MUTTENZ, Switzerland – Clariant, a global supplier of specialty chemicals, is extending its worldwide commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the Asia-Pacific region through hands-on community initiatives and active support for local educational programs.

Clariant in Indonesia recently launched its 2011 Responsible Care® program with a new series of community programs focused on education, safety, health and the environment for people living in the vicinity of its manufacturing plant in Tangerang. Initiatives include annual scholarships in collaboration with the Sampoerna Foundation to 32 underprivileged and gifted children for the 2011/2012 academic year and malnutrition prevention programs in the Tangerang area. So far, Clariant Indonesia has distributed 134 scholarships to students at all educational levels through the foundation. Clariant recently introduced an environmental cleanliness movement, including the planting of 500 trees in public spaces, through close cooperation with other companies in the Cibodas Tangerang region.

Within China, Clariant has participated in a series of events organized by East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) and the Association of International Chemical Manufacturers (AICM) to celebrate the International Year of Chemistry 2011 (IYC2011) under the topic “Chemistry: our life, our future.” Clariant considers the IYC2011 an excellent opportunity to encourage young peoples’ interest in chemistry and demonstrate the contribution of chemistry to modern society.

“Clariant is a key player in the specialty chemicals field with a steadfast commitment to the Chinese market, and we take great pride in fostering the next generation,” said Per Sjoeberg, Clariant’s Regional Head of Greater China.

Additionally, as a member of AICM and a reliable corporate citizen, Clariant is dedicated to following and promoting the Responsible Care Beijing Manifesto, reaffirming Clariant’s commitment to continuously improve its safety, health and environmental performance in Greater China.