We continuously refine our distribution business model to provide our suppliers and customers with the highest level of service, reliability, and timeliness of deliveries while offering cost-competitive products. We have several channels to market, including warehouse delivery, direct-to-consumer delivery, and ChemPoint, our web-based distributor of specialty chemicals.

Warehouse Distribution

Univar's warehouse distribution business is the core of our operations. We purchase chemicals in truck load or larger quantities to connect large chemical producers with smaller customers. Our network of warehouses allows us to service most customers from multiple locations, enabling us to move products efficiently and economically throughout our own warehouse system servicing customers on a real-time basis. Also, our close proximity to major transportation arteries allows us to service customers in remote locations.
   
Direct Distribution

Univar's direct distribution business provides point-to-point logistics for full truckloads or larger quantities of chemicals between producers and customers. In direct distribution, we sell and service large quantity purchases that are shipped directly from producers through our logistics infrastructure, providing customers with sourcing and logistics support services for inventory management and delivery, in many cases more economically than a supplier can provide on its own.
   
ChemPoint.com®

ChemPoint.com is our unique, web-based distribution platform for specialty chemicals. ChemPoint primarily focuses on customers who need small quantities of specialty chemicals that would not be cost effective to deliver through traditional warehouse or direct distribution channels. Through this platform, we also offer SureStock^SM, our cutting-edge inventory management system, which enables customers with recurring and predictable chemicals usage to outsource their inventory stocking to us by committing to designated volume levels.

In addition to selling and distributing chemicals, we provide important value-added services for our customers and suppliers, including:

Product availability and inventory management

We manage inventory in order to meet customer demands on short notice. Our key role in the supply chain enables us to obtain access to chemicals in times of short supply. Our global distribution network also permits us to stock products locally, enhancing just-in-time delivery and providing outsourced inventory management to our customers.
   
Technical expertise and specialized laboratories

We employ chemists, food technologists and petroleum engineers to assist our customers in the selection and formulation of chemicals to meet their specific performance requirements. Our team of technical experts has access to specialized laboratories dedicated to food, personal care, paints & coatings, household and industrial cleaning, and oil & gas.
   
Blending and repackaging services

We provide our customers with a full suite of blending and repackaging services. Leveraging our technical expertise, we are able to utilize our blending and mixing capabilities to create specialty chemical formulations that meet specific customer performance demands. Additionally, we can fulfill small orders through our repackaging services, enabling customers to maintain smaller inventories.
   
ChemCare®

Our ChemCare waste management service collects both hazardous and non-hazardous waste products at customer locations in the United States and Canada, and then works with select partners in the waste disposal business to safely transport these materials to licensed third-party treatment, storage and disposal facilities. ChemCare reviews each waste profile, recommends disposal alternatives to the customer and offers transportation of the waste to the appropriate waste disposal company. Hazardous and non-hazardous waste management technologies provided from our approved treatment storage and disposal facility partners include recycling, incineration, fuels blending, lab packing, landfill, deepwell injection, and waste to energy. ChemCare also assists in the preparation of manifests, labels, and reporting requirements and provides on-site project management for tank cleaning projects and site cleanups.