2 Sept 2026
Clariant has expanded its research and development footprint in China with the launch of two new laboratories dedicated to its additives business. The facilities, located in Huizhou and Shanghai, give the Swiss specialty chemicals producer local capabilities covering the synthesis and development of flame retardants and performance additives.
The new facilities mark an important expansion beyond Clariant’s existing application-development activities in China. With research, synthesis, analytical testing and pilot-scale development now available locally, the company can take new additive technologies from early-stage research through to pilot production within the country. According to Clariant, the investment is intended to support faster innovation, closer collaboration with customers and partners in China and the wider Asia-Pacific region, and the quicker introduction of locally developed solutions to international markets.
Two Sites Supporting Different Areas of Innovation
The new R&D infrastructure consists of two laboratories, each with a specific technical focus.
At Clariant’s Daya Bay production site in Huizhou, the new laboratory is dedicated to the development of advanced flame-retardant technologies. The facility operates alongside the company’s high-performance flame-retardant manufacturing plant, which began operations in 2023 and received a second production line in November 2025. The Huizhou site has received a total investment of CHF 100 million (USD 124.9 million). The new laboratory includes reactors capable of carrying out both atmospheric and high-pressure synthesis, supported by a range of analytical technologies. These include thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), gas chromatography (GC) and ion chromatography.
The facility has also been developed to enable joint research activities with Chinese universities and other innovation partners. The second laboratory is located at Clariant’s One Clariant Campus in Shanghai, within its established Additives Technology Center. Its work will focus on performance additives such as antioxidants, light stabilisers and waxes. The Shanghai facility brings together synthesis and analytical capabilities as well as a pilot-scale polycondensation unit, allowing researchers to progress new technologies beyond laboratory development.
Clariant has recruited dedicated R&D specialists for both locations to support the respective technology programmes.
Supporting Emerging Market Requirements
The expansion comes as demand for advanced additives continues to develop across industries such as electric mobility, electronics, packaging, fibres and technologies associated with artificial intelligence. Clariant said strengthening its local R&D capabilities will allow its teams to respond more directly to changing customer requirements while shortening the path from research and product development to commercial application. Manuel Mueller, Head of Strategy and Innovation for Clariant’s Adsorbents & Additives business unit, described the establishment of the laboratories as an important development in the company’s sustainability-focused innovation strategy. He said the facilities will support the development of specialty additives for applications including plastics, coatings and adhesives, while enabling Clariant to work more closely with local research institutions and industry partners.
Expanding China’s Additives Ecosystem
The two laboratories form part of a broader effort by Clariant to strengthen its additives value chain within China. The company’s strategy now combines local research and development with manufacturing operations and partnerships.
Clariant has also taken steps to expand its technology and production network in the country. In November 2025, the company announced a joint venture with Fuhua focused on the development of next-generation phosphorus-based flame retardants.
During the same month, Clariant inaugurated a second production line at its Cangzhou joint venture facility with Beijing Tiangang. The plant manufactures Nylostab S-EED, a multifunctional additive developed for China’s nylon industry.
With the addition of the two R&D laboratories, Clariant is further integrating research, development and manufacturing capabilities within China, creating a stronger foundation for developing additive technologies for both regional and global markets. The detailed article is published by https://www.clariant.com/en/Corporate can be accessed from https://www.clariant.com/en/Corporate/News/2026/08/Clariant-launches-two-new-RD-laboratories-in-China-strengthening-local-innovation-capability
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