K 2025: Clariant ready to launch titanium-based polyester catalysts

At K 2025, Clariant presents its new AddWorks titanium-based catalyst solutions for polyester polymerization, which is ready to launch in 2026.

This technology offers a more sustainable and high-performance alternative to traditional antimony-based catalysts, enabling superior performance while being safer for people and the environment through lower environmental mobility and toxicity, and reduced risk of bioaccumulation.

While the initial focus is on PET due to its large global market, Clariant’s titanium-based catalyst solutions are designed to work across the entire polyester family, including PETG, PCT, PBT, PTT, PBAT, TPEE, and even emerging polyesters like PEF, by acting as a highly effective transesterification/polycondensation catalyst.

“By enabling lower processing temperatures and eliminating heavy metals from the production process, we are helping our customers achieve their sustainability goals while simultaneously improving their operational efficiency and product quality,” explained Mariano Suarez, Head of Marketing Additives at Clariant.

Clariant's innovative AddWorks titanium-based catalyst solutions set to transform polyester polymerization in PET applications.

The innovation comes at a critical time for the polyester industry, which faces growing uncertainty following China's implementation of antimony export controls effective since 2024. As China represents a major global supplier of antimony – a key component in traditional polyester catalysts – these restrictions have created significant supply chain challenges for manufacturers worldwide.

Clariant's titanium-based solutions eliminate dependence on antimony while delivering superior color performance in the final product – a crucial factor for applications in packaging, textiles, and other consumer-facing industries.

Clariant's water-stable formulation ensures consistent catalytic activity without risk of deactivation or unwanted by-products, enabling reliable polymer quality, higher productivity, reduced downtime, and smoother production runs.

Polyester producers implementing Clariant's titanium-based catalyst can also expect potential CAPEX and OPEX savings through increased production capacity, reduced energy consumption, and lower wastewater treatment costs.