Leading Chemicals and Petrochemicals Solutions Provider

EQUILEX BV

Equilex Chemical BV is a team of professionals with international experience and industrial business background in chemicals manufacturing and refining. Equilex focusses in value creation through our expertise in marketing, technical, logistic and finance.

Equilex chemicals BV has received the ISO 9001:2015 certification from SGS, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to improving our overall performance and providing our customers with products and services of consistent quality.

For Ecovadis, we were awarded a bronze medal in recognition of sustainability achievement.
The ambition is to obtain Ecovadis silver medal in coming year.

Who we are

Equilex BV is a chemicals, petrochemicals and refinery specialties marketing and distributing company based in the Netherlands. Our headquarters are located in Schiedam in the port of Rotterdam and we have commercial offices in Aix en Provence and Beauvais in France, Schiedam in the Netherlands and in Sao Paulo,Brazil.

Equilex Chemicals BV, handles refinery chemicals, intermediates and a range of specialty solvents and performance chemicals.

Goals in the servicing of our clients needs

Our goals are to:

  1. Identify clients needs in products sourcing or marketing
  2. Provide our clients with commercial, logistic and financial services related to products supply
  3. Act with ethical standards and integrity
  4. Prioritize on safety, health and environment regulations
  5. Work in a team-building relationship, to provide information on markets, to guide our clients in their product purchases or sales so that we can build a long term win-win relationship

We strive to offer our partners:

  • the knowledge and market vision of a chemicals producer
  • the reliability and proximity networking of a local distributor
  • the flexibility of a trading company

Our knowledge and connections in the producing and parallel usage markets enable us to offer you the best compromise between price and availability of products.

Values for efficient partnership

We are Responsible

We carefully follow safety, health and environment rules.
Currently emphasizing on the setting up of REACH regulation and will closely comply rules related to EH&S standards.

We are Reliable

We've been working for years with most of the producers and we like to establish long-term relationships with our customers. Trust is a key value in our partnerships.

We are Knowledgeable

We have an extensive knowledge of our markets and our products. Our team also has the know-how of large company organization and methodology. Our expert knowledge of producers and markets secures the availability of your chemicals supply, especially in short markets.

We are Flexible

As we know both ends of the market very well, global world market and local needs, we adapt perfectly to your requirements.

Code of Conduct

Company Vision

Stand as a recognized global marketing & distribution partner to the petrochemicals and chemicals industries in creating customized and measurable added value to our clients and suppliers through specific marketing know-how, sustainable approach, outstanding supply chain capabilities, cross cultural background and in depth technical and product knowledge.

 

Principles

We believe in fair and balanced approach towards employees, customers, suppliers and business partners.

We believe in ethical principles guiding our day to day work

We believe in treating human being with respect, morality and fairness and condemn any form of discrimination on sex, race or groups

We believe in acting by putting high priority on health, safety and good environmental practices in our work environment and business conduct

 

Values

Ethics

Trust and reliability

Value creation

Efficiency

Fairness

Professionalism

Solution provider

Team spirit

 

 Mission

The Equilex team is focussed on conducting all its business to the highest ethical standards and integrity.  Our mission is to serve our customers  and suppliers interests, privileging team work and placing marketing and technical knowledge in the forefront as building blocks for value creation.

 Build Trust and Credibility 

The success of our business is dependent on the trust and confidence we earn from our employees, customers and shareholders. We gain credibility by adhering to our commitments, displaying honesty and integrity and reaching company goals solely through honorable conduct. It is easy to say what we must do, but the proof is in our actions. Ultimately, we will be judged on what we do.

When considering any action, it is wise to ask: will this build trust and credibility for Equilex ? Will it help create a working environment in which Equilex can succeed over the long term? Is the commitment I am making one I can follow through with? The only way we will maximize trust and credibility is by answering “yes” to those questions and by working every day to build our trust and credibility.

