Update: From forum to thermal paste supplier: The (almost unbelievable) story behind the startup X-Apply and the PastyX 50

Update from 15.12.2024

Fairy-tale paste 2.0 or the misinterpretation of the thermal paste business

Update from 06.12.2012

Since I highly value transparency, both in the interest of readers and X-Apply itself, I have conducted additional research into the company history and processes described in the original article. While it is natural to initially rely on the statements of those involved, it is also important to channel one’s own enthusiasm—and that of customers and readers—in the right direction. The presumption of innocence must, of course, be maintained, but this does not mean one cannot ask critical questions.

Some may wonder why I published the article in its original form. At the time, it reflected the state of knowledge and the questions posed. Many of the insights that have now led to this necessary update only came to light after the article’s publication. In fact, some of these details might never have come to light had the article not been written in the first place. Until the issues are fully clarified, I have taken the original article offline, as some of the reported circumstances are either incorrect or incomplete.

Today, I will share my initial findings on some of these points and keep readers updated here as more information becomes available. I hope that the questions raised by the statements and information from third parties will be resolved promptly, both for the benefit of readers and X-Apply. When I referred to a “thriller” in the first article, I had no idea how accurate that description would become.

Exclusivity

Being the sole current customer for a product (if at all) does not automatically equate to exclusivity. True exclusivity would require a contractually binding exclusivity agreement, which, demonstrably, does not exist in this case. There is no exclusive contract between X-Apply and Dow or its German distributor, nor has the paste in question ever been delivered to Germany. As an outsider (I am not part of X-Apply), I cannot directly inquire about such contractual details with Dow—nor would they likely answer such inquiries. Instead, I was forced to rely on third-party information, which I should not have accepted uncritically in the article. This was my oversight, which I must now correct.

I have requested a statement from X-Apply and will publish it, along with any plausible documents or answers they provide, as part of this review process. Even though I feel somewhat exploited in hindsight, I did give X-Apply a platform, which I probably should not have done without deeper verification. Presumption of innocence or not, facts are what matter.

Now that I know Dow has not sold any paste to X-Apply in Germany, I confronted X-Apply with this information. They responded by claiming that, until they obtain approval and sourcing in Germany, the first batch of paste was purchased abroad. This explanation, however, is likely to raise concerns with Dow and its German distributor—concerns that were not disclosed to me at the time. According to the current information, the first batch, which was supposed to hit the market in December, was allegedly purchased from the UK distributor, then shipped via Rotterdam to a Dutch fulfillment provider, filled into the mentioned glass tubes in Bavaria (Feldkirchen), and later suffered fire damage during transit. I am working to gather more details on this matter, as it remains somewhat unclear and raises additional questions.

Warehouse Fire

The warehouse fire mentioned in the article is the most critical part of this story, as it directly or indirectly affected third parties. I have already contacted the owner of the roofing company in writing to express my regret, as personal hardship should not be dragged into the public eye based on premature conclusions. The only apparent connection between the bottling company and the roofer seems to be their physical and temporal proximity. Unfortunately, I could not independently verify X-Apply’s claims about the fire location at the time, as a news embargo remains in effect for investigative reasons. However, the images provided to me by the Miesbach fire department suggested that the fire location was also the site of the damaged shipment. I publicly apologize to the Neureither family for my earlier reporting, as I should not have included the claims in this form.

Quadrosilan

In recent days, while preparing a planned article about the durability of polymers and siloxanes, I consulted a knowledgeable friend to clarify a few points. As someone with a general interest in topics like durability and product safety, my high school-level knowledge alone was insufficient, and I am always eager to learn more. Here, too, I need to make a correction.

The safety data sheet (SDS) lists 2,6-cis-diphenylhexamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (trade name Quadrosilan) among the ingredients. However, I initially misunderstood its significance. The listed quantity, first of all, does not influence the product matrix. Secondly, it merely represents a warning about potential traces or contaminants that could be present below a stated threshold (similar to “may contain traces of nuts”) but do not necessarily have to be. Quadrosilan is an estrogen, not an additive for improving the matrix. Ironically, as a man over 60, I might one day use it for prostate treatment, if necessary.

Interim Conclusion

For now, the presumption of innocence still applies to X-Apply. It will be important to see how this corporate thriller—because that’s what it has become—develops. X-Apply is new to the business, which should count in its favor to some extent. However, many of their statements—whether intentionally or unintentionally—were incorrect or incomplete and should not have been made to third parties, including myself. Entering the market successfully with a good product requires openness and transparency upfront, something I feel was lacking.

I have asked X-Apply for a swift resolution regarding procurement, logistics, and distribution. I will report on these matters impartially as they unfold. The paste itself remains outside the scope of this discussion—it is genuinely a good product. However, the circumstances surrounding its development and distribution are far from satisfactory. Comprehensive and open clarification is necessary, and I will ensure this is delivered. Until then, the original article will remain offline, as I owe it to the readers and especially to the victims of the fire to contribute to resolving these matters responsibly.