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At Redox, we proudly supply Polyethylene Linear Low (LLDPE), a high-performance thermoplastic that delivers outstanding strength, flexibility, and processing efficiency.

With proven quality from trusted producers such as Qatofin’s Lotrène® range, these Polymers are relied upon across industries where durability and adaptability are essential.

What is Polyethylene Linear Low?

Polyethylene Linear Low is a grade of polyethylene manufactured through the copolymerisation of ethylene with butene. This production method enhances toughness, puncture resistance, and flexibility compared to conventional low-density polyethylene (LDPE).

LLDPE’s unique balance of mechanical properties and cost-effectiveness makes it the material of choice for applications ranging from everyday consumer packaging to demanding industrial and agricultural uses.

Key Benefits

LLDPE Film offers a range of advantages that support both performance and efficiency:

Applications

Polyethylene Linear Low is widely used in:

Product Range

Lotrène® LLDPE grades available through Redox include options designed for both blown film and cast film applications.

With a range of melt flow indices and additive packages (slip, antiblock, antioxidants), Redox can supply grades tailored to the exact performance required for your process.

Redox Advantage

With more than 60 years of experience in global distribution, Redox offers reliable supply chains across Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, and North America.

Strong supplier partnerships allow us to provide competitive pricing, while our technical expertise ensures we deliver tailored solutions for every application.

Above all, we remain committed to quality, safety, and service excellence.

Partner with Redox

Polyethylene Linear Low Film is engineered for resilience, flexibility, and efficiency. Whether your needs lie in industrial packaging, agricultural applications, or consumer goods, Redox has the expertise, partnerships, and reach to support your business.

Contact us today to learn how Redox can add value to your supply chain.

Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) is a high-performance thermoplastic elastomer that plays a vital role across a broad range of industries. As a block copolymer composed of styrene and butadiene, SBS combines the elasticity of rubber with the processability of plastic, making it an ideal material in applications where flexibility, durability, and ease of use are essential.

Applications Across Key Sectors

Thanks to its unique mechanical properties, SBS is widely utilised in the following industries:

Construction and Infrastructure

In construction, SBS is commonly used to modify bitumen for roofing membranes and road surfacing. SBS-modified bitumen significantly improves elasticity and resistance to thermal cracking, extending the service life of pavements and roofing systems especially in regions with extreme weather conditions.

Footwear and Consumer Goods

SBS is a popular choice in the manufacture of shoe soles, sporting goods, and personal care items. Its cushioning, flexibility, and grip make it perfect for comfortable, high-performance footwear, while giving manufacturers more design versatility.

Adhesives and Sealants

In the adhesives sector, it’s a key ingredient in pressure-sensitive and hot-melt formulations. It offers excellent tack, flexibility, and adhesion to a wide variety of surfaces essential for packaging, labelling, and industrial applications.

Plastics Modification

SBS is often used to enhance general-purpose plastics such as polystyrene and polypropylene. It improves impact resistance and flexibility, making it ideal for applications in automotive interiors, appliance housings, and protective packaging.

Key Properties

SBS is a thermoplastic elastomer, which means it can be repeatedly softened through heating and solidified again upon cooling—offering excellent versatility during processing and manufacturing. It also demonstrates outstanding elasticity and resilience, making it ideal for applications that demand flexibility, shock absorption, and impact resistance.

In essence, SBS combines the best of both worlds – the elasticity of rubber and the processability of plastic – making it a valuable material in a wide range of industries. 

Innovation and Environmental Benefits

Recent advancements have led to the hydrogenation of SBS (producing SEBS), which delivers improved UV resistance, weatherability, and thermal performance—opening the door to more outdoor and automotive uses.

Environmentally, SBS’s thermoplastic nature means it can be reheated and remoulded, making it more recyclable than traditional rubbers. In infrastructure, SBS-modified asphalt leads to longer-lasting roads, reducing the frequency of resurfacing and associated emissions. Its longevity contributes to lower lifecycle costs and environmental impact.

Why Redox?

Redox proudly supplies high-quality grades of Polymer SBS suited to the demands of today’s industries. Whether you’re developing high-performance adhesives, upgrading infrastructure, or looking for a durable and flexible polymer for product design, SBS offers a proven and cost-effective solution. With the Asia-Pacific region accounting for approximately 41% of global SBS consumption, demand across local markets continues to grow making Redox your ideal partner in sourcing this essential material.

Contact your Redox representative to find out how Polymer SBS can enhance your products and contribute to more sustainable outcomes.

