The expansion, which involved an investment of CHF80m (USD99.8m), is set to substantially boost Clariant’s manufacturing capabilities in one of its key growth markets, particularly China’s rapidly evolving specialty chemicals sector.
Specifically, the newly opened facilities will improve the company’s production capabilities in two main areas — pharmaceutical excipients, and specialty chemicals for personal and home care applications.
This dual focus is aimed at meetingthe increasing quality and performance expectations of Chinese consumers and industries, as well as strengthening Clariant’s position as a leading supplier of high-quality specialty chemicals in Asia.
“This investment represents a pivotal moment for Clariant’s operations in China. With these expanded facilities, we are now better positioned to contribute to the health and well-being of Chinese consumers while supporting the growth of local industries with our innovative specialty chemicals,” said Christian Vang, Business President of Care Chemicals at Clariant.
Closer to customers
One of the new facilities at Daya Bay is a second spray tower specifically designed to serve customers in south China.
This raises production capacity for both Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in laxatives and pharmaceutical excipients. With this, the facility will serve Clariant’s healthcare business, maintaining consistent quality standards across China and worldwide.
Complementing the pharmaceutical expansion, the company has also expanded their multi-purpose plant (MPP) at Daya Bay with an additional reactor.
This facility is dedicated to producing specialty chemicals, including mild surfactants for the beauty industry and soil release polymers for the home care sector under the Texcare range.
These products cater to the growing consumer demand for gentle yet effective personal care products and high-performance home care solutions.
In addition, the expansion at Daya Bay has also significantly increased the production capacity for ethylene oxide derivatives (EODs) and a broader chemical portfolio.
“The evolution of Daya Bay from Clariant’s first ethoxylation plant in Asia to an integrated MPP and EOD site demonstrates our long-term vision for the region.
“By bringing our innovation and expertise closer to customers, we are better positioned to help drive their developments forward while addressing our customers’ sustainability targets and end-product performance needs.
“This expansion not only increases our production capacity, but also enhances our ability to collaborate closely with local customers on tailored solutions,” Vang said.
He added that the company is now “better equipped than ever” to support the innovation needs of its Chinese customers across the pharmaceutical, personal care, and home care sectors.
