Custom Chemical Blending vs. Chemical Mixing: What’s Right for Your Operation?

Custom chemical blending and chemical mixing are similar, but they have major distinctions. Both are chemical processes that create a new substance by combining raw materials and base chemicals. However, the process you choose will depend on your materials, the lifespan of the product, and more considerations.

Many people use the two terms interchangeably, but you’ll want to partner with a company that specializes in their chosen process. But, how do you know if your chemical needs custom chemical blending or chemical mixing services? Let’s dive into the specifics.

What is Custom Chemical Blending?

Custom chemical blending combines ingredients to create a chemical compound with unique properties. After a chemical goes through the blending process, it cannot be returned to its original ingredients. Examples of blended products include automotive and aviation chemicals, cleaning products, drilling fluid, fire retardant fluids, lubricants, windshield wash, and more.

It’s common to outsource custom chemical blending to a third-party manufacturer. That way, you’ll save time, receive a higher quality product, and won’t have to invest in expensive equipment. Additionally, a quality partner will offer contract packaging services, ensuring your products are packaged correctly and in order to preserve quality for their specific end-use.

However, before you choose a partner, it’s important to consider whether the company has the right certifications to make your product. Is your chemical flammable? Does it need to be EPA-registered? Many qualified partners maintain industry certifications, like GMP, ECOCERT, and Safer Choice Standard accreditations, along with an EPA registration to ensure your product meets these standards.

Curious about the benefits to outsourcing your operations to a company like Crystal Packaging? Read our in-depth blog here.

What is Chemical Mixing?

Like chemical blending, chemical mixing combines ingredients to create one substance. Chemical mixing processes may include dry blending, paste mixing, emulsification, and particle size reduction.

So, how does chemical mixing differ from chemical blending? Blended chemicals will stay in their blended state, while mixed chemicals will eventually return to their original forms, partially or in whole. Therefore, if you have a chemical that needs to last, chemical blending might be the best option.

How Do You Know What Process is Right for Your Product?

Talking with an experienced chemical manufacturer can quickly give you clarity on which process is right for your custom chemical. Many manufacturers will specialize in one process over another, as different chemicals may require unique machinery.

For example, a manufacturer that regularly creates blended liquid chemicals might not undertake a paste or powder, as the company may not specialize in those formulations. Conversely, a manufacturer that specializes in pastes and powders might not take on a liquid chemical project. It’s best to have an idea of what you need, then ask if the company can meet your specifications in an initial conversation.

Looking for Custom Chemical Blending Services? Partner with Crystal Packaging

No matter if you choose the chemical blending or chemical mixing route, you need to partner with an experienced provider who can deliver an accurate product. Any small error can result in an incorrect product, which can potentially harm your consumer or their products. Crystal Packaging has decades of experience creating blended product solutions for various industries and we’d be delighted to take on your next project.

Located in Henderson, Colorado, Crystal Packaging is a leading provider of toll blending, contract packaging, windshield wash production, and other contract services. From our inception in 1977, our vision has been to serve as our customers’ premier supply chain partner. That commitment has led us to become the foremost specialty chemical and petroleum contract packager and private label manufacturer in the Rocky Mountain region.

Our 70,000-square-foot facility has multiple blend tanks and more than two million gallons of storage, ensuring we can meet your demand. This location also features rail and truck access, allowing for quick shipment of your products. Our facility is conveniently located near many regional retail distribution centers. From these centers, in most cases, your chemicals can reach the majority of the US by truck within three business days.

Our commitment to quality has resulted in more than 400 million gallons of blended products for more than 300 satisfied partners. We have an on-site lab for testing services and product verification throughout the blending process. Additionally, we maintain various certifications that hold us to a high standard. These include GMP, ECOCERT, and Safer Choice Standard accreditations, along with an EPA registration. We also hold an H-3 certification, which allows us to handle a range of hazardous and non-hazardous materials.

Begin Your Chemical Blending Process Today

Ready to work on your custom chemical? Contact Crystal Packaging here.