Clariant has opened two new research laboratories in China to accelerate the development of innovative additives. This measure is part of the company's „In China, For China“ strategy, which aims to strengthen local innovation capabilities and develop tailored solutions for the Chinese market and the Asia-Pacific region.
The new laboratories are located at the Daya Bay production site in Huizhou and at the One Clariant Campus (OCC) in Shanghai. They enable the complete synthesis and development of new additives directly in China, from initial research to pilot production. This expansion of local R&D capabilities allows Clariant to drive innovations faster in order to keep pace with rapidly changing market trends and better serve the needs of customers in China and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
Focus on high-performance additives
The OCC R&D laboratory in Shanghai focuses on the development of novel performance additives such as antioxidants, light stabilisers and waxes. It has capabilities for synthesis, analytics and a pilot plant for polycondensation. Both laboratories are staffed with experienced R&D professionals who have been specifically recruited to drive innovation in their respective fields.
The R&D laboratory in Daya Bay is co-located at Clariant's high-performance flame retardants plant in Huizhou, which opened in 2023 and was expanded with a second production line in November 2025. Equipped with reactors for atmospheric and high-pressure synthesis as well as a comprehensive range of analytical instruments, the laboratory supports collaboration with universities and innovation partners throughout China.
„Sustainability-driven innovation is at the heart of Clariant Additives“ strategy, and the expansion of our R&D laboratories to China is an important milestone in realising this vision. The new facilities will enable us to develop high-quality speciality additives for plastics, coatings and adhesives with greater speed and precision, tailored to the needs of our customers in China and on global markets.“
Manuel Mueller, Head of Strategy and Innovation for the Adsorbents & Additives business unit
Local innovation as a key strategy
With the opening of these two laboratories, Clariant is expanding its growing local innovation ecosystem in China. The company now has the entire value chain on site: local R&D, local manufacturing, and local partnerships.
Source: Clariant
