A History of Innovation in Water-Based Chemistry

Ripple Effects

 

As we celebrate our first 75 years, we recognize that our success has been shaped by a legacy of innovation in the past.

Our focus on water-based chemistry began in the 1950s when we manufactured our first water-based wax emulsion. In a moment of serendipity, an employee observed that a scrap of corrugated board that he had used to remove some wax emulsion from his fingers appeared to exhibit waterproof qualities. Subsequent testing confirmed that paper coated with this emulsion was not only waterproof, but remained recyclable, giving the emulsion a significant advantage over the non-recyclable solid wax coatings commonly being used for waterproofing at the time. And because the water-based formula was food safe, it could be used for packaging meat.

That combination of water resistance and grease resistance was later developed into a new “super coating”, Resisto Coat™—our first breakthrough product.

Another breakthrough came in 1971 when we expanded beyond paper with the creation of the Technical Sales Division. The team focused on replacing dangerous, flammable volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with water-based systems that offered comparable or better performance, while being safer and more environmentally friendly.

Leveraging existing technology for new applications marked an expansion into a range of industries that today include digital printing, agriculture, composites, polishes, paints & stains, flexible packaging, and more. The company also grew and greatly enhanced our security of supply by expanding to new locations around the globe and through strategic partnerships that further strengthened Michelman’s capacity for innovation and ability to solve more clients’ challenges.

Innovating a Sustainable Future is a continual journey at Michelman, guided by curious, creative, dedicated people leveraging our portfolio of water-based, environmentally conscious products to solve customers’ challenges while protecting our planet.


Michelman's Visual History