Clariant Launches Two New R&D Facilities in China, Enhancing Local Innovation Capabilities
Clariant, a sustainability-focused speciality chemicals company, today announced the official opening of two new research and development facilities for its Additives division in China: one at the Daya Bay production site in Huizhou and one at the One Clariant Campus (OCC) in Shanghai. The achievement represents a significant step forward in Clariant's local innovation capabilities and dedication to the "In China, For China" policy.
From application development to extensive research and development
The newly constructed labs expand Clariant's existing local application development capabilities, allowing for the whole synthesis and development of new additives fully on Chinese soil, from basic research to pilot scale. Clariant can now expedite innovation to keep up with fast-moving market trends, respond more directly to client needs in China and across Asia Pacific, and extend new solutions to global markets with better speed and competitiveness.
Two specialised labs and one integrated vision
The Daya Bay R&D lab is located at Clariant's high-performance flame retardants plant in Huizhou, which opened in 2023 and will be expanded with a second production line in November 2025, for a total expenditure of CHF 100 million. The new R&D lab expands on this solid basis by focusing on the development of next-generation flame retardant materials. The lab is equipped with reactors for both atmospheric and high-pressure synthesis, as well as a comprehensive suite of analytical instruments such as TGA, DSC, XRF, GC, and ion chromatography. It is also geared to support external collaboration with universities and innovative partners around China.
The OCC R&D Lab in Shanghai, located within the existing Additives Technology Center, is focused on the development of innovative performance additives such as antioxidants, light stabilisers, and waxes. Its capabilities include synthesis, analytics, and a pilot-scale polycondensation facility.
Both labs are manned by seasoned R&D specialists who were specially recruited to encourage innovation in their respective fields.
A comprehensive local innovation ecosystem
The establishment of these two laboratories is the next step in Clariant’s developing local innovation ecosystem in China. Clariant now has a comprehensive value chain in place, including local R&D, manufacturing, and collaborations. In November 2025, Clariant announced a joint venture with Fuhua to develop next-generation phosphorus-based flame retardants, and in the same month, the second production line at the Cangzhou joint venture plant with Beijing Tiangang was officially inaugurated, producing Nylostab™ S-EED™, a multifunctional additive, for China’s fast-growing nylon industry. With every component of the value chain now based in China, Clariant can provide customers throughout the region with shorter lead times, faster technical support, and solutions designed specifically for local application requirements.
Manuel Mueller, Head of Strategy and Innovation, Business Unit Adsorbents & Additives, comments: "Sustainability-driven innovation is central to Clariant Additives' strategy, and the expansion of our R&D labs to China is a significant step toward realising that ambition. The new facilities will enable us to produce high-value specialised additives for plastics, coatings, and adhesives with greater speed and precision, suited to the needs of our customers in China and across global markets. Clariant's position as the preferred partner for innovative and sustainable additive solutions is being strengthened by greater engagement with top local institutes and industrial partners.
Source: CLARIANT
