Hexigone Inhibitors Ltd, a UK-based innovator in smart corrosion inhibitors, has entered a strategic
partnership with Alfaa Chem, a leading chemical distributor in the Middle East. The collaboration
aims to deliver high-performance anticorrosion technologies to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
region, offering coating manufacturers the ability to differentiate their products as well as reduced
formulation costs, notes a press release from the company.
This partnership marks a major step forward in the supply of advanced materials to the region’s anti-
corrosion coatings sector, particularly targeting applications in construction, oil and gas, and
infrastructure maintenance. Hexigone’s unique Intelli-ion® technology can be used at very low
loadings alongside traditional inhibitors like zinc phosphate, significantly reducing the total inhibitor
content required in a formulation. This co-blending approach maintains high corrosion protection
while enabling a reduction in overall film thickness—helping to streamline application processes
and, in many cases, eliminate the need for brush blasting during structural steel maintenance.
Founded in 2004, Alfaa Chem is a well-established chemical distribution company with a strong
presence across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and beyond. The company has built a solid reputation for
delivering international-quality raw materials to industries such as adhesives, sealants, construction
chemicals, paints, coatings, and more.
“Partnering with Hexigone represents a forward-thinking move for both our companies and for the
region’s coatings industry,” said Richard D’Souza, Technology Director at Alfaa Chem. “Their smart
inhibitor technology addresses multiple industry challenges—ranging from performance under
severe environments like C5+ conditions to improving adhesion on galvanized and thermally sprayed
steel. Together, we aim to support formulators in transitioning away from zinc-rich and chromate-
based systems toward more sustainable and cost-effective solutions.”
Echoing this enthusiasm, Ella Newington, Marketing Director at Hexigone, commented:
“We’re incredibly excited to be launching our technology in the GCC market for the very first time.
Entering a new region is a key part of our global growth strategy, and this partnership with Alfaa
Chem allows us to deliver innovative, high-performance solutions to a market that’s clearly ready for
change.”
With growing demand for zinc-free protective coatings, particularly among multinational oil and gas
companies, this partnership positions both companies to meet rising performance expectations
while promoting safer, more environmentally conscious technologies—all while helping
manufacturers achieve meaningful reductions in formulation costs.