In what is claimed to be the world’s first, speciality chemicals firm Clariant is incorporating bio-succinic acid into its Quinacridone pigments produced at its Frankfurt-Hoechst facility in Germany. /p>

The bio-succinic acid will be supplied by Myriant, a US-based leader in the development of renewable chemicals. Made from renewable raw materials at its 13,600-tonne/year plant in Massachusetts, Myriant’s bio-succinic acid is a substitute for fossil-based succinic acid.

Clariant says its decision is in keeping with its global sustainability efforts to use more renewable raw materials and follows intensive R&D. The broad portfolio includes pigments for the automotive, architectural and plastics industries as well as colourants used in printing applications tailored to individual needs.

“Optimising our own pigment production processes to incorporate renewable raw materials is part of our strategy to help address global challenges and megatrends. We are very excited about what this achievement means both in terms of improving the ecological footprint of our products and in helping our customers to be more sustainable,” comments Marco Cenisio, Senior Vice President and Head of Clariant’s Business Unit Pigments.