14 Oct 2025
Clariant increases capacity in Daya Bay facility and expands Exolit™ OP portfolio for e-mobility
- Expanded capacity at Clariant's state-of-the-art Daya Bay facility in China, representing a total investment of CHF 100 million
- Clariant introduces new halogen-free Exolit OP flame retardants specifically designed for PBT in e-mobility applications
- Halogen-free solutions offer manufacturers an alternative to antimony trioxide-based flame retardants which face volatile market conditions
- Visit Clariant at K 2025 Hall 8a, Booth J11
MUTTENZ, October 14, 2025 - Clariant completes its CHF 100 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.
"Our continued investment in the Daya Bay facility underscores our commitment to supporting the significant growth of engineering plastics applications in e-mobility and electrical & electronic segments," said Angela Cackovich, Business President Adsorbents & Additives and EMEA and Member of the Executive Steering Committee. "With this world-class manufacturing plant, we strengthen our leading position in innovative and more sustainable fire safety solutions while improving our ability to serve customers across the Asia Pacific region with reduced delivery times and tailored solutions."
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 K 2025.
Meeting critical e-mobility challenges
The new Exolit OP flame retardants address two critical challenges in e-mobility applications. Exolit OP 1242 (TP) offers exceptional 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.
Sidestepping antimony market volatility
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.
"Our new Exolit OP solutions not only deliver superior technical performance for e-mobility applications but also help manufacturers reduce their exposure to antimony market fluctuations," explained Mariano Suarez, Head of Marketing Additives at Clariant. "By offering halogen-free and ATO-free alternatives that don't require fluorinated polymers like PTFE, we are enabling our customers to meet growing OEM environmental requirements while maintaining reliable supply chains."
Expanding the Exolit portfolio with melamine-free solutions
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 exceptional 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 versatile halogen-free ammonium polyphosphate serves as an effective replacement for TCPP (tris(chloropropyl) phosphate) and TEP (triethyl phosphate), providing robust flame retardancy without unwanted plasticizing effects. With improved powder flowability for more efficient production handling, Exolit AP 422 A enables customers to create safer, more sustainable building materials that align with evolving regulatory requirements.
Exolit™ IS A TRADEMARK OF CLARIANT.
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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 are flame retardant requirements becoming more demanding in e-mobility applications?
Flame retardant requirements in e-mobility are becoming more demanding as systems transition to higher operating voltages of 800 V and above. These conditions require materials with enhanced electrical insulation, stable comparative tracking index performance, and long-term resistance to thermal and environmental stress. Fire safety solutions must meet stringent standards while supporting reliability in electrical and electronic components.
Which flame retardant solutions are suitable for PBT components used in e-mobility systems?
PBT components used in e-mobility systems can use halogen-free flame retardants specifically designed for high-voltage electrical applications. Clariant expanded its Exolit OP portfolio with Exolit OP 1242 (TP) and Exolit OP 1266 (TP), both engineered for PBT. These solutions support electrical insulation, fire safety, and long-term material stability.
What flame retardant materials support high-voltage electrical insulation in e-mobility?
High-voltage e-mobility systems require flame retardant materials that provide stable electrical insulation at voltages of 800 V and above. Halogen-free Exolit OP flame retardants for PBT address this need. Clariant’s Exolit OP 1242 TP offers exceptional hydrolysis stability, while Exolit OP 1266 TP delivers a stable comparative tracking index (CTI) of 600 V, even after extended storage. Both achieve UL 94 V-0 classification down to 0.4 mm at typical dosing levels, supporting reliable electrical insulation and long-term performance in demanding e-mobility applications.
Which flame retardant solutions reduce reliance on antimony trioxide in polymer formulations?
Manufacturers seeking to reduce reliance on antimony trioxide can use halogen-free flame retardant solutions developed as alternatives to antimony-based systems. Clariant’s Exolit OP flame retardants provide ATO-free options that avoid exposure to antimony price volatility while maintaining fire safety performance in e-mobility and electrical and electronic polymer applications.
What flame retardant options support regulatory and supply-chain resilience in e-mobility?
Regulatory and supply-chain resilience in e-mobility can be supported by halogen-free, ATO-free flame retardant solutions that reduce exposure to antimony trioxide volatility and help meet OEM environmental expectations. Clariant’s Exolit OP portfolio supports this approach and is produced across two manufacturing sites: Daya Bay (China) and Hürth-Knapsack near Cologne (Germany), strengthening supply continuity for global demand.
Which halogen-free flame retardants are suitable for PIR insulation and polyurethane foams?
PIR insulation panels and polyurethane foams can use halogen-free ammonium polyphosphate flame retardants. Clariant developed Exolit AP 422 A to deliver effective fire protection while remaining melamine-free and SVHC-free. The material serves as a replacement for TCPP and TEP, providing robust flame retardancy without unwanted plasticizing effects.
What advantages does Exolit OP 1242 (TP) offer for PBT in e-mobility applications?
Exolit OP 1242 (TP) is designed for PBT applications in e-mobility and offers exceptional hydrolysis stability. The halogen-free flame retardant meets UL 94 V-0 classification at thin wall sections and supports reliable fire safety performance. These properties are important for components operating under demanding electrical and environmental conditions.
How does Exolit OP 1266 (TP) support electrical performance in high-voltage systems?
Exolit OP 1266 (TP) supports electrical performance in high-voltage systems by delivering a stable comparative tracking index of 600 V, even after extended storage periods. Designed for PBT in e-mobility applications, the halogen-free flame retardant also meets UL 94 V-0 classification, supporting long-term electrical insulation and fire safety requirements.
Related images
Clariant's new production line in Dayabay, fully operational in November 2025.
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