 Respect for the Individual 

We all deserve to work in an environment where we are treated with dignity and respect. Equilex is committed to creating such an environment because it brings out the full potential in each of us, which, in turn, contributes directly to our business success. We cannot afford to let anyone’s talents go to waste.

Equilex is an equal employment/affirmative action employer and is committed to providing a workplace that is free of discrimination of all types from abusive, offensive or harassing behavior. Any employee who feels harassed or discriminated against should report the incident to his or her manager or to human resources.

 Create a Culture of Open and Honest Communication 

At Equilex everyone should feel comfortable to speak his or her mind, particularly with respect to ethics concerns. Managers have a responsibility to create an open and supportive environment where employees feel comfortable raising such questions. We all benefit tremendously when employees exercise their power to prevent mistakes or wrongdoing by asking the right questions at the right times.

Equilex will investigate all reported instances of questionable or unethical behavior. In every instance where improper behavior is found to have occurred, the company will take appropriate action. We will not tolerate retaliation against employees who raise genuine ethics concerns in good faith.

For your information, Equilex’s whistleblower policy is as follows:

Employees are encouraged, in the first instance, to address such issues with their managers or the HR manager, as most problems can be resolved swiftly. If for any reason that is not possible or if an employee is not comfortable raising the issue with his or her manager or HR, Equilex’s Managing Director does operate with an open-door policy and is available to any employee.

 Set Tone at the Top 

Management has the added responsibility for demonstrating, through their actions, the importance of this Code. In any business, ethical behavior does not simply happen; it is the product of clear and direct communication of behavioral expectations, modeled from the top and demonstrated by example. Again, ultimately, our actions are what matters.

To make our Code work, managers must be responsible for promptly addressing ethical questions or concerns raised by employees and for taking the appropriate steps to deal with such issues. Managers should not consider employees’ ethics concerns as threats or challenges to their authority, but rather as another encouraged form of business communication. At Equilex, we want the ethics dialogue to become a natural part of daily work.

 Uphold the Law 

Equilex’s commitment to integrity begins with complying with laws, rules and regulations where we do business. Further, each of us must have an understanding of the company policies, laws, rules and regulations that apply to our specific roles. If we are unsure of whether a contemplated action is permitted by law or Equilex policy, we should seek the advice from the resource expert. We are responsible for preventing violations of law and for speaking up if we see possible violations.

Because of the nature of our business, some legal requirements warrant specific mention here. [Note to employer: Insert any applicable industry-specific laws here].

Competition 

We are dedicated to ethical, fair and vigorous competition. We will sell Equilex products and services based on their merit, superior quality, functionality and competitive pricing. We will make independent pricing and marketing decisions and will not improperly cooperate or coordinate our activities with our competitors. We will not offer or solicit improper payments or gratuities in connection with the purchase of goods or services for Equilex or the sales of its products or services, nor will we engage or assist in unlawful boycotts of particular customers.

Proprietary Information 

It is important that we respect the property rights of others. We will not acquire or seek to acquire improper means of a competitor’s trade secrets or other proprietary or confidential information. We will not engage in unauthorized use, copying, distribution or alteration of software or other intellectual property.

Selective Disclosure 

We will not selectively disclose (whether in one-on-one or small discussions, meetings, presentations, proposals or otherwise) any material nonpublic information with respect to Equilex, its securities, business operations, plans, financial condition, results of operations or any development plan. We should be particularly vigilant when making presentations or proposals to customers to ensure that our presentations do not contain material nonpublic information.

Health and Safety

Equilex is dedicated to maintaining a healthy environment. A safety manual has been designed to educate you on safety in the workplace. If you do not have a copy of this manual, please see your HR department.

 Avoid Conflicts of Interest 

 Conflicts of Interest 

We must avoid any relationship or activity that might impair, or even appear to impair, our ability to make objective and fair decisions when performing our jobs. At times, we may be faced with situations where the business actions we take on behalf of Equilex may conflict with our own personal or family interests. We owe a duty to Equilex to advance its legitimate interests when the opportunity to do so arises. We must never use Equilex property or information for personal gain or personally take for ourselves any opportunity that is discovered through our position with Equilex.

