At Rotterdam Chemicals Group, our employees are our most valuable asset, essential to the strength of our business relationships and network. This dedication to our people is the source of our competitive edge. Our team excels not only in their language proficiency - speaking French, Dutch, English, Spanish, and German - but also in their skill at building and nurturing strong relationships with our clients and partners.
Our roots trace back to the 1980s and 1990s, with the founding of Dutch Chemicals Trading (DCT) by Jan van Baardewijk in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. As a visionary entrepreneur, Jan built DCT into a respected name in European chemical distribution, particularly focused on Central and Eastern Europe. Following the sale of his company, his children, Monique Buchbot and René van Baardewijk, continued the family’s entrepreneurial legacy by founding Rebain International (NL) B.V. Their shared commitment to trust, collaboration, and long-term relationships laid the foundation for a new chapter in global chemical trading, one that remains guided by the same core values today.
In August 2003, Monique van Baardewijk started as the director of Rebain International (NL) B.V., driven by a clear vision and deep inspiration from her father Jan van Baardewijk’s entrepreneurial legacy. With years of experience in the international chemical trade and a strong belief in the power of long-term partnerships, Monique set out to build a company that would serve as a dynamic export platform. She strategically chose Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port, as the company’s base, recognizing its unique position as a global logistics hub and ideal gateway for an export-orientated organization. From the outset, Rebain International focused on creating efficient supply chains, tailored customer service, and reliable sourcing from both European and global producers. Rebain International (NL) B.V. grew steadily into a trusted partner for customers and suppliers alike, continuing the tradition of entrepreneurship, integrity, and international outlook.
In 2013, a new generation joined the company: Rick Kok and Elijan Buchbot. As vital team members, they played a key role in expanding our operations and enhancing relationships with both suppliers and customers. Their early involvement strengthened the family spirit that has always been at the heart of the organization.
In 2020, we opened the doors to our new office in Rotterdam, marking a key moment in the continued evolution of our company. The relocation reflected not only our steady growth but also our ambition to modernize operations and invest in a future-ready working environment. Rotterdam, the city that has anchored our business since its inception, remained a deliberate and strategic choice, providing proximity to key logistics hubs and international trade routes. The new space was designed to foster collaboration, efficiency, and innovation, offering an enhanced environment for both our team and business partners.
Two decades after the founding of Rebain NL, the next generation officially stepped into leadership. In 2023, Elijan Buchbot and Rick Kok assumed full ownership and management of the company, bringing with them a renewed vision to navigate the future of chemical distribution and the petrochemical industry. This transition reinforced the company’s family-owned identity and long-term orientation. Throughout this new phase, Monique van Baardewijk remained actively involved, continuing to serve as a steady pillar of the organization and a source of continuity, knowledge, expertise, and trust.
In 2024, our strategic partnership with Rotterdam Blending Filling was formed, marking a significant advancement in our service capabilities. This collaboration enables us to provide more flexible, customized solutions that cater to the evolving needs of our customers. Working alongside a trusted local organization not only enhances our service offerings but also reaffirms our commitment to delivering quality, agility, and long-term value through cooperation.
Expanding into New Horizons. In 2025, we proudly transitioned from Rebain International NL to Rotterdam Chemicals Group, a name that pays tribute to our Rotterdam roots while reflecting the scale and strength of our global ambitions. This change marks more than a shift in identity; it signals a clear step forward in our evolution, one that aligns with our mission to grow alongside our customers and deliver greater value through innovation, service, and reach. While our name has evolved, our family-owned foundation and core values remain unchanged.
As part of a dynamic year of strategic progress, we announced our cooperation with Prasol Limited in 2025. This partnership expanded our product offering and strengthened our position in the European market. Built on shared values of innovation, quality, and long-term collaboration, it represents a key milestone in our growth journey and reinforces our role as a dependable, forward-looking partner in global chemical distribution.
We are committed to delivering customized chemical solutions through a customer-focused approach. By leveraging our deep industry expertise and strong partnerships with leading producers, we provide high-quality chemicals and services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
Our goal is to offer flexible logistics, reliable sourcing, and exceptional support to ensure our clients’ success in an ever-evolving global market.
We aim to be the trusted global partner in chemical distribution, known for putting customers first and delivering service excellence. By continuously improving our processes and responding to client needs, we build long-term relationships grounded in reliability. Customer focus, adaptability, and consistent quality define our core values.
Not sure whether to use industrial or high-purity Butyl Diglycol? Learn how BDG grade selection impacts performance, consistency, and cost across coatings, cleaning, and chemical applications.
Learn the key differences between hexane and n-hexane, including composition, industrial uses, and how to choose the right solvent for informed chemical sourcing.
At this year’s EPCA in Berlin, industry leaders explored whether Europe’s petrochemical sector is entering a new beginning or facing an end. As decarbonization, regulation, and market shifts reshape the landscape, one question stands out: how will the next generation help drive the industry forward?