Top 10 Best Chemical Companies in Epsom and Ewell

The Chemistry Behind Everyday Life in Epsom and Ewell

Few people in Epsom and Ewell think about the chemical industry as they go about their day, yet its products are everywhere. Clean drinking water, the medicines dispensed by local pharmacies, the paint on period homes in Ewell Village, cleaning products used by cafés on the High Street and the fertilisers that keep sports pitches green all depend on chemistry. Local laboratories, manufacturers, engineering consultancies and healthcare providers also rely on specialist chemical suppliers.

The UK chemical sector is one of the country's largest manufacturing industries and a major exporter. Many leading companies are headquartered in London and the South East, and Surrey hosts important consumer health and science businesses. The ten companies below are among the most influential chemical businesses serving the region, chosen for their innovation, scale and commitment to sustainability.

How We Chose These Companies

We considered market leadership, innovation, sustainability performance, relevance to industries in and around Epsom and Ewell, availability through UK distribution and overall reputation.

The Top 10 Chemical Companies

1. Johnson Matthey

Johnson Matthey is a London-headquartered global leader in sustainable technologies. It is best known for catalysts that reduce vehicle emissions and for technologies supporting hydrogen production and fuel cells. Its research is central to cleaner industrial processes worldwide.

2. INEOS

INEOS is one of the world's largest chemical companies, producing petrochemicals, speciality chemicals and oil products. Its operations span many countries, and its products are used in plastics, pharmaceuticals, construction materials and everyday consumer goods.

3. Croda

Croda is a British speciality chemicals company that creates high-performance ingredients for personal care, pharmaceuticals, crop protection and industrial markets. It is recognised as a sustainability leader, using bio-based raw materials wherever possible.

4. Synthomer

Synthomer is a leading supplier of speciality polymers used in coatings, adhesives, construction and healthcare products. Its materials are found in paints, flooring and medical gloves, linking it closely to the construction and healthcare sectors in the borough.

5. Victrex

Victrex manufactures high-performance polymers used in aerospace, automotive, electronics and medical devices. Its materials are lightweight, durable and resistant to extreme conditions, supporting innovation across advanced engineering industries.

6. Elementis

Elementis produces speciality additives for coatings, personal care and industrial applications. Its rheology modifiers and talc products help paints, cosmetics and other products perform reliably.

7. BASF UK

BASF is the world's largest chemical company, and its UK operations supply chemicals, materials and agricultural solutions to businesses across the country. Its broad portfolio touches almost every industry, from construction to food.

8. Haleon

Haleon, headquartered in Weybridge, Surrey, is a global consumer health company producing well-known medicines, oral care and wellness products. Its science-led approach and significant Surrey presence make it an important employer and innovator close to Epsom and Ewell.

9. Brenntag UK

Brenntag is a global leader in chemical distribution, supplying thousands of chemicals and ingredients to manufacturers, water companies, laboratories and food producers. Its UK network ensures reliable delivery to businesses across the South East.

10. Univar Solutions

Univar Solutions distributes chemicals and ingredients for industrial, food, pharmaceutical and personal care applications. Its technical support and regulatory expertise help smaller businesses source the right products safely.

The Role of Chemicals in the Local Economy

Epsom and Ewell's healthcare providers, schools, colleges, engineering firms and small manufacturers all depend on chemical supply chains. Water treatment, cleaning and hygiene, construction materials, laboratory reagents and agricultural products are essential to the smooth running of the borough. Proximity to major distributors and research-led companies in Surrey and London ensures reliable access.

Sustainability and Green Chemistry

The chemical industry is undergoing a major shift towards sustainability. Companies are developing bio-based ingredients, reducing energy and water use, cutting emissions and designing products that are safer and easier to recycle. Green hydrogen, carbon capture and circular plastics are major areas of investment. For local businesses, choosing suppliers with strong sustainability credentials supports their own environmental goals.

Safety and Regulation

Chemical companies operate under strict regulation covering registration, labelling, transport, storage and workplace safety. Businesses using chemicals in Epsom and Ewell must comply with health and safety rules and ensure staff are trained to handle substances safely. Reputable suppliers provide safety data sheets, technical advice and guidance on compliance.

How to Choose a Chemical Supplier

Look for suppliers with strong safety records, regulatory expertise and reliable distribution. Ask about product quality certifications, technical support and sustainability credentials. For specialist applications, work with suppliers who can offer tailored formulations or advice. Consider supply chain resilience, as reliable delivery is critical for operations such as water treatment and healthcare.

Careers and Skills in Chemistry

The chemical and life sciences sectors offer rewarding careers for Epsom and Ewell residents, from laboratory science and process engineering to regulatory affairs, quality assurance and sales. Local schools and colleges help young people build strong foundations in science, while apprenticeships and graduate schemes at major employers in Surrey and London provide routes into the industry. As companies invest in green chemistry and sustainable materials, demand for skilled scientists and engineers is expected to keep growing.

Final Thoughts

Chemistry quietly powers daily life in Epsom and Ewell. The companies above combine scientific excellence with a growing commitment to sustainability, supplying the materials and ingredients that keep homes, businesses and public services running.