Clariant Presents Full Value Chain Sustainable Plastic Innovations at Chinaplas 2026

·AddWorks™ PPA product series offers PFAS-free alternatives with excellent extrusion processing performance and food contact compliance

·Clariant launches new Exolit™ OP 1266 flame retardant, designed for 800V+ high-voltage e-mobility applications, antimony-free and halogen-free

·Renewable rice bran wax Licocare™ RBW additives achieve global comprehensive food contact approval while significantly reducing carbon footprint

·Innovative titanium-based catalyst solution poised to revolutionize polyester production, eliminating reliance on antimony while reducing energy consumption

Clariant, a specialty chemicals company focused on sustainability, announced that it will showcase its latest portfolio of innovative additive solutions at Chinaplas 2026, held April 21–24 in Shanghai, helping the plastics industry achieve more sustainable development.

At the exhibition, Clariant will demonstrate how its comprehensive additive portfolio addresses the plastics industry's most pressing challenges—from regulatory compliance and supply chain resilience to reducing carbon footprint and enabling the circular economy.

"Currently, the plastics industry in Asia and globally is facing complex challenges, including increasingly stringent regulatory requirements, supply chain volatility, and continuously rising sustainability demands from brands and consumers," said Miao Zhigang, Global Senior Vice President of Clariant's Additives Business Unit. "The innovations we are showcasing at Chinaplas reflect our commitment to providing solutions that balance performance and sustainability, helping achieve environmental goals and regulatory compliance while enhancing product performance."

PFAS-Free Processing Solutions: Meeting Regulatory Requirements While Ensuring Excellent Performance

As global regulations on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) tighten, manufacturers urgently need alternatives to traditional fluoropolymer processing aids that maintain excellent performance while meeting food contact compliance. Clariant will spotlight its AddWorks™ PPA series solutions at the exhibition, including AddWorks™ PPA 101 FG and AddWorks™ PPA 122 G, bringing breakthrough PFAS-free performance to film extrusion. These innovative formulations effectively eliminate shark-skin defects, reduce die build-up, improve extrusion efficiency, and comply with the recyclability requirements of EU packaging and packaging waste regulations.

Halogen-Free Flame Retardants: Adapting to E-Mobility and Enhancing Safety

As the new energy mobility sector accelerates its transition toward 800V and higher-voltage electric systems, the market demands higher thermal stability and electrical insulation performance from flame-retardant materials. At the same time, manufacturers must address supply chain volatility risks associated with traditional antimony-based flame retardant systems. At the exhibition, visitors can learn about Clariant's Exolit™ OP flame retardant portfolio, including the new Exolit™ OP 1266, specifically designed for PBT applications in demanding e-mobility scenarios. This halogen-free, antimony-free solution achieves a stable Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) of up to 600V even after long-term storage, a property critical for high-voltage applications. The product also meets UL 94 V-0 flame retardancy requirements, effectively reducing manufacturers' dependence on volatile antimony raw material markets.

Clariant's CHF 100 million investment project at its Daya Bay high-performance flame retardant plant has reached full production. Meanwhile, the strategic joint venture with Fuhua Tongda Chemicals Co., Ltd. for next-generation flame retardants is progressing steadily. These initiatives further demonstrate Clariant's strong commitment to the Asian market, enhancing regional supply security and shortening lead times through localized R&D and production of flame retardant solutions.

Renewable Rice Bran Wax Additives: Stabilizing Supply Chains and Enabling Green Development

As montan wax supply continues to tighten, Clariant's Licocare™ RBW Vita rice bran wax additives offer a timely and viable alternative. This product series includes Licocare™ RBW 100–300 series, RBW 360 Vita, and RBW 560 Vita, and has achieved a significant regulatory milestone with formal approval from the European Commission under Annex I of Regulation (EU) No 10/2011. The approval permits their use at up to 0.3% in PET, PLA, and rigid PVC materials and articles intended for contact with non-fatty foods. The series also holds FDA and Japanese food contact approvals, making them suitable for various substrates. As renewable bio-based alternatives, they significantly reduce product carbon footprint and are non-food competitive. The exhibition will also showcase Clariant's latest R&D progress in applying rice bran wax to TPU.

Titanium-Based Catalysts: Optimizing Polyester Production and Enhancing Application Value

Against the backdrop of the polyester industry's continuous pursuit of supply chain resilience and diversification, Clariant will launch its new titanium-based catalyst technology at Chinaplas. This innovative antimony-free solution effectively reduces processing temperatures and energy consumption while comprehensively improving the color performance of polyester products, covering everything from virgin polyester to recycled applications.