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Sanjeev Rastogi

Sanjeev Rastogi

CEO
Arxada
17 May 2024

Could you explain the rationale behind Arxada's carve-out from Lonza, and how you envision Arxada navigating the current challenges in the specialty chemicals market?

The carve-out from Lonza was part of a broader trend in the chemical industry, where companies have been separating their pharmaceutical and chemical divisions due to diverging business models. This separation has historical precedence, with companies like Novartis exemplifying this strategic realignment. Arxada's emergence as a specialty chemical company reflects a strategic decision to focus on the distinct needs of the chemical industry, including differing timelines for product commercialization and operational approaches. This focus positions Arxada well to adapt to changes in demand and supply chain challenges by leveraging its unique capabilities and approach.

What was the strategic thinking behind the acquisitions of Troy and Enviro Tech, and how do they fit into Arxada's broader goals?

The acquisitions of Troy and Enviro Tech were strategic moves aimed at expanding our market reach and technology portfolio in microbial control. Recognizing that microbes are omnipresent wherever there's water, our solutions span a wide array of industries, from paints and coatings to personal care and healthcare. Troy gave us access to new markets, particularly in paints and coatings, where our microbial control technologies could be applied. Enviro Tech introduced a new technology that we could scale across various industries. These acquisitions underscore Arxada's unique position in the market, being one of the few companies at our scale capable of serving multiple industries with a broad range of technologies.

Could you provide a practical example of how microbial control technology impacts everyday life and the potential consequences if it weren't applied?

Microbial control technology plays a critical role in our daily lives, often without our awareness. From the shampoo used in your morning shower to the paint on your walls, our products prevent the growth of unwanted organisms. Without these solutions, products would deteriorate, buildings could suffer from mold, and wooden structures like telephone and power poles would be at risk.

Our technologies are also pivotal in public health, illustrated by their use in combating the spread of COVID-19 through disinfection. This example highlights the indispensable role of microbial control in maintaining the quality and safety of numerous aspects of our daily environment.

What are the key challenges Arxada is currently facing, and how are you addressing them?

Arxada is navigating through two main challenges: the immediate impact of reduced demand and the long-term objective of sustaining growth and competitiveness. In the short term, we're focused on managing costs and conserving cash to weather the economic downturn. However, I view these challenging times as opportunities to differentiate and advance. Unlike companies  who might scale back on investments, we're increasing our efforts in R&D and marketing, even during downturns. This strategic approach is about balancing the need to manage current challenges while investing in the future, ensuring that Arxada emerges stronger and more competitive when market conditions improve.


What does the future of innovation in the market look like, and what will the needs be in five years time?

The focus will be on microbial control, addressing the pervasive nature of microbes and their unexpected appearances, as exemplified by COVID-19. The challenge lies in effectively targeting and eliminating these microbes, including new and mutating strains. Our business model thrives on this constant evolution, pushing us towards developing quicker and more efficient solutions for microbial control.

Innovation is geared towards precision in eradicating specific organisms without harming the surrounding environment, including humans, fish, and other non-target species. This precision, coupled with the demand for sustainable solutions across various industries, including personal care, presents significant opportunities for advancement. The push for sustainability is particularly pronounced in the personal care industry, where there is a growing demand for products that maintain efficacy against microbes while being environmentally friendly.

Are there any other themes you're observing in the market beyond natural and sustainable solutions?

Regulatory changes stand out as a prominent theme, with regulatory bodies increasingly limiting the types of products that can be used to maintain efficacy while minimizing environmental impact. This trend is beneficial for both the planet and businesses like ours that specialize in innovation. It opens up avenues for creating more effective products with less environmental impact, aligning with the global move towards sustainability and providing a lucrative opportunity for businesses to innovate and thrive.

The regulatory environment, particularly in the EU, is prompting industries to lower their CO2 footprint, making our operations in Switzerland, with its low scope three emissions, highly attractive to customers seeking sustainable solutions. Although the IRA hasn't significantly impacted us directly, our ability to offer lower emission solutions has made us a preferred partner in various markets, highlighting the importance of sustainability in business operations today.

Looking ahead, what are Arxada's key commercial targets, investments, and potential divestments?

Currently, Arxada is focused on digesting recent acquisitions rather than pursuing new ones due to the unfavorable market environment. However, we are exploring licensing deals that leverage our market and customer access, allowing us to introduce innovative technologies without significant investment. This strategy enables us to continue innovating and creating value through partnerships.

In terms of innovation, we are excited about our recent developments, such as Tanasote, a sustainable solution for protecting wood used in infrastructure against microbes. This product, along with others aimed at reducing costs and improving sustainability across various industries, underscores an exciting period of growth and innovation for Arxada. Our commitment to investing in sustainable technologies positions us well for the future.

Can you share more about your strategy for licensing and strategic partnerships?

Our strategy prioritizes the quality of technology and the ability to navigate regulatory landscapes, essential for bringing products to market. We look for partners lacking either regulatory expertise or market access, areas where Arxada excels. This approach allows us to bring innovative solutions to a global market efficiently, benefiting both parties and customers.

Our focus is on technologies that can be integrated into our offerings to create comprehensive solutions. By evaluating and targeting specific technologies, we aim to foster partnerships that are mutually beneficial and aligned with market needs, ensuring that innovation continues to drive our success.

How would you introduce Arxada to those unfamiliar with the company, especially within the chemicals industry?

Arxada stands out as a unique player in the global market, with a comprehensive portfolio that addresses microbial challenges across various applications and industries. We pride ourselves on being the only company of our scale capable of tackling microbes everywhere, often in products used daily without public awareness. This succinct encapsulation emphasizes our widespread impact and expertise in microbial control, reinforcing our position as a leader in the field