Here are some other ways in which conflicts of interest could arise:

  • Being employed (you or a close family member) by, or acting as a consultant to, a competitor or potential competitor, supplier or contractor, regardless of the nature of the employment, while you are employed with Equilex.
  • Hiring or supervising family members or closely related persons.
  • Serving as a board member for an outside commercial company or organization.
  • Owning or having a substantial interest in a competitor, supplier or contractor.
  • Having a personal interest, financial interest or potential gain in any Equilex transaction.
  • Placing company business with a firm owned or controlled by a Equilex employee or his or her family.
  • Accepting gifts, discounts, favors or services from a customer/potential customer, competitor or supplier, unless equally available to all Equilex employees.

Determining whether a conflict of interest exists is not always easy to do. Employees with a conflict of interest question should seek advice from management. Before engaging in any activity, transaction or relationship that might give rise to a conflict of interest, employees must seek review from their managers or the HR department.

Gifts, Gratuities and Business Courtesies 

Equilex is committed to competing solely on a merit of our products and services. We should avoid any actions that create a perception that favorable treatment of outside entities by Equilex was sought, received or given in exchange for personal business courtesies. Business courtesies include gifts, gratuities, meals, refreshments, entertainment or other benefits from persons or companies with whom Equilex does or may do business. We will neither give nor accept business courtesies that constitute, or could reasonably be perceived as constituting, unfair business inducements that would violate law, regulation or polices of Equilex or customers, or would cause embarrassment or reflect negatively on Equilex’s reputation.

Accepting Business Courtesies 

Most business courtesies offered to us in the course of our employment are offered because of our positions at Equilex. We should not feel any entitlement to accept and keep a business courtesy. Although we may not use our position at Equilex to obtain business courtesies, and we must never ask for them, we may accept unsolicited business courtesies that promote successful working relationships and good will with the firms that Equilex maintains or may establish a business relationship with.

Employees who award contracts or who can influence the allocation of business, who create specifications that result in the placement of business or who participate in negotiation of contracts must be particularly careful to avoid actions that create the appearance of favoritism or that may adversely affect the company’s reputation for impartiality and fair dealing. The prudent course is to refuse a courtesy from a supplier when Equilex is involved in choosing or reconfirming a supplier or under circumstances that would create an impression that offering courtesies is the way to obtain Equilex business.

Meals, Refreshments and Entertainment 

We may accept occasional meals, refreshments, entertainment and similar business courtesies that are shared with the person who has offered to pay for the meal or entertainment, provided that:

  • They are not inappropriately lavish or excessive.
  • The courtesies are not frequent and do not reflect a pattern of frequent acceptance of courtesies from the same person or entity.
  • The courtesy does not create the appearance of an attempt to influence business decisions, such as accepting courtesies or entertainment from a supplier whose contract is expiring in the near future.
  • The employee accepting the business courtesy would not feel uncomfortable discussing the courtesy with his or her manager or co-worker or having the courtesies known by the public.

Gifts 

Employees may accept unsolicited gifts, other than money, that conform to the reasonable ethical practices of the marketplace, including:

  • Flowers, fruit baskets and other modest presents that commemorate a special occasion.
  • Gifts of nominal value, such as calendars, pens, mugs, caps and t-shirts (or other novelty, advertising or promotional items).

Generally, employees may not accept compensation, honoraria or money of any amount from entities with whom Equilex does or may do business. Tangible gifts (including tickets to a sporting or entertainment event) that have a market value greater than $100 may not be accepted unless approval is obtained from management.

Employees with questions about accepting business courtesies should talk to their managers or the HR department.

Offering Business Courtesies 

Any employee who offers a business courtesy must assure that it cannot reasonably be interpreted as an attempt to gain an unfair business advantage or otherwise reflect negatively upon Equilex. An employee may never use personal funds or resources to do something that cannot be done with Equilex resources. Accounting for business courtesies must be done in accordance with approved company procedures.