Redox is proud to offer a powerful solution to one of the most persistent challenges in industrial, commercial, and public environments, unpleasant and lingering odours. Introducing ODONEU-AIR, a scientifically formulated range of Australian-made odour neutralisers that go far beyond masking.

Backed by decades of research and real-world application, ODONEU-Air works at the molecular level to eliminate odours safely and effectively.

A Scientifically Proven Alternative to Masking Agents

Where traditional products rely on overpowering fragrances or harsh chemicals, ODONEU-AIR takes a different approach. Using a complex blend of over 30 high-grade essential oils, including peppermint, lemon, and eucalyptus ODONEU-Air triggers four chemical reactions: counteraction, absorption, bonding, and oxidation.

These reactions alter the structure of odour-causing molecules such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), rendering them undetectable to the human nose.

This is no cover-up, it’s complete neutralisation.

Versatile, Safe, and Eco-Conscious

ODONEU-AIR is suitable for a wide range of environments, from hospitals and aged care facilities to grease traps, transport vehicles, and waste disposal sites. The formulation is:

Application is simple and adaptable: use spray bottles, fogging machines, hose dispensers, or direct integration into cleaning solutions.

Trusted Across Sectors

ODONEU-Air is already used in:

Whether you’re dealing with odours from organic waste, urine, mould, or processing residues, ODONEU-AIR offers immediate and lasting results.

Contact the Redox team today to learn more about ODONEU-Air dilution options, technical support, and supply solutions tailored to your sector.

Polyalpha Olefins (PAOs) are premium synthetic hydrocarbon base oils used in advanced lubrication systems across the automotive, industrial, and aerospace sectors. Manufactured through the controlled polymerisation of alpha-olefins, PAOs deliver exceptional purity, consistency, and performance in the most challenging environments.  They also have emerging application for use in immersion cooling systems in data centres.

Why Choose PAOs?

PAOs are highly regarded for their thermal and oxidative stability, which allows lubricants to last longer and supports extended service intervals. They perform exceptionally well across a broad temperature range, ensuring reliable operation of machinery even in extreme cold or intense heat. Their low volatility helps minimise oil loss and reduce emissions, particularly under high-temperature conditions.

PAOs also offer superior viscosity characteristics, maintaining consistent lubrication under fluctuating loads and speeds. Additionally, they are highly compatible with a wide range of additives and base stocks, making them an ideal choice for customised lubricant formulations.

Polyalpha Olefins Key Applications

Automotive & Transportation

Used extensively in high-end engine oils, transmission fluids, and gear lubricants, particularly in performance, electric, and long-drain service vehicles.

Industrial Lubrication

Ideal for compressors, turbines, and hydraulic systems where stability, efficiency, and reliability are critical under heavy loads or fluctuating temperatures. These benefits align with best practices outlined by industry groups like ATIEL and the NLGI.

Aviation & Aerospace

Trusted in jet engines and aerospace applications, thermal endurance and oxidation resistance are essential.

Jet Engine viewed from porthole

Polyalpha Olefins (PAOs) are trusted in jet engine and aerospace applications where extreme temperatures, high speeds, and oxidative stress push lubricants to their limits. With superior thermal stability and low volatility, PAO-based formulations ensure reliable performance at altitude and under pressure.

Electrical & Electronics

Found in dielectric fluids and advanced cooling systems, including those used in data centres and high-voltage equipment.

Food-Grade & Specialty Lubricants

PAOs also serve as the base for specialty lubricants, including NSF H1 food-safe products, where non-toxicity and stability are required.

Sustainability Through Performance

While PAOs are synthetic, they contribute to sustainability goals by:

Redox supplies a range of high-quality PAO grades, supported by our global sourcing network and expert advice. Whether you’re formulating for automotive, industrial, or niche sectors, our team can help deliver performance and reliability you can trust.

Connect with our team to learn more about our PAO product range, technical support, and tailored supply solutions.

 

Hexafluorozirconic acid (HFZA) is a critical and increasingly sought-after inorganic compound recognised for its pivotal role in driving efficiency and sustainability across numerous industries. Its unique properties meet the demands of modern industrial processes, such as enhancing corrosion resistance and in metal surface treatments.

