9 Oct 2025
Clariant unveils titanium-based catalyst solutions for more sustainable polyester production
- Clariant's innovative AddWorks™ titanium-based catalyst solutions set to transform polyester polymerization with enhanced sustainability and performance
- New technology reduces processing temperatures and energy consumption while improving color value, product quality, and production efficiency through its kinetic boosting effect.
- Solutions address growing market concerns over antimony availability following China's export restrictions
- Visit Clariant at K'2025 Hall 8a, Booth J11
MUTTENZ, October 9, 2025 - Clariant presents its new AddWorks titanium-based catalyst solutions for polyester polymerization at K 2025, the world's premier trade fair for plastics and rubber.
Set to launch in 2026, this technology offers a more sustainable and high-performance alternative to traditional antimony-based catalysts, addressing both environmental concerns and supply chain challenges, and simplifying PET recycling to support circularity in the polyester industry. While the initial focus is on PET due to its large global market, Clariant’s titanium-based catalyst solutions are designed to work across the entire polyester family, including PETG, PCT, PBT, PTT, PBAT, TPEE, and even emerging polyesters like PEF, by acting as a highly effective transesterification/polycondensation catalyst.
The titanium-based catalyst technology represents a significant advancement in polyester production, enabling superior performance while being safer for people and the environment through lower environmental mobility and toxicity, and reduced risk of bioaccumulation.
"Our AddWorks titanium-based catalyst technology marks an important shift in polyester manufacturing," said Mariano Suarez Head of Marketing Additives at Clariant. "By enabling lower processing temperatures and eliminating heavy metals from the production process, we are helping our customers achieve their sustainability goals while simultaneously improving their operational efficiency and product quality."
The innovation comes at a critical time for the polyester industry, which faces growing uncertainty following China's implementation of antimony export controls effective since 2024. As China represents a major global supplier of antimony – a key component in traditional polyester catalysts – these restrictions have created significant supply chain challenges for manufacturers worldwide.
Clariant's titanium-based solutions eliminate dependence on antimony while delivering superior color performance in the final product – a crucial factor for applications in packaging, textiles, and other consumer-facing industries. Clariant's water-stable formulation ensures consistent catalytic activity without risk of deactivation or unwanted by-products, enabling reliable polymer quality, higher productivity, reduced downtime, and smoother production runs.
The economic benefits extend beyond supply chain security. Polyester producers implementing Clariant's titanium-based catalyst can expect potential CAPEX and OPEX savings through increased production capacity, reduced energy consumption, and lower wastewater treatment costs. These advantages align with industry trends toward more efficient, cost-effective manufacturing processes.
"We developed this technology with a dual focus on sustainability and performance," Emilie Meddah, Market Manager Additives at Clariant explained. "Our customers are increasingly facing pressure from regulators and consumers to reduce environmental impact without compromising product quality. AddWorks titanium-based catalyst solutions address both concerns simultaneously, offering a truly future-proof option for polyester production."
The solution is particularly valuable for polyester resin manufacturers, fiber producers, PET recyclers, and technology licensors seeking to differentiate their offerings in an increasingly sustainability-conscious market. By enabling the production of heavy metal-free polyester, Clariant's technology also supports brand owners in meeting evolving consumer demands and regulatory requirements.
AddWorks™ IS A TRADEMARK OF CLARIANT.
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Clariant International Ltd
Rothausstrasse 61
4132 Muttenz 1
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Notes for editors
www.clariant.com
Clariant is a focused specialty chemical company led by the overarching purpose of “Greater chemistry – between people and planet.” By connecting customer focus, innovation, and people, the company creates solutions to foster sustainability in different industries. On 31 December 2024, Clariant totaled a staff number of 10 465 and recorded sales of CHF 4.152 billion in the fiscal year for its continuing businesses. Since January 2023, the Group conducts its business through the three Business Units Care Chemicals, Catalysts, and Adsorbents & Additives. Clariant is based in Switzerland.
