(Interview) Clariant offers solutions for in-demand technologies and sustainability
In this ever-changing market environment, how does the plastics and rubber industry get prepared and grasp the opportunities? Andy Liu, Head of Sales Greater China, BU Additives from Clariant shared his insights with us.
According to him, in 2020, the Chinese government has put forward the dual-carbon goals, which will gradually phase out the traditional manufacturing of high energy consumption and high emissions. It is inevitable for the plastics and rubber industry to move towards sustainable and high-quality development in the future.
Andy Liu believes that this trend aligns with Clariant's development paths and goals in China. “As downstream customers have a higher regard for product quality, safety, IP attributes and brand value, Clariant, as a sustainable and innovative specialty chemical company, continues to fulfill its commitment to local customers and partners. With its latest motto ‘Greater chemistry – between people and planet’, the company reaffirms its ambition to work towards a more sustainable future.”
Andy Liu, Head of Sales Greater China, BU Additives from Clariant.
Meanwhile, with implementation of energy conservation and emission reduction policies and the development of the digital economy, employees, especially those who are active in the production line, have higher requirements for the working environment and company’s prospects. Improving the working environment and creating an intelligent and clean facility is a systematic project. The manufacture sector can learn from Clariant who powers its BU Additives production facility in Knapsack, Germany, with 100% renewable electricity.
At the international level, many main production bases of polymer materials (PA6, PET, PBT, PC, etc.) have moved to China, and Clariant's additives are increasingly used to improve processing ease, weatherability and adaptability for more demanding applications, as well as enhancing aesthetics of the end products.
He said: “Our additive products are designed to meet our customers’ needs in the entire production chain, from raw material selection, production to final application while aligning our commitment to sustainability.”
Circular economy is a hot topic which has received widespread attention. In recent years, the chemical industry has increasingly focused on the recyclability and reusable of plastics, while Clariant is committed to increasing the possibility of plastics recycling, improving the durability of plastics, and supporting the innovation of bio-based and biodegradable products. The industry is now working together to create a sustainable supply chain.
Promoting the development of new energy vehicles and 5G
At CHINAPLAS Virtual Show 2022, Clariant provides solutions with some major developments. Some topics to be discussed include: the size of the battery pack determines the range of EV; the type of the battery cell affects the range and safety.
In addition, there are some technical hot spots in recent year. For instance, plastic is used to replace metal to achieve lightweight vehicles while halogen-free flame-retardant is adopted for new energy vehicle materials to inhibit combustion.
Clariant’s Exolit OP product line comprises halogen-free phosphorus containing organic phosphinates. The halogen-free and sustainable flame-retardant solutions play key roles in protecting battery systems to cables, connectors, switches to charging points, driving the development of the new energy vehicle industry.
The Exolit OP product line has become a leading solution for halogen-free flame-retardant materials used in engineering thermoplastics such as polyamide and polyester, and is widely used in various industries. For example, in the field of 5G communication technology, with the vigorous development of the Internet of Things industry, the demand for infrastructure construction has increased significantly.
Together with the new generation of user devices equipped with more sophisticated and complex infrastructures, there is a higher demand for fire protection and security of network servers. At the same time, the increasingly use of consumer electronics and wearable devices has also spurred the applications of flame-retardant materials.
Clariant’s Exolit OP flame-retardant product line drives the development of new energy vehicles.
Promoting waste reduction, recycling and reuse
Clariant's complete AddWorks portfolio consists of differentiated, market-specific synergistic blends of additives that streamline production processes and create value for customers while enhancing performance. Each solution is tailored to specific market needs, underlined by broader considerations, such as emissions reduction, energy efficiency and resource utilization.
AddWorks LXR 568 is a state-of-the-art processing stabilizer that provides excellent color protection and high stable melt flow, significantly improving the properties of resins in many applications, such as films or molded products, automotive parts and pressure pipes.
Even when using in combination with waste materials, the stabilizer can maintain its outstanding mechanical properties and superior color, thus contributing to plastic waste reduction.
In addition, Clariant introduces AddWorks PKG 906 Circle to the Chinese agricultural film market for the first time. AddWorks PKG 906 Circle is a specialty polymer stabilizer used to increase plastic waste recycling in polyolefin film manufacturing, promoting the development of circular economy.
It can be used in recycled films for secondary packaging without loss of production efficiency or compromise to the film quality. The resulting collation shrink films are used typically for wrapping and bundling PET beverage bottles.
