MUTTENZ, Switzerland – Specialty chemicals company Clariant announced the official opening of two new, fully owned additives facilities at its site in Zhenjiang, China. The investment puts Clariant’s Additives business in China on track to further expand its offering of customized, high-end solutions for the plastics, coatings and ink industries.

 “This completed investment in the Zhenjiang Economic and Technological Development Zone marks another milestone in our commitment to expand capability and capacity in China, one of the most important strategic markets for Clariant. We are pursuing a dedicated strategy aimed at increasing and sharpening the focus on China. I am proud to see this being executed successfully and am excited about its benefits going forward,” said Christian Kohlpaintner, member of Clariant's executive committee, at the opening ceremony.

The newly opened facilities are dedicated to the production of Ceridust micronized waxes and AddWorks synergistic additive solutions, which are both used in various applications across the plastics, coatings and ink industries. Clariant‘s Additives business is already a partner of choice for producers in these industries, and the additional local production capacity will allow Clariant to provide more tailored solutions at shortened lead times. Such tailored solutions are a key component in continuing to expand Clariant’s China sales, as they fulfill the demand for environmentally compatible and safe products as outlined in China's 13^th Five Year Plan and the industrial policy “Made in China 2025,” while allowing Clariant to differentiate itself in the market environment.

Stephan Lynen, Head of Clariant’s Business Unit Additives, told the audience, “We already have a strong focus on China, with our additives for plastics, coatings and consumer industries. With the new investment and our enhanced innovation capabilities, our focus on this market is being strengthened further. These two fully owned production facilities complement the company’s long-standing regional network of commercial and technical support not only for China, but for the whole of Asia. We will continue to support the sustainable growth in this region.”