Other than to our government customers, for whom special rules apply, we may provide nonmonetary gifts (i.e., company logo apparel or similar promotional items) to our customers. Further, management may approve other courtesies, including meals, refreshments or entertainment of reasonable value, provided that:

  • The practice does not violate any law or regulation or the standards of conduct of the recipient’s organization.
  • The business courtesy is consistent with industry practice, is infrequent in nature and is not lavish.
  • The business courtesy is properly reflected on the books and records of Equilex.

 Set Metrics and Report Results Accurately 

 Accurate Public Disclosures 

We will make certain that all disclosures made in financial reports and public documents are full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable. This obligation applies to all employees, including all financial executives, with any responsibility for the preparation for such reports, including drafting, reviewing and signing or certifying the information contained therein. No business goal of any kind is ever an excuse for misrepresenting facts or falsifying records.

Employees should inform Executive Management and the HR department if they learn that information in any filing or public communication was untrue or misleading at the time it was made or if subsequent information would affect a similar future filing or public communication.

Corporate Recordkeeping 

We create, retain and dispose of our company records as part of our normal course of business in compliance with all Equilex policies and guidelines, as well as all regulatory and legal requirements.

All corporate records must be true, accurate and complete, and company data must be promptly and accurately entered in our books in accordance with Equilex’s and other applicable accounting principles.

We must not improperly influence, manipulate or mislead any unauthorized audit, nor interfere with any auditor engaged to perform an internal independent audit of Equilex books, records, processes or internal controls.

 Promote Substance Over Form 

At times, we are all faced with decisions we would rather not have to make and issues we would prefer to avoid. Sometimes, we hope that if we avoid confronting a problem, it will simply go away.

At Equilex, we must have the courage to tackle the tough decisions and make difficult choices, secure in the knowledge that Equilex is committed to doing the right thing. At times this will mean doing more than simply what the law requires. Merely because we can pursue a course of action does not mean we should do so.

Although Equilex’s guiding principles cannot address every issue or provide answers to every dilemma, they can define the spirit in which we intend to do business and should guide us in our daily conduct.

Accountability 

Each of us is responsible for knowing and adhering to the values and standards set forth in this Code and for raising questions if we are uncertain about company policy. If we are concerned whether the standards are being met or are aware of violations of the Code, we must contact the HR department.

Equilex takes seriously the standards set forth in the Code, and violations are cause for disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

 Be Loyal 

 Confidential and Proprietary Information 

Integral to Equilex’s business success is our protection of confidential company information, as well as nonpublic information entrusted to us by employees, customers and other business partners. Confidential and proprietary information includes such things as pricing and financial data, customer names/addresses or nonpublic information about other companies, including current or potential supplier and vendors. We will not disclose confidential and nonpublic information without a valid business purpose and proper authorization.

Use of Company Resources 

Company resources, including time, material, equipment and information, are provided for company business use. Nonetheless, occasional personal use is permissible as long as it does not affect job performance or cause a disruption to the workplace.

Employees and those who represent Equilex are trusted to behave responsibly and use good judgment to conserve company resources. Managers are responsible for the resources assigned to their departments and are empowered to resolve issues concerning their proper use.

Generally, we will not use company equipment such as computers, copiers and fax machines in the conduct of an outside business or in support of any religious, political or other outside daily activity, except for company-requested support to nonprofit organizations. We will not solicit contributions nor distribute non-work related materials during work hours.

In order to protect the interests of the Equilex network and our fellow employees, Equilex reserves the right to monitor or review all data and information contained on an employee’s company-issued computer or electronic device, the use of the Internet or Equilex’s intranet. We will not tolerate the use of company resources to create, access, store, print, solicit or send any materials that are harassing, threatening, abusive, sexually explicit or otherwise offensive or inappropriate.

Questions about the proper use of company resources should be directed to your manager.