Hexafluorozirconic acid is a clear, colourless liquid with a strong acidic nature. It is a water-soluble compound known for its:

Applications of Hexafluorozirconic Acid

Hexafluorozirconic acid plays a critical role in several industries due to its unique chemical characteristics. Some of the most common applications include:

  1. Metal Surface Treatment HFZA is extensively used to pre-treat metal surfaces. It acts as a corrosion inhibitor and adhesion promoter, providing a protective layer that enhances paint and coating durability. This makes it particularly valuable in the automotive, aerospace, and construction industries.
  2. Ceramics and Glass Manufacturing In the ceramics and glass industries, HFZA is utilised to modify surface properties and improve the performance of end products. It contributes to increased strength, reduced porosity, and enhanced thermal resistance.
  3. Catalyst Production Hexafluorozirconic acid serves as a precursor in the production of advanced catalysts. Its reactivity is leveraged in chemical synthesis processes, including polymerisation and petrochemical refining.
  4. Etching and Cleaning HFZA is a key component in etching and cleaning solutions for electronics manufacturing. It aids in precision cleaning and surface preparation for semiconductors and circuit boards.

Handling and Safety Considerations

Due to its corrosive and reactive nature, handling hexafluorozirconic acid requires strict adherence to safety protocols. Here are some essential guidelines:

Why Choose Us as Your HFZA Supplier?

At Redox, we understand the critical importance of quality and reliability in industrial applications. Our hexafluorozirconic acid is:

How can we help?

Hexafluorozirconic acid is a vital chemical compound with diverse applications across multiple industries.

Contact us today to learn more about our offerings and discover how we can support your requirements.

In November of 2024, Redox acquired Auschem and was granted distribution of Viva Energy Australia’s great range of hydrocarbon solvents including VivaSol X55. For over 60 years, Viva Energy’s Geelong Refinery has been proudly manufacturing solvents for businesses of all sizes. As the only major producer of hydrocarbon solvents in the country, Viva Energy is steadfast in its commitment to supporting Australian manufacturing.

A prime example of this dedication is VivaSol X55, with a narrow boiling range, this rapidly evaporating solvent that has become a cornerstone of the rubber industry. Known for its versatility as both an industrial solvent and brake cleaner, VivaSol X55 consistently delivers reliable performance across a wide range of applications, making it a trusted choice of formulators and workshops Australia wide.

Product Overview: VivaSol X55

VivaSol X55, also commonly known as Shellite Solvent, is a clear, flammable liquid hydrocarbon composed entirely of petroleum hydrocarbons (100%). Known for its rapid evaporation and minimal residue, it is widely used for contact cleaning applications.

With a flashpoint below 0°C and a typical boiling range of 62-100°C, VivaSol X55 is highly flammable but extremely effective. Its relatively low boiling range ensures fast drying and low residue, making it ideal for cleaning surfaces without risking damage to integrity.

Applications and Benefits  

Note: While VivaSol X55 is versatile, it is not recommended for cleaning gummed-up carburettors.

Download our Technical Data Sheet for VivaSol X55 here for more details.

 

Mechanics in workshops across industries depend on VivaSol X55 for its efficiency in brake cleaning and maintenance. This fast-drying solvent effectively removes grease for optimal performance. With its rapid evaporation and low-residue properties, VivaSol X55 ensures a professional and precise finish every time.

History and Packaging Details

Production History: Viva Energy’s Geelong Refinery began producing X55 in August 2017, marking the first new solvent product from the refinery since the 1980s. VivaSol X55 has since become a key component in applications such as tyre shine, tyre re-treading, cleaning auto transmissions and brakes, and as an adhesive thinner.

Packaging Options:

Bulk quantities of VivaSol X55 are stored at APCS Ingleburn and Redox Wetherill Park. From these locations, the product is repacked into various packaging sizes to meet customer needs:

Choose VivaSol X55 for Quality and Reliability

For those seeking a premium solvent solution for industrial or DIY purposes, VivaSol X55 delivers unparalleled performance. Its fast-drying, low-residue properties and wide range of applications make it a preferred choice for professionals across industries.

As the only hydrocarbon solvent supplier in Australia with laboratory facilities, we offer more than just a product – we provide innovation and tailored solutions. Our team of technical specialists is always available to offer advice and assistance, ensuring you get the most out of VivaSol X55. With our ability to analyze products in-depth and develop new formulations, we bring added value to our customers.

Contact us today to learn more about VivaSol X55 and discover our flexible packaging options designed to meet your specific needs.

 

Redox Ltd (ASX:RDX, or ‘Redox’ or ‘the Company’), a leading global chemical, ingredients and raw material distributor, announces that it has agreed to acquire 100% of the shares of Oleum Pty Ltd and Oleum Holdings Pty Ltd (‘Oleum’), a specialty and commodity chemicals distributor to the agriculture, mining, personal care and surface coatings sectors.

