Karl Billast
Global Technical Marketing Director, Valtris Specialty Chemicals
Chemical engineer from the University of Leuven. After 3 years at Elf Atochem (Ceca Dappi, stabilisers, impact modifiers, stearates and other additives), he joined the Santicizer specialty plasticisers business of Monsanto (later on part of Solutia, Ferro and since 2014 Valtris). During these now almost 30 years in our industry, he has held different plasticiser and stabiliser related positions from technical service, technical service management including regulatory support, product and business management, global sales direction until his today’s role as global technical marketing director of Valtris Specialty Chemicals. Valtris main business are Polymer Additives including specialty plasticisers, flame retardants, mixed metal stabilisers, epoxies, biocides and adhesion promotors.
The Journey Towards Bio-Based High-Solvating Plasticizers for CASE Applications
In this presentation, Valtris will guide you through the evolution of high-solvating plasticizers for CASE applications, focusing on systems based on polyurethanes, polyvinyl acetates, and acrylics. Our latest development is a benzyl high-solvating bio-based plasticizer, which will be compared with both current and historically used plasticizers. This novel material uniquely combines high solvating power with low volatility, low color, and low viscosity, while also offering a negative global warming potential. Comparative performance data, including rheology, adhesion, and mechanical properties, will be presented to highlight the advantages of this new bio-based solution.
Co-author:
Dr Amanda Freshwater (Global Application Development Manager)
Breakout Session II – Smart Additives for Advanced Adhesive Formulations – 16 September 2026 – 16:30 – 17:00 – Room Whittle – F3