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150 years of being constantly agile and moving forward

Celebrating a milestone

This year marks a momentous occasion as we celebrate our 150th anniversary, signifying an extraordinary milestone in our remarkable journey. From our humble beginnings as an egg wholesale business in 1874 in Berlin to our evolution into the Brenntag of today, the global market leader in chemical and ingredients distribution.

Photo taken in Kumamoto, Japan

A sustainable future

As an industry leader, we acknowledge our pivotal role in fostering greater sustainability in our value chain. Recognizing the profound impact of our business on the environment and society, we’re resolutely committed to creating value that benefits everyone. Our journey towards a sustainable future is an ongoing endeavor, reflecting our responsibility in the industry.

Innovation, diversity and a broad worldview are in our DNA

We invite you to celebrate the agile spirit of Brenntag with us as we commemorate 150 years of excellence, innovation and a firm commitment to a brighter, sustainable future.

Christian Kohlpaintner, CEO
Looking back on such a long history is a chance to reflect on the people, decisions and challenges that have shaped our company and brought us to where we are today. With curiosity, a great deal of pioneering spirit, and keeping focus in times of change, we at Brenntag have always been successful to adapt to new circumstances. We are evolving with our markets, and we actively shape them.

Christian Kohlpaintner

Chief Executive Officer, Brenntag SE

Scott Leibowitz, President Brenntag Essentials North America

Scott Leibowitz

“Our ability to remain agile and responsive to evolving market demands while staying true to our core values has been key to our long-standing success and will continue to drive us forward.”

Scott Leibowitz, President Brenntag Essentials North America

Christine Grybos

“In my personal journey with Brenntag, I've cherished the opportunities to learn and grow, expanding my skills, participating in leadership programs, and collaborating with people on a global level. The companionship at Brenntag has been remarkable, contributing to our 150-year legacy of adaptation, customer understanding, and a culture of motivation and support for Brenntag's vision.”

Christine Grybos, Director of Product Management General Chemicals North America
Aafke Dijksma

Aafke Dijksma

“Brenntag has always been able to adapt to changes, market conditions and requirements, managing to integrate acquisitions with a pragmatic approach. I enjoy the great relationships with colleagues globally, many of whom have been with Brenntag for many years.”

Aafke Dijksma, Senior Vice President Supply Chain Services, Europe
Svenja Daniel, SVP Supplier & Customer Excellencee

Svenja Daniel

“Throughout my ten years with the company, Brenntag changed constantly. Change, in my view, is something very positive. Reflecting on our 150 years history, I'm impressed by Brenntag’s willingness to change. It highlights our ability to adapt, innovate, and lead our industry, showcasing the incredible colleagues who shaped Brenntag into what it is today.”

Svenja Daniel, SVP Supplier & Customer Excellence

Carlos Graullera Marco

“It's incredible that a company can stay on the market for 150 years, which means that a lot of good decisions have been made and the right things have been done. The ability to turn a small local company into the biggest in the world is impressive.”

Carlos Graullera Marco, Commercial Director Iberia
David Paganoni, Vice President Global Sourcing

David Paganoni

“A company that has constantly challenged and changed itself is the perfect example for anyone who wants to be successful in 2024. Especially in a challenging economic environment, it is necessary to adapt to change with a clear direction, the way we do at Brenntag.”

David Paganoni, Vice President Global Sourcing, Netherlands

Alexandre Renard

"I find it impressive how we managed the change at our site and at Brenntag overall in the last years, with safety always being our top priority."

Alexandre Renard, Logistics Assistant and Deputy Warehouse Supervisor, France
Romain Girard

Romain Girard

“The versatility of this company and its ability to change and evolve despite being the worldwide leader is a source of inspiration. I am amazed by our colleagues and how they challenge themselves and find solutions, with a steady pursuit for excellence. This is exactly what has driven our company for one and a half centuries.”

Romain Girard, Regional President Pharma Asia Pacific

Azmal Hossain

"Brenntag’s 150th anniversary signifies an extraordinary milestone in our remarkable journey. I feel proud to be a contributing member and be part of the celebration of this rare and big achievement."

Azmal Hossain, Managing Director Bangladesh
Tomasz Kowalik, pioneer

Tomasz Kowalik

“Providing the right solutions to the challenges of our customers and delivering them on time and high quality as well as competitive pricing is key. Our 150th anniversary is a wonderful occasion to celebrate our long-standing business partnerships and the journey we have shared.”


Tomasz Kowalik, Application Development Manager EMEA

A journey through time

As our timeline shows, our legacy is one of continuous evolution – we embrace change, always seeking ways to enhance and adapt to dynamic conditions with curiosity and focus.

We’re pioneers, leading the way, shaping our industry – our purpose and vision inspire proud partnerships that yield multiple benefits, creating success for those who journey with us.

View our complete timeline