The acquisition, which is consistent with Redox’s strategy, expands the Company’s customer base in Australia, enhances supplier relationships with globally significant specialty chemical manufacturers and widens the range of products available to Redox’s established clientele.  It will allow the Company to better serve the needs of a larger number of clients and help to accelerate growth in key market segments.

Founded in 2015, Oleum is an Australian chemical distributor with a strategic portfolio of surfactants. Oleum sells across a wide range of industries and has a particular focus and strength in Crop Protection and Household/Personal Care. Headquartered in Melbourne, the company consists of a team of 5 who have achieved an outstanding track-record of excellent customer service across a range of compelling offerings from some of the world’s most renowned manufacturers. Sales revenue in 2023 was approximately A$30m.

John Lemanis, Director of Oleum, says:

“Redox is the perfect home for Oleum, the businesses are strategically well aligned and will be highly complementary to each other. My team is excited to join Redox which will leverage what’s great about us with the benefit of Redox’s leading software system, wide logistics network and larger team of salespeople.”

CEO & MD of Redox, Raimond Coneliano, added:

“This is a special opportunity, and we are delighted to welcome John and the Oleum team to Redox. Together our combined knowledge and product portfolio will be an exciting prospect for Australian customers of both companies. In time, we anticipate the opportunity to promote select Oleum products and suppliers to our clients in the United States and around the world. This certainly helps cement Redox as the pre-eminent distributor of chemicals in the region and will provide new avenues for growth.”

Transaction details and transition arrangements

A Share Sale Agreement was executed by the parties on 2nd July 2024, with a simultaneous completion of the transaction. As a result Redox has acquired the key assets of the business as of this date.

Customers and suppliers should continue to deal with Oleum Pty Ltd as per pre-acquisition, it is expected that integration will be completed on the 1st of August 2024 after which all new orders should be placed upon Redox Limited.

Reach out to your Redox or Oleum representative for more details.

– ends –

The global shipping industry is grappling with significant disruptions, exacerbated by the Houthi Red Seas attacks and an unprecedented surge in demand. Experts suggest the current situation could prove even more challenging than the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the major players in the shipping industry, Maersk, has introduced a Peak Season Surcharge, a measure they did not implement during the height of the COVID-19 crisis. The surcharge rates are substantial:

The market has seen a jump of over US$1000 per TEU, indicating severe price hikes across the board.

Adding to the strain, Maersk has significantly reduced its allocation from Southeast Asia due to underutilisation earlier this year. While other carriers are temporarily absorbing the excess demand, this presents an ongoing risk to logistics stability.

Transhipment Port Congestion

Transhipment ports, which typically operate smoothly, are now experiencing severe congestion, causing further delays. Cargo that requires transhipment is at high risk of being stuck for extended periods.

Additionally, moving dangerous goods (DG) through certain ports has become increasingly problematic. Recent reports indicate that congestion in Singapore has now surpassed levels seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, compounding the delays.

Equipment Supply Shortages

With more containers spending longer periods at sea, the availability of empty containers at specific ports has sharply decreased. This scarcity of containers is another critical issue with no immediate solution in sight.

Increasing Lead and Shipping Times

Space for shipments from Asia to Australia is currently unavailable until the second week of July, indicating a six-week lead time. The ongoing vessel bunching and transhipment issues suggest that transit times will continue to lengthen in the coming months. While shipments from Southeast Asia to New Zealand are relatively stable for June, the overall outlook remains uncertain.

The Situation in the USA

In the United States, there is growing concern about the return of the US$10,000 container. Shipping rates are increasing by US$1000 per week, with no clear ceiling in sight. The industry is scrambling for solutions:

For more details on these developments, you can refer to the following articles:

The global logistics landscape is facing a critical juncture, and stakeholders must adapt swiftly to navigate these challenges effectively.

Global shipping costs are rising due to Houthi rebel attacks on cargo ships near the Red Sea, impacting the Suez Canal and supply chains in Europe and the U.S. Shipments are delayed, and transportation costs are increasing.

In the week ending January 18, the average cost of shipping a 40-foot container worldwide rose by 23% to $3,777, more than doubling from the previous month, according to a report from London-based Drewry Shipping Consultants.

These issues extend beyond trade routes between China, Europe, and the U.S. Shipping rates from China to Los Angeles increased by 38% in the same week, reaching $3,860.

Philip Damas from Drewry Shipping Consultants notes growing unpredictability in international shipping. While big companies with long-term contracts are somewhat protected, many are paying extra fees, like a 20% surcharge, to cover higher expenses.

