Expansions: Clariant increases capacity for halogen-free FRs in China; Songwon to construct additives blends plant in Saudi Arabia

China cracker for petchems to start-up by year end

Swiss chemical firm Clariant has completed its CHF100 million investment in the Daya Bay facility, with the second production line fully operational in November. This expanded capacity strengthens Clariant's ability to meet growing demand for more sustainable flame-retardant solutions in Asia and globally, particularly in the rapidly expanding e-mobility sector.

In addition, Clariant announces the expansion of its Exolit OP flame retardant portfolio with two new high-performance solutions specifically designed for polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) applications in e-mobility. The new products, Exolit OP 1242 (TP) and Exolit OP 1266 (TP) are featured at K2025.

The new Exolit OP flame retardants address two critical challenges in e-mobility applications. Exolit OP 1242 (TP) offers hydrolysis stability, while Exolit OP 1266 (TP) provides a stable comparative tracking index (CTI) of 600 V even after extended storage periods. Both products meet the UL 94 vertical test with V-0 classification down to a sample thickness of 0.4 mm at dosing levels of 15-20%.

These innovations are particularly significant as the e-mobility industry transitions to higher voltage systems of 800 V and above, requiring materials with superior electrical insulation properties and long-term stability under demanding conditions.

The new halogen-free flame retardants offer manufacturers an attractive alternative to traditional systems based on antimony trioxide (ATO), which has experienced dramatic price increases and supply chain volatility in recent years.

As part of Clariant‘s ambition to remove substances of very high concern (SVHC) from its portfolio, the company has also developed Exolit AP 422 A, which delivers fire protection for polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation panels while offering manufacturers a melamine-free, SVHC-free solution that meets stringent fire safety standards.

In polyurethane foam applications, this halogen-free ammonium polyphosphate serves as replacement for TCPP (tris(chloropropyl) phosphate) and TEP (triethyl phosphate), providing robust flame retardancy without unwanted plasticising effects.

In other news, stabiliser supplier Songwon Industrial Co has announced a major new investment to establish a OPS (One Pack Systems) production facility in Saudi Arabia, allowing for locally manufactured OPS products to customers with shorter lead times, it adds.

Songwon to construct additives blends plant in Saudi Arabia

Due for completion in 2028, the facility will be wholly owned by Songwon and produce a range of Songnox OPS additive blends to support efficient polyolefin resin production.

Commenting on the greenfield investment, Jongho Park, Group CEO, said: “Following the success of our facilities in the UAE, Germany and the US, this investment represents a significant step forward in expanding Songwon's global OPS footprint and our dedication to this key polyolefin market and the Saudi Vision 2030. Furthermore, the new KSA plant will unlock new possibilities for growth and future expansion and enable us to provide reliable and responsive service to customers across the Middle East and beyond.”

(PRA)

SUBSCRIBE to Get the Latest Updates from PRA    Click Here»