HarperLove Strengthens Corrugated Packaging Business with ChromaScape Acquisition
HarperLove, a portfolio company of HBM Holdings and a leading supplier of adhesives, performance additives, and technical solutions for the corrugated packaging industry, has acquired the corrugated products business of ChromaScape, formerly known as CEL Chemical. The acquisition enhances HarperLove’s product portfolio and expands its customer reach across key corrugated packaging markets.
The deal aligns with HBM Holdings’ long-term strategy to strengthen its packaging adhesives platform by integrating ChromaScape’s specialty chemical technologies and established customer relationships. HarperLove aims to deliver a broader range of high-performance solutions to corrugated box manufacturers while reinforcing its technical support and manufacturing capabilities.
Expanded specialty chemicals portfolio
The acquisition brings several well-established specialty products into HarperLove’s portfolio, including:
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LBX® – a borax and caustic replacement for starch adhesive formulations.
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CorrMax® – performance-enhancing additives designed to improve corrugated production efficiency.
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WaterGuard® – wet-strength resin technology that enhances moisture resistance and packaging durability.
These products are widely used to optimize adhesive performance, improve board quality, and increase manufacturing efficiency in corrugated packaging operations.
Strengthening customer relationships and market reach
HarperLove President and CEO Kenny Messer described the acquisition as a strategic move that complements the company’s long-term growth objectives. By combining ChromaScape’s strong customer relationships with HarperLove’s technical expertise and customer-service infrastructure, the company expects to expand its presence in existing and new geographic markets.
The integration will also bring additional technical talent and specialized capabilities into HarperLove’s organization, enabling the company to offer more comprehensive support to corrugated packaging producers.
Industry impact
For corrugated box manufacturers, the combined portfolio offers access to a wider range of starch-processing chemicals, performance additives, and wet-strength solutions through a stronger supplier network. The acquisition is expected to support innovation in packaging production by improving operational efficiency, product performance, and sustainability.
While the transaction strengthens HarperLove’s competitive position in specialty chemicals, it is not expected to have an immediate impact on global chemical prices, as it does not increase production capacity. However, increased demand for starch additives, wet-strength resins, borax substitutes, and caustic alternatives could provide moderate price support for these specialty chemical segments over the medium term, although competitive market dynamics may limit significant price increases.
