. Elementis stands out for its deep rheological expertise, especially in Personal Care and Coatings, enabling it to tailor solutions that meet complex performance needs and evolving consumer expectations.