Media Inquiries 

Equilex is a high-profile company in our community, and from time to time, employees may be approached by reporters and other members of the media. In order to ensure that we speak with one voice and provide accurate information about the company, we should direct all media inquiries to the Communication manager. No one may issue a press release without first consulting with the Communication manager.

 Do the Right Thing 

Several key questions can help identify situations that may be unethical, inappropriate or illegal. Ask yourself:

  • Does what I am doing comply with the Equilex guiding principles, Code of Conduct and company policies?
  • Have I been asked to misrepresent information or deviate from normal procedure?
  • Would I feel comfortable describing my decision at a staff meeting?
  • How would it look if it made the headlines?
  • Am I being loyal to my family, my company and myself?
  • What would I tell my child to do?
  • Is this the right thing to do?

 Information and Resources 

 Managing Director 

Laurent Suspene  : lsuspene@equilex.com

Communication Manager

Brigitte ELIE  : belie@equilex.com

Commercial Director

Patrick ELIE   : pelie@equilex.com

Our team

Corporate, Sales & Marketing

       Laurent Suspene
Managing Director Equilex Group

Laurent Suspene has joined Equilex group as Managing Director of Equilex BV and its subsidiaries. Laurent holds a Master in Material Sciences and a PHD in Polymer chemistry. He has spent a long part of his career in R&D and Senior Executive positions for subsidiaries of large international corporation across the globe and will bring his wide experience to Equilex in the R&D and specialties sectors. Laurent will be working from Equilex Headquarters in Schiedam , the Netherlands.

         Patrick Elie 
Commercial Director Equilex Group

Patrick holds a Master degree in chemistry from Nantes University and an MBA from ESSEC Business School in Paris.
An international career in chemical trading and marketing, namely at Arco Chemical with a business network in Asia, America, Australia & Europe.
Founder of AJV International & Commercial Director of Equilex. Patrick is in charge of the High Olefins business and the new projects.

         Edmund Baylis 
Sales Manager Specialties

Edmund has a PhD in Polymer Chemistry from Liverpool University and has had extensive experience in various large multinational companies, such as Cray Valley, DSM, Lyondell Chemical and ISP, in functions ranging from R&D, Technical, Business and Industrial management.  He is in charge of the diversification program of the company into new products and markets and is sales manager responsible for our alkyl phenols and our alkyl benzenes.

          David Wei
 Area and Product Stewardship Manager

David holds Master degree and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands.  He has extensive experience of the research on petrochemical and material science. After his studies, he has worked in the field of European Chemical Regulations compliance for more than ten years. He kept track of the REACH legislative process and understands deeply the REACH regulation and its complications. David is now responsible for the business activity in China, coordinating the EH&S activities for the group and handling all products technical related documentation and issues.

       Daan van Agtmael
Business Development Manager Northern Europe

Daan has a higher professional education degree in commercial economics. He has several years of experience in sales and product management of petrochemicals in various markets having worked for a well-known pan-European chemical distributor. Daan is in charge of business development in Northern Europe and works closely with his colleagues on marketing the product portfolio of Equilex.

          Brigitte Elie
Communication Coordinator

Brigitte holds a master degree in Natural Sciences and Geology from Nantes Sciences University and has studied Communication Management in Nantes Business school. She has worked as a Natural Sciences teacher in  schools in France for 18 years before joining AJV International as administrator and co-managing director. She is now coordinating the effort on the communication of Equilex Group.

           
        
              Lucila de Avila Castilho
Commercial Manager – Latin America

Lucila holds degrees in Chemical Engineering from Escola de Engenharia Mauá and Business Management from Fundação Getulio Vargas. She has more than 30 years experience, including Executive positions, in the Petrochemical and Biotechnology Industries working for Dow Chemical, Arco Chemical, LyondellBasell, Renewable Energy Group.

