Solvents are the workhorses of the coatings, ink, adhesive and general manufacturing industries — they dissolve resins, control viscosity and govern how a product applies and dries. But in Pakistan, many industrial solvents are controlled or precursor chemicals, which means they can only be imported by parties holding the correct government licenses. This guide covers the main solvents and glycols, their uses, and why sourcing from a licensed importer and indenting agent matters.
Licensed import & indenting — why it matters
Several widely used solvents are classified as controlled or precursor chemicals in Pakistan because of their potential for misuse. Importing them legally requires the appropriate government licenses and strict documentation — it is not something an unlicensed trader can do.
Aleemsons is a licensed chemical importer and indenting agent. We hold the necessary government licenses and provide full documentation — import approvals, certificates of analysis, certificates of origin and conformity — so our customers receive their solvents legally, safely and with complete paperwork. For bulk requirements we arrange indenting (direct factory-to-customer shipment), and for regular needs we supply from stock.
This combination of licensing, documentation and indenting capability is exactly what a serious manufacturer needs from a solvent supplier.
Common industrial solvents and their uses
- White Spirit — general-purpose solvent and thinner for alkyd paints and cleaning
- Mixed Xylene — strong aromatic solvent for paints, coatings and printing inks
- Toluene — fast-evaporating aromatic solvent for paints, adhesives, inks and thinners
- Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) — powerful ketone solvent for adhesives, coatings and PVC cement
- Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) — strong solvent for coatings, adhesives and rubber chemicals
- Iso Propyl Alcohol (IPA 99.9%) — versatile solvent and cleaner for inks, coatings and pharma
- Ethyl Acetate — fast, mild-odour ester solvent for inks, adhesives and coatings
- Butyl Acetate — slower-evaporating ester for smooth flow and gloss in coatings
- Cyclohexane — solvent for adhesives, rubber and specialty applications
- Ethylene Dichloride (EDC) — solvent used in adhesives and rubber processing
Glycols and glycol ethers
Glycols are often grouped with solvents but are a distinct family — they are used as coupling agents, humectants, antifreeze and intermediates:
- Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG) — antifreeze, coolant, polyester and resin intermediate
- Mono Propylene Glycol (MPG) — food, cosmetic and industrial grade humectant and carrier
- Ethylene Glycol Butyl Ether (Butyl Glycol) — coalescing solvent for water-based paints and cleaners
Because MEG and MPG are glycols rather than simple solvents, we list them under Solvents & Glycols in our product range so buyers find them where they expect.
Choosing the right solvent
Solvent selection controls evaporation rate, solvency strength, odour and finish. The right choice — or the right blend — depends on your resin system and application method. This is where technical support from a knowledgeable supplier saves reformulation time.
Source solvents from a licensed partner in Pakistan
For solvents and glycols, who you buy from matters as much as what you buy. A licensed importer with proper documentation protects your supply and your compliance.
Aleemsons supplies the full range of industrial solvents and glycols — as a licensed importer and indenting agent with complete government licenses, certifications and documentation — to the coatings, ink, adhesive and manufacturing industries across Pakistan.
Explore individual product pages: Toluene, Mixed Xylene, MEK, IPA 99.9%, Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, MEG and MPG.
Need solvents or glycols? Contact our team with the product, grade and volume, and we will revert with availability, documentation and pricing.
Source these materials with confidence
Aleemsons supplies the raw materials in this article, with technical data sheets on request.
