BYK-Chemie GmbH supplies specialty additives and measurement instruments for coatings, plastics, adhesives and battery production. Its dispersants, rheology modifiers and PFAS-free formulations improve slurry homogeneity, coating quality and reduce solvent use across EV, ESS and electronics.
BYK-Chemie GmbH, founded in 1873 by Dr. Heinrich Byk and headquartered in Wesel, Germany, is a family-owned supplier of specialty additives and precision measurement instruments. The company develops additives used in small amounts to improve scratch resistance, gloss, rheology, and stability across coatings, plastics, adhesives and battery materials. BYK frames its work around optimizing material properties and production efficiency while reducing environmental impact through PFAS-free products and water-based systems. The company’s mission is to deliver practical technical solutions that enhance product performance and support more resource-efficient manufacturing.
BYK’s core technology comprises specialty additives and testing instruments that modify surface, flow and functional properties at low dosages. Key functions include wetting and dispersing, rheology control, defoaming, adhesion promotion and processing aids for slurries, coatings and separator layers. Differentiators include PFAS-free chemistries, water-based dispersants to reduce NMP use, and formulations for high-solid-content slurries such as BYK-ET 3000. Supporting capabilities include dedicated battery labs in Japan, China and Germany and a high-throughput screening digital lab for rapid formulation testing. Environmental benefits include reduced solvent use, lower VOCs and phased elimination of PFAS from products and site firefighting foams.
BYK offers wetting and dispersing agents, surface additives, rheology modifiers, defoamers, adhesion promoters, processing and wax additives, plus measuring and testing instruments. Products improve coating appearance, slurry homogeneity, coating throughput and separator performance. Primary markets include coatings and printing inks, plastics, adhesives and sealants, lubricants, foundry and battery manufacturing for EVs, ESS and consumer electronics.
PFAS phase-out (2025): BYK completed a global program to remove PFAS from additives and site firefighting foams by year-end 2025, delivering PFAS-free replacement products to customers.
BYK-Chemie GmbH is a wholly owned subsidiary of ALTANA Group. ALTANA is 100% owned by SKion GmbH; ownership of SKion transitioned in mid-2024 within the founder family. BYK operates without external venture funding and remains under private corporate ownership as part of ALTANA’s Additives & Instruments business.
