Clariant is expanding its research and development capabilities for additives in China and has opened two new laboratories in Huizhou and Shanghai. These facilities will cover the entire development process, from the synthesis of new additives through to the pilot scale. The focus is on flame retardants and performance additives for plastics, coatings, and adhesives. In doing so, the specialty chemicals company is shifting further development tasks closer to the Chinese and Asia-Pacific markets. With the additional capacity, the company can synthesize new additives locally and oversee their development through to the pilot scale.
Until now, local capacity has focused more on application development. With the new laboratories, the specialty chemicals manufacturer is expanding its capabilities for independent research and development work in China. The goal is to shorten development times and better tailor products to requirements in China and the Asia-Pacific region.
Clariant develops new flame retardants in Huizhou
The research and development laboratory in Daya Bay is located at the flame retardant production site in Huizhou. The plant there opened in 2023 and was expanded with a second production line in November 2025. According to the company, it invested a total of 100 million Swiss francs in the site.
The new lab focuses on the development of additional flame retardants. Its equipment includes reactors for syntheses under atmospheric conditions and under high pressure. Analytical tools available include TGA, DSC, XRF, GC, and ion chromatography. The infrastructure is also designed to support research collaborations with universities and other partners in China.
Performance additives in focus at the Shanghai lab
At the One Clariant Campus in Shanghai, the second lab was integrated into the existing Additives Technology Center. There, the focus is on performance additives such as antioxidants, light stabilizers, and waxes. In addition to synthesis and analysis, the facility features a pilot-scale polycondensation plant. This enables development steps beyond the laboratory scale to be carried out on-site. Both new facilities have been staffed with additional research and development specialists.
Clariant expands local value chain in China
The two laboratories complement the company’s existing production capacities and partnerships in China. In November 2025, for example, Clariant announced a joint venture with Fuhua to develop phosphorus-based flame retardants. Also in November, the joint venture with Beijing Tiangang commissioned a second production line at the Cangzhou site. There, the additive “Nylostab S-EED” is manufactured for applications in the nylon industry. By combining research, development, production, and local partnerships, the company aims, among other things, to shorten supply chains and response times for technical support.
Research aims to develop additives for regional needs
The new production capacity is intended for both the Chinese market and applications outside China. A key focus is on specialty additives for plastics, coatings, and adhesives. Manuel Mueller, Head of Strategy and Innovation in the Adsorbents & Additives business unit, emphasizes that sustainability-focused innovation is at the heart of Clariant Additives’ strategy. The expansion of R&D laboratories to China marks an important milestone in the implementation of this vision. The new facilities are designed to enable the company to develop high-quality specialty additives for plastics, coatings, and adhesives more quickly and precisely. In this way, the manufacturer aims to respond precisely to the needs of its customers in China and on global markets.
