Black Swan Graphene Inc. announced on August 12, 2025, that it has entered into a non-exclusive distribution and sales agreement with Ferro South Africa (Pty) Ltd, marking a significant expansion of the company's graphene technology into the South African market. The five-year partnership positions Ferro as a distributor and reseller of Black Swan's Graphene Enhanced Masterbatch™ (GEM) products and graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) solutions across South Africa.
Strategic Partnership Details
Under the agreement terms, Ferro will leverage its established network in the industrial, packaging, automotive, and polymer sectors to distribute Black Swan's graphene-enhanced technologies. The collaboration covers comprehensive business aspects including pricing, logistics, documentation, invoicing, payment terms, and technical support, with provisions for renewal by mutual consent after the initial five-year term.
"This partnership with Ferro is further evidence of the continued progress of our global expansion strategy. Ferro's deep local expertise and strong industrial relationships across South Africa make them an ideal collaborator to bring our graphene-enhanced technologies to new customers in a rapidly developing market," said Simon Marcotte, President and Chief Executive Officer of Black Swan.
Technology Performance Benefits
William Shipway, Managing Director of Ferro, emphasized the performance advantages of Black Swan's technology for South African manufacturers. "We are excited to bring Black Swan's advanced GNP and GEM technology to South African manufacturers. Their graphene-enhanced masterbatches offer significant performance improvements in strength, barrier, and impact resistance - precisely the kind of innovation many of our clients in polymers and packaging are seeking," Shipway stated.
The partnership enhances Ferro's ability to deliver advanced materials while supporting local sustainable production initiatives across multiple manufacturing sectors.
Market Positioning and Company Background
Ferro South Africa operates as a leading manufacturer of high-quality porcelain enamels, plastics masterbatches, and VEDOC thermosetting powder coatings. The company specializes in polymers, additives, and industrial materials for manufacturing sectors including packaging, automotive, infrastructure, and consumer goods. Ferro provides technical advisory services, regulatory compliance support, and market access across the region.
Black Swan focuses on large-scale production and commercialization of patented high-performance and low-cost graphene products aimed at industrial sectors including concrete and polymers, which are expected to require large volumes of graphene. The company's graphene processing technology was developed by Thomas Swan over the last decade, with Thomas Swan being a United Kingdom-based global chemicals manufacturer with a century-long track record in graphene innovation.
Global Expansion Strategy
This agreement aligns with Black Swan's broader goal to expand its global market presence through trusted regional partners, accelerating commercial adoption of GEM technology in developing markets. The partnership represents a strategic approach to market penetration in South Africa's growing industrial manufacturing sector.
