Hexigone Inhibitors Ltd. (Port Talbot, United Kingdom), a UK-based innovator in smart corrosion inhibitors, has entered into a strategic partnership with Alfaa Chem, a leading chemical distributor in the Middle East. The collaboration aims to deliver high-performance anti-corrosion technologies to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, offering coating manufacturers the ability to differentiate their products as well as reduced formulation costs.
The partnership marks a major step forward in the supply of advanced materials to the region’s anti-corrosion coatings sector, particularly targeting applications in construction, oil and gas, and infrastructure maintenance. Hexigone’s unique Intelli-ion technology can be used at very low loadings alongside traditional inhibitors like zinc phosphate, significantly reducing the total inhibitor content required in a formulation. This co-blending approach maintains high corrosion protection while enabling a reduction in overall film thickness, which helps to streamline application processes and, in many cases, eliminate the need for brush blasting during structural steel maintenance.
Founded in 2004, Alfaa Chem is a well-established chemical distribution company with a strong presence across the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and beyond. The company has built a solid reputation for delivering international-quality raw materials to industries such as adhesives, sealants, construction chemicals, paints, coatings, and more.
“Partnering with Hexigone represents a forward-thinking move for both our companies and for the region’s coatings industry,” says Richard D’Souza, technology director at Alfaa Chem. “Their smart inhibitor technology addresses multiple industry challenges—ranging from performance under severe environments like C5+ conditions to improving adhesion on galvanized and thermally sprayed steel. Together, we aim to support formulators in transitioning away from zinc-rich and chromate-based systems toward more sustainable and cost-effective solutions.”
Ella Newington, marketing director at Hexigone, echoed this enthusiasm: “We’re incredibly excited to be launching our technology in the GCC market for the very first time. Entering a new region is a key part of our global growth strategy, and this partnership with Alfaa Chem allows us to deliver innovative, high-performance solutions to a market that’s clearly ready for change.”
With growing demand for zinc-free protective coatings, particularly among multinational oil and gas companies, this partnership positions both companies to meet rising performance expectations while promoting safer, more environmentally conscious technologies—all while helping manufacturers achieve meaningful reductions in formulation costs.
Source: Hexigone, www.hexigone.com.