The products described herein are for plastics use only. This media release may be accessible from various countries around the world and hence it may contain statements or product classifications not applicable to your country. Statements contained herein may not be applicable to products regulated by the US FDA or Health Canada.
This information corresponds to the present state of our knowledge and is intended as a general description of our products and their possible applications. Any user of this product is responsible for determining the suitability of Clariant´s products for its particular application.
NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY IS MADE OF THE MERCHANTABILITY, SUITABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR OTHERWISE OF ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE.
FAQs
Why is the polyester industry seeking alternatives to antimony-based catalysts?
The polyester industry is seeking alternatives to antimony-based catalysts due to growing environmental concerns and supply chain uncertainty. China’s antimony export restrictions, effective since 2024, have increased availability risks for traditional catalysts. Manufacturers also face regulatory and sustainability pressure to reduce heavy metal use while maintaining polymer quality and production efficiency.
Which catalyst technologies support more sustainable polyester production?
More sustainable polyester production can be supported by titanium-based catalyst technologies that replace antimony systems. Titanium-based catalyst solutions such as Clariant’s AddWorks enable lower processing temperatures, reduce energy consumption, and eliminate heavy metals from polyester polymerization. These catalysts support sustainability objectives while maintaining high polymer performance across multiple polyester types.
What catalyst solutions help reduce energy consumption in polyester manufacturing?
Energy consumption in polyester manufacturing can be reduced by using catalysts that enable lower processing temperatures. Clariant’s AddWorks titanium-based catalyst solutions deliver a kinetic boosting effect that allows polymerization at reduced temperatures. This approach lowers energy demand while improving production efficiency and maintaining consistent polymer quality.
Which catalysts can improve color performance in polyester products?
Antimony-based catalysts remain the benchmark for achieving the highest color performance in polyester. However, advanced titanium-based catalyst systems, including those developed by Clariant’s AddWorks portfolio, are closing this performance gap by delivering significantly improved color versus conventional titanium catalysts, while eliminating antimony for packaging, textiles, and other consumer-facing applications.
What catalyst options support heavy metal-free polyester production?
Heavy metal-free polyester production can be supported by titanium-based catalyst technologies. Clariant’s AddWorks titanium-based catalyst solutions remove dependence on antimony while maintaining catalytic efficiency. These catalysts reduce environmental mobility, toxicity, and bioaccumulation risks, supporting safer polyester manufacturing aligned with regulatory and sustainability expectations.
Which catalyst solutions simplify PET recycling and support circularity?
PET recycling and circularity can be simplified by catalyst solutions that improve waste management by removing heavy metals from polyester production. Clariant AddWorks titanium-based catalyst solutions reduce contamination risks and enable cleaner material streams, making waste handling and recycling processes more efficient while maintaining polymer quality in recycled PET applications.
What is AddWorks titanium-based catalyst technology used for in polyester production?
AddWorks titanium-based catalyst technology is used as a transesterification and polycondensation catalyst for polyester polymerization. The technology supports PET and other polyesters by enabling lower processing temperatures, improved color value, and higher production efficiency. It provides a heavy metal-free alternative to traditional antimony-based catalyst systems.
Which polyester families are compatible with AddWorks titanium-based catalysts?
AddWorks titanium-based catalysts are designed to work across the entire polyester family. Compatible polymers include PET, PETG, PCT, PBT, PTT, PBAT, TPEE, and emerging polyesters such as PEF. This broad compatibility supports flexible adoption across packaging, textile, engineering plastics, and specialty polyester applications.
What production benefits are associated with AddWorks titanium-based catalyst solutions?
AddWorks titanium-based catalyst solutions are associated with potential CAPEX and OPEX benefits through increased production capacity, reduced energy consumption, and lower wastewater treatment costs. The water-stable formulation supports consistent catalytic activity, reducing downtime and enabling smoother production runs while maintaining reliable polymer quality in polyester manufacturing.
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Clariant's innovative AddWorks titanium-based catalyst solutions set to transform polyester polymerization in PET applications.
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Clariant International Ltd
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