Clariant Supplies SNG Catalyst for First Commercial CO2 Methanation Plant “Power-to-Gas”

Muttenz, October 21, 2013 – Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, today announced that it has supplied a proprietary developed CO2-SNG catalyst for the methanation unit of Audi’s new power-to-gas facility in Werlte, Germany. The so-called “e-gas plant” was started up in June this year and is part of Audi's comprehensive sustainability initiative. It will produce an average of 1.4 million cubic meters of renewable synthetic methane per year, chemically binding some 2,800 metric tons of CO2 and equivalent to supply 1.500 new Audi A3 Sportback g-tron vehicles with an annual mileage of 15,000 CO2 neutral kilometers. The plant was developed, constructed and built by Stuttgart-based plant manufacturer ETOGAS GmbH (formerly SolarFuel). The technology can be also used to store surplus energy in the gas pipeline system and to balance energy supply against demand.

Clariant takes legal action against infringements of its patents on phosphinate flame retardants technology by Chinese companies

Muttenz, October 17, 2013 - Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, has developed a flame retardants technology based on the substance class of phosphinates. In particular, the diethylphosphinic acid aluminium salt (DEPAL) has become a leading solution for halogen-free flame retarded engineering thermoplastics like polyamides and polyesters. This innovative technology marketed under the trademark Exolit® OP is widely covered by numerous patents and patent applications which cover rights on the phosphinate substances, formulations of phosphinates with co-flame retardants (synergists), production processes and the application in engineering thermoplastics like polyamides and polyesters. Patent law covers the production as well as the sale and commercial use of the protected products.

Clariant launches new tailor-made flame retardant solutions for high-temperature thermoplastics

Graph showing the processing windows (temperature range from melting to decomposition) of polyamide compounds 
(PA 6 GF30 V-0) with the different Exolit® OP grades for polyamides. (Source: Clariant data)Muttenz, October 17, 2013 - Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, expands its toolbox of cutting-edge, efficient phosphinate flame retardants with new tailor made synergistic formulations for thermoplastics used in demanding environments. Exolit® OP 1400 (TP) for polyamides and Exolit OP 1260 (TP) for polyesters offer the plastics industry new opportunities to improve both fire safety and processing and mechanical performance at the same time.

Clariant at K 2013: focus on growth and innovation as key drivers for customer benefits

Clariant at K 2013: focus on growth and innovation as key drivers for customer benefits. (Photo: Clariant)Muttenz, October 16, 2013 - Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, underlined its commitment to the Plastics and Coatings industry at its K 2013 press conference and demonstrated how the megatrends that drive the plastics industry are at the root of the company's market strategy.

Clariant Divests Detergents & Intermediates Business to International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG)

Muttenz, October 15, 2013 - Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, has signed an agreement to divest its Detergents & Intermediates business to International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG). The total consideration of the sale amounts to CHF 58 million, out of which 20 million will be in cash at closing. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals.

Clariant presents three innovative product ranges based on its Secret Code of Beauty concept at in-cosmetics Asia

Muttenz, October 14, 2013 - Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, is featuring three exciting Personal Care product ranges that are part of the company's new Secret Code of Beauty concept at the in-cosmetics Asia exhibition in Bangkok, Thailand from October 29 to 31 (Hall 101-103, Booth D30). A presentation by Mildred Estrada, Technical Accounts Manager Clariant Singapore, entitled “Uncover the Secret Code of Beauty with Aristoflex® Velvet” will provide in-depth information on the benefits of the innovative new Aristoflex Velvet polymer and the principles of Clariant's Secret Code of Beauty.

Clariant adds substance to sustainability

Clariant adds substance to sustainability. (Photo: Clariant)Muttenz, October 10, 2013 - For those working in the global leather industry, sustainability and the environment take on added importance as it is the tanning industry that converts the by-product of the agricultural and meat industry into a valued product. While the food industry ensures a sustained flow of the by-product for tanneries, at the same time it depends on them to manage environmental issues resulting from its by-product, the hides and skins.

Clariant unites cleansing with sustainability at SEPAWA 2013

Muttenz, October 9, 2013 - Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, unites sustainability with innovation and trends in its solutions for the surfactants and cosmetics markets at SEPAWA 2013 - the 60th SEPAWA Congress and European Detergents Conference in Fulda, Germany from October 9 - 11, 2013 (Booth 658 - 660).

Clariant brings new Houdry® dehydrogenation catalyst capacity on-stream

Muttenz, October 9, 2013 - Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, has successfully expanded production capacity for Houdry® dehydrogenation catalysts at its Louisville/Kentucky, USA plant. The double-digit million Swiss francs debottlenecking investment will support increasing demand for Houdry catalysts driven mainly by shale gas development. The facility will come on-stream in mid-October 2013 as planned.

Clariant presents de-icing products to airlines, airports and service providers in Munich

Clariant presents de-icing products to airlines, airports and service providers in Munich. (Photo: Clariant)Muttenz, October 8, 2013 - Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, today presented its aviation de-icers to the many thousands of visitors attending the opening day of the 19th inter airport Europe trade show in Munich, Germany. The company is showcasing its full range of Safeway® runway and Safewing® aircraft de-icers at the Trade Fair in Munich, Germany from 8-11 October, 2013.

Clariant closes sale of Textile Chemicals, Paper Specialties and Emulsions businesses

Muttenz, October 1, 2013 – Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, today announced the closing of the sale of its Textile Chemicals, Paper Specialties and Emulsions businesses to SK Capital. Starting 1 October 2013, the three former Clariant businesses are now operating under the name Archroma. After some adjustments for working capital and for the lower operational performance of some parts of the businesses, the total purchase price consideration of the transaction will amount to approximately CHF 425 million, mainly consisting of a cash inflow of CHF 355 million and the transfer of pensions and other liabilities. Worldwide, 2’900 employees will transfer to Archroma.

Clariant Acquires the Organic Pigment Business of Jiangsu Multicolor and Announces Investment in New Plant in China

Muttenz, September 30, 2013 - Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, today announced that it has acquired the Organic Pigment business of Jiangsu Multicolor Fine Chemical Co., Ltd (JMC) based in Jiangsu Province, PRC. JMC is a leading supplier of several types of high performance pigments and pigment preparations in China. The business recorded sales of RMB 210 million (approximately CHF 30 million). It manufactures and markets pigments and pigment preparations mainly for customers in coatings, plastics and printing inks in the domestic and export markets.