6 Nov 2025
Clariant announces joint venture for novel flame retardants with FUHUA
- Clariant and FUHUA join forces for a new facility producing innovative flame retardants in Leshan, Sichuan Province
- The joint venture, pending authorities' approval, will create halogen-free flame retardants for various end-markets, addressing tightening regulatory requirements
- Expanded capacity at Clariant's state-of-the-art Daya Bay facility, representing a total investment of CHF 100 million and the new Nylostab™ S-EED production line in Cangzhou further strengthen Clariants position in China
SHANGHAI, November 6, 2025 - Clariant, a sustainability-focused specialty chemical company, today announced its strategic joint venture with FUHUA, focused on developing innovative non-halogenated flame retardants. The new initiative, which is subject to customary approval from relevant authorities, aims to create next-generation phosphorus-based flame retardants to serve several industries like building and construction, automotive, electric and electronic, directly addressing the tightening technical and regulatory environment in these sectors.
The signing of this strategic joint venture agreement is the result of Clariant and FUHUA's joint innovation and R&D strategic cooperation. FUHUA is a renowned leading enterprise in the integrated chemical manufacturing sector. This strategic cooperation fully leverages the advantages and strengths of both Clariant and FUHUA. Clariant and FUHUA join in the commitment to develop new non-halogen flame retardants, adding significant value for their customers. Navigating through the evolving regulatory landscape and responding to their customers' increasingly ambitious sustainability objectives, the new joint venture will strategically position itself to transform the challenges into targeted innovation opportunities. This approach is deliberate and focused on creating sustainable value with new phosphorus-based products that maintain or improve flame retardant performance while meeting regulatory requirements.
"This joint venture marks an important step in our commitment to developing flame retardants that solve both performance needs and regulatory concerns," said Angela Cackovich, Business President Adsorbents & Additives and EMEA, Member of the Executive Steering Committee. “By partnering with FUHUA, a recognized leader in integrated chemical manufacturing, we're combining expertise to create solutions that will help our customers stay ahead of regulatory changes while maintaining the highest performance standards."
The new development initiative comes as regulatory bodies worldwide are implementing stricter controls on traditional flame retardant technologies. Clariant's proactive approach enables the company to anticipate these changes and develop compliant alternatives before customers face regulatory challenges, reinforcing the company's reputation for forward-thinking innovation in specialty chemicals.
"This strategic cooperation demonstrates Clariant's targeted approach to innovation in the additives sector, consistently delivering solutions that address emerging challenges," said Manuel Mueller, Head of Strategy & Innovation. "The new partnership with FUHUA represents another important step in developing products that align with Clariant's commitment to innovation, sustainability, regulatory compliance, and performance excellence."
This latest investment builds upon Clariant's established presence in China, following the CHF 100 million investment in its Daya Bay facility with a second production line for Exolit™ OP flame retardants. This milestone has just been celebrated on November 5th. The company also expanded its capabilities with a second production line for Nylostab S-EED stabilizer in Cangzhou, which opened earlier this week on November 3rd.
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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.
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FAQs
Why are non-halogenated flame retardants becoming more important across industrial applications?
Non-halogenated flame retardants are becoming more important due to tightening global regulatory requirements affecting traditional flame retardant chemistries. Industries such as building and construction, automotive, and electric and electronic manufacturing require materials that meet stricter safety and environmental standards. Phosphorus-based, non-halogenated flame retardants support regulatory compliance while maintaining flame retardant performance.
How are regulatory changes influencing flame retardant material development?
Regulatory changes are influencing flame retardant material development by restricting conventional halogenated technologies and increasing compliance requirements. Manufacturers must develop alternative chemistries that meet evolving regulations without sacrificing performance. This environment accelerates innovation toward non-halogenated, phosphorus-based flame retardants aligned with sustainability objectives and regulatory expectations across multiple industrial end markets.
Which flame retardant technologies are suitable for meeting stricter regulatory requirements?
Flame retardant technologies suitable for stricter regulatory requirements include non-halogenated, phosphorus-based systems. Through its joint venture with FUHUA, Clariant is developing next-generation phosphorus-based flame retardants designed to meet regulatory expectations. These materials maintain or improve flame retardant performance while supporting compliance in construction, automotive, and electric and electronic applications.
What flame retardant solutions support both performance and sustainability objectives?
Flame retardant solutions that support both performance and sustainability objectives include non-halogenated, phosphorus-based chemistries developed to meet tightening regulatory requirements while maintaining or improving flame retardant performance. One example is the Clariant–FUHUA joint venture, which is focused on developing next-generation phosphorus-based flame retardants for various end-markets.
Which flame retardant products can help manufacturers adapt to tightening regulations?
Manufacturers facing tightening regulations can use phosphorus-based flame retardant products designed to meet evolving environmental and safety requirements. Clariant’s Exolit portfolio, including the Exolit OP and Exolit AP series, provides halogen-free flame retardant solutions for applications such as construction, automotive, and electrical and electronic materials, supporting regulatory compliance while maintaining required fire performance.
What flame retardant solutions are relevant for construction, automotive, and electronics markets?
Construction, automotive, and electric and electronic markets require flame retardant solutions balancing performance with regulatory compliance. Clariant’s non-halogenated, phosphorus-based flame retardants, including Exolit OP and Exolit AP products, are developed for these industries. These materials support evolving safety standards while maintaining flame retardant performance required in demanding industrial and electrical applications.
What is the purpose of the Clariant and FUHUA joint venture in flame retardants?
The Clariant and FUHUA joint venture focuses on developing innovative, non-halogenated phosphorus-based flame retardants. The collaboration combines joint R&D expertise to create next-generation materials that meet tightening regulatory requirements. The initiative targets construction, automotive, and electric and electronic industries, supporting regulatory compliance while maintaining flame retardant performance.
How does Exolit OP fit into Clariant’s phosphorus-based flame retardant portfolio?
Exolit OP is part of Clariant’s portfolio of non-halogenated, phosphorus-based flame retardants. Expanded production capacity at the Daya Bay facility increases availability of Exolit OP products. These flame retardants support applications requiring alignment with evolving regulatory expectations while maintaining performance across construction, automotive, and electric and electronic markets.
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Clariant announces joint venture for novel flame retardants with FUHUA.
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