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data servers lined up in data center facilitydata servers lined up in data center facility

Chemistry That Powers the Future of Data Centers

In today’s world of AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation, data centers are more than just infrastructure—they’re the backbone of innovation. And while servers and software often steal the spotlight, there’s a critical player behind the scenes: chemistry.

At Univar Solutions, we understand the demands of modern data centers. As a global leader in chemical distribution, we’re proud to support developers and operators with the products, expertise, and reliability they need to keep things running smoothly.

The data center industry is growing fast. Analysts estimate the global market will exceed $527 billion by the end of 2025, fueled by the rise of AI workloads, high-performance computing, and cloud services. In the U.S. alone, over 5,400 data centers are already in operation—and new ones are breaking ground every month.

But with rapid growth comes new challenges. Cooling systems, which can account for up to 40% of a data center’s energy use, are under pressure to evolve. Traditional air cooling isn’t enough for today’s high-density GPUs, that’s why liquid cooling is gaining momentum—and with it, the need for specialized thermal fluids and water treatment solutions.


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Univar Solutions is an authorized distributor of Dow’s trusted thermal fluids, including:

  • DOWFROST™ HD – A propylene glycol-based fluid with corrosion inhibitors, ideal for HVAC systems. Its yellow-green dye helps with leak detection, and its formulation supports long-term performance.
  • DOWFROST™ LC25 – A 25% propylene glycol solution designed for direct-to-chip cooling. It offers freeze protection, corrosion control, and efficient heat transfer for high-performance computing environments. 

These fluids are often specified early in the design phase—but sourcing is just the beginning. Execution is where Univar Solutions truly adds value.

laptop with preview and graphics variations of graphics, pie charts and text that reads AIlaptop with preview and graphics variations of graphics, pie charts and text that reads AI

We bring precision and speed to every project, helping customers avoid costly delays and stay on schedule. Here’s how:

  • Flexible Packaging – Bulk, totes, drums—we package in-house to meet your needs.
  • Staging Support – Materials can be pre-positioned at our facilities or on-site in frac tanks for seamless commissioning. This approach has already supported major builds across the US.
  • On-Site Expertise – Our operations team is available during fill and purge processes to ensure everything goes smoothly.
  • Nationwide Logistics – With over 90 facilities across the U.S., we deliver bulk and packaged materials on time, every time.
  • Waste Management – Through our waste management program, we handle purge-related waste removal to help you stay compliant and environmentally responsible.
  • Collaborative Approach – We work directly with owners, engineers, contractors, and facility managers to keep every stakeholder aligned.
water treatment plantswater treatment plants

Beyond advanced thermal fluids, effective water treatment is a critical component of data center cooling strategies. Neglecting water quality can lead to corrosion, scaling, and microbial growth—issues that compromise uptime and drive up maintenance costs. To safeguard performance and sustainability, early collaboration between data center developers and local water authorities is essential during the planning phase.

Our team of technical water treatment specialists understands how critical optimized water processes are for data center performance. With deep expertise and proven solutions, we identify the ideal blend of chemicals and additives to meet stringent industry standards and achieve the highest purity levels—ensuring reliability, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Our solutions include:

  • Filtration and chemical treatment for cooling towers and closed-loop systems 
  • Specialty biocides and corrosion inhibitors tailored for data center environments 
  • Periodic sampling and analysis to ensure quality and compliance

At Univar Solutions, we don’t just deliver chemicals—we deliver peace of mind. With industry-leading safety standards, full traceability, and deep technical expertise, we help customers navigate complexity with confidence.

From the first call to the final mile, our team is here to tailor solutions, solve problems, and ensure success—no matter the scale or scope of your project.

In a sector where uptime is everything and innovation never stops, Univar Solutions brings the chemistry that knows—and the reliability that delivers.

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Customer value
  • Aliquam lacus eros, suscipit at laoreet iaculis, ornare vitae leo.
  • Aenean volutpat risus diam, nec fermentum magna blandit a.
  • Nam mollis faucibus ante eu faucibus. Ut consequat sed nisl vel condimentum.
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  • Mollis faucibus ante eu faucibus. Ut consequat sed nisl vel
Customer value
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  • Aenean volutpat risus diam, nec fermentum magna blandit a.
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  • Mollis faucibus ante eu faucibus. Ut consequat sed nisl vel
Customer value
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References

McKinsey & Company. A leader’s guide to the data center boom. Leading Off newsletter, October 27, 2025. https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/email/leadingoff/2025/10/27/2025-10-27a.html