Clariant to invest in new additives facilities in China

Switzerland-headquartered Clariant, a global leader in specialty chemicals, underscores its commitment to Asia with a multi-million CHF investment by its Additives business to ensure local manufacturing in China of customized, high-end solutions for the Plastics, Coatings & Inks industries.

Christian Kohlpaintner, Clariant's Executive Committee Member said that the company’s local production in China puts it in a better position to benefit from the growth perspectives of the Asia region, and especially of China.

With this investment, Business Unit (BU) Additives adds its first two fully-owned production facilities to the company's long-standing regional network of commercial and technical support. This provides BU Additives increased ability to respond to the strongly growing demand for innovative and sustainable solutions in Asia. For example, the water-based coatings market in Asia Pacific region is estimated to grow from US$15 billion in 2015 to US$19 billion by 20201.

The expansion of its manufacturing footprint will also enable Clariant to shorten supply lead times and deliver customised high-tech solutions more rapidly in this region. The new facilities at Clariant's well-established site in Zhenjiang, China, are expected to come on stream in 2018.

The two production units will focus on offering performance additive solutions for packaging, agro-films, automotive and other applications, and micronised waxes for various coatings & inks applications. These innovative and sustainable solutions can improve end-product properties, extend energy conservation or have higher recyclability.

Stephan Lynen, Head of Clariant BU Additives, said that Clariant's BU Additives faces strong demand from its customers in China and across Asia for sustainable value enhancement in the Plastics, Coatings & Inks industries. The new local manufacturing facilities can improve the proximity to meet the firm’s customer needs, accelerate its response time and enlarge its offering for high-end solutions, he added.