Sergio de Sola 
Sales Manager EMEA

As Sales Manager EMEA,  Sergio de Sola is responsible for managing and developing new business in the specialties markets and products in the EMEA region.Sergio holds a Master degree in Industrial Design Engineering from Delft University of Technology, with a specialization in Industrial Marketing.After staring his career in chemical and oil logistics in Rotterdam, Sergio developed a varied international career within large multinational Chemical distributors and Chemical producers.He has lived in different countries, focusing mainly on Specialty Chemicals and international business development. He is an experienced professional in commercial, sales, product management and executive roles.

        
       
 

Logistics & Administration

           Peter Dekker
Logistic & Administration Manager

Peter holds the position of Logistics Coordinator for the chemicals and the oil and wax businesses. Over more than 30 years experience, working in the international shipping and forwarding industry for companies like Broekman Motorships, Ziegler, Burgergroup and Vanguard. Knowledgeable in the shipping and inland transportation world holding international commercial, operational, quality, customers service and management functions.

          Kira Hengeveld
Logistic and Administration coordinator
Kira holds a master's degree in engineering from the National Technical University of Ukraine. After graduation, Kira accumulated more than 25 years of experience in sales and logistics in the agricultural products sector in Ukraine and joined the Equilex team in the Netherlands as logistics and administrative coordinator for the supply chain team.
           Esther Corveleijn
Logistics & Administration Coordinator
Esther has been working in administrative functions for shipping companies like Cobra, Herning and Anthony Veder.The last ten years she worked as chartering and adminsitrative assistant and gained valuable experiences at Stolt Nielsen Inland Tanker Service.
 
   Dilenia Rapisarda-Robles
Logistics Coordinator Latin America
Dilenia  has worked as Customer service representative for several reputable companies in international transport such as Kuehne & Nagel , MSC and in Chemicals distribution with UNIVAR. She has joined the Equilex team to bring her experience in Supply chain as Logistic and Administration coordinator for Latin America and other Export business.
David Hopster
Logistics Coordinator

After studying Transport and Logistics Management (MEAO) David started his career at COSCO shipping line, as a boarding agent and then as a breeding agent. In 2006 David joined Vopak Agencies Rotterdam BV. as a boarding agent and later as a ship operator. David developed his knowledge on all types of vessels: bulk, oil, chemical, edible, up to large VLCC tankers. In 2019, David decided to join a brokerage office, Tune Chemical Tankers Bv  where he was responsible for the commercial management of a fleet of 15 vessels.

He has joined the  Equilex Chemicals BV to bring his experience at the logistics department.

Technical and EH&S

           David Wei
Area and Product Stewardship Manager
David holds Master degree and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands.  He has extensive experience of the research on petrochemical and material science. After his studies, he has worked in the field of European Chemical Regulations compliance for more than ten years. He kept track of the REACH legislative process and understands deeply the REACH regulation and its complications. David is now responsible for the business activity in China, coordinating the EH&S activities for the group and handling all products technical related documentation and issues.

Finance & Accounting

     Rob Coen
Financial Manager
30 years of Financial and Accounting experience in the Financial Controls organization of Arco/Lyondell Chemicals in Plant, Service Center and Headquarter environments.
      Rob Warmerdam
Accountant
Completed a Professional Business Economics Bachelor Study (HEAO). Rob is an all-round financial expert with more than 25 years of experience and held and position as financial accountant and payroll administator at various companies in the Netherlands.
      David Coen
Accountant
David has completed Financial Business Administration studies (MEAO) in the Netherlands .  He has built accounting experience in various dutch companies. Now , David works as account receivables accountant and support the finance and accounting team in Equilex group.

Partners

Most of our Services Partners are top ranked companies in their field of activities.

Banks
DEUTSCHE BANK NEDERLAND, Netherlands

Insurances
Atradius, Netherlands
AON, Netherlands

Audit and accountant
Deloitte consulting, Netherlands

Surveyors
SGS, Netherlands

Transport and storage
Odfjell tankers & terminals, Norway
Stolt Nielsen, Norway
Milestone, Japan
Nordic Tankers, Denmark
Vopak, Netherlands
Standic, Netherlands