In Yemen, Houthi rebels attack commercial ships amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. Despite U.S.-led protection efforts, attacks persist, causing damage to cargo ships.

The International Monetary Fund reports a 37% drop in Suez Canal traffic in 2024 compared to the previous year. Major shipping companies, including A.P. Moller-Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, reroute ships around Africa, adding over a week to travel times.

The Suez Canal is crucial to reducing international shipping disruptions due to its strategic location, providing a vital and time-saving maritime route that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, allowing ships to bypass the lengthy and perilous trip around the southern tip of Africa.

Amidst the avoidance of the Suez and Red Sea by major shipping lines and the preference for rail transport across Panama, retailers assert their ability to handle delays. Nevertheless, Brian Bourke, SEKO Logistics’ global chief commercial officer, highlights that apparel companies, keen on timely spring fashion arrivals, are resorting to airfreight. Maersk and Hapag Lloyd, significant international containerised shipping lines, have suspended ship movements through the Bab-al Mandab Strait, linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. 

Although primarily impacting Asia to North Europe and Mediterranean routes, historical incidents suggest potential serious consequences in other regions if the situation persists.

Paul Zalai, the Director of Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and Secretariat of the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA), refers to events from March 2021 when the mega-vessel Ever Given ran aground in the Suez Canal “The impact of the waterway closure for six days threw vessel schedules internationally into disarray – this may fade into insignificance compared to the current conditions that are likely to continue for a significant period with other shipping lines likely to follow, understandably not wanting to endanger the lives of seafarers, the safety of vessels and the cargoes they carry.”

“We are likely to know more in coming days – should marine insurers withdraw policies for ships passing through the area or declare the Red Sea a ”war zone”, shipping lines will be commercially left with little option but to abandon this key waterway,” Zalai said.

Zalai says the withdrawal of vessel services from the route will mean their diversion via the Cape of Good Hope. “This will add about ten days to transit times and estimated arrival dates in North Europe and Mediterranean ports – we can again expect that shipping lines will recover these costs through additional surcharges on cargoes.”

Suez Canal problems compound with challenges at the Panama Canal, limiting ship passage due to a drought.

Party City in New Jersey, facing delays of up to a week and extra charges of $300 to $500 per container from Asia to U.S. ports, strives to ensure timely store deliveries despite setbacks.

Epoxy resins are incredibly versatile and functional, making them essential in various industries. They are used in adhesives, coatings and are critical in many applications. Let’s quickly look into the world of epoxy resins and explore their significant impact on diverse sectors.

Epoxy resins, commonly used in various applications, are typically produced through a chemical reaction between epichlorohydrin (ECH) and bisphenol-A (BPA). This reaction results in speciality resins in either liquid or solid form. The production processes for liquid and solid epoxy resins are similar. Initially, ECH and BPA are combined in a reactor, and a solution containing 20-40% caustic soda is added as the mixture is heated to its boiling point. 

After the unreacted ECH evaporates, the resulting mixture is separated into two phases by introducing an inert solvent like Methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK). Subsequently, the resin is washed with water, and the solvent is removed through vacuum distillation. 

Producers incorporate certain additives tailored to the intended application to impart specific properties such as flexibility, viscosity, colour, adhesiveness, and faster curing to the resin.

To transform epoxy resins into a hard, infusible, and rigid material, they must be cured with a hardener. The curing process can occur at a wide range of temperatures, typically between 5 and 150 degrees Celsius, depending on the choice of curing agent. Primary and secondary amines are commonly utilised as curing agents for epoxy resins.

How is it used

Epoxy resins are incredibly versatile and find extensive use across many industries. 

space ship in space with earth and sun in the background

The aerospace industry uses epoxy resin in many innovative ways, including spacecraft hardware fabrication, space suit reinforcement, and improving flame retardancy. This thermosetting polymer’s combined adaptivity and flexibility make it ideal for use in many space travel solutions. They are also used in spacecraft for staking, sealing, coating, encapsulating, potting, and bonding various structural, electronic, and mechanical components.

They also play a vital role in water resistance and structural integrity in the marine industry. At the same time, the automotive and aerospace sectors rely on them for lightweight composites, adhesives, and coatings that enhance performance and safety. 

These are just a few examples of how it contribute to various industries, showcasing their versatility and exceptional properties.

How can Redox help

Redox sells and stores epoxy resin products in various countries, including Australia, the United States, New Zealand, and Malaysia. 

Discover how Redox can empower your organisation and unlock the full potential of your sourcing capabilities. Contact us now and experience the advantage that Redox brings.