The Scottish speciality chemicals sector

‘Speciality chemicals’ describes the manufacture and supply of a wide variety of products. The speciality chemicals sector, which is often taken to include consumer chemicals, contributed 28 per cent to the industry’s total gross value added in 2004 and builds on existing levels of chemicals expertise in Scotland.

The sector in Scotland comprises 69 companies which produce a wide array of goods for use in a number of industries across the globe.

The scope of speciality chemicals in Scotland

Most companies working in Scotland’s speciality chemicals sector are engaged in the manufacture of products such as:

• Specialised organics and inorganics.
• Paints, varnishes, inks, coatings and mastics.
• Soaps and detergents.

Polymers, agrochemicals, additives, explosives, glues, gelatines, perfumes and toiletries are among the other speciality chemicals products manufactured in Scotland.

• 22 of Scotland’s 69 speciality chemicals companies are inward investors.
• Significant academic research is being carried out into:
  • Speciality organics and inorganics.
  • Additives.
  • Polymers.
  • Paints, varnishes, inks, coatings and mastics.

  Speciality chemicals in Scotland – strengths and opportunities

  Significant import substitution opportunities exist for speciality chemicals companies in Scotland, who can also capitalise on gaps in the perfumes and toiletries market. Growth opportunities can be found in the following fields:

  • Speciality organics and inorganics.
  • Additives.
  • Polymers.
  • Paints, varnishes, inks, coatings and mastics.
  • Teaching and training.

  A favourable business environment, world-class academic sector, excellent transport links and the potential to make cost savings are other reasons to invest in the Scottish speciality chemicals sector.

  Speciality chemicals are just part of the vibrant Scottish chemicals industry. Other Scottish chemical sectors include basic chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

  • There is an established and highly skilled labour force with extensive training, from technician to post-doctorate levels.
  • A world-class academic sector supports speciality chemicals companies in Scotland.
  • High levels of process design and development expertise can be found in Scotland’s universities and its speciality chemicals industry.
  • An established specialist support infrastructure contributes to the ongoing vibrancy of the speciality chemicals sector in Scotland.