Clariant announced a strategic joint venture with Fuhua to develop innovative non-halogenated, phosphorus-based flame retardants for building and construction, automotive, and electrical and electronic applications. The partnership, subject to customary regulatory approvals, is designed to address a tightening technical and regulatory landscape by delivering alternatives that maintain or improve flame retardant performance while meeting compliance requirements. The agreement follows joint innovation and R&D cooperation between the companies and aims to combine Clariant’s additives expertise with Fuhua’s capabilities in integrated chemical manufacturing. The venture targets solutions that directly respond to customers’ sustainability objectives and regulatory needs, positioning the partners to convert evolving rules into focused innovation. The initiative builds on Clariant’s recent investments in China, including a CHF 100 million expansion at its Daya Bay facility with a second production line for Exolit OP flame retardants, and a second production line for the Nylostab S-EED stabilizer in Cangzhou, supporting supply and development capacity for advanced additives.
Scope and objectives of the partnership
The joint venture will focus on next-generation, phosphorus-based flame retardant technologies that do not rely on halogens. Target markets include building and construction, automotive and electric and electronic segments, where customers face increasingly stringent regulatory expectations. According to the partners, the approach is to deliver sustainable value through products that align with performance specifications while meeting regulatory requirements. The collaboration leverages the strengths of both organizations to accelerate development and market readiness of new additive solutions.
Leadership statements
Angela Cackovich, Business President Adsorbents & Additives and EMEA, Member of the Executive Steering Committee, said: "This joint venture marks an important step in our commitment to developing flame retardants that solve both performance needs and regulatory concerns. By partnering with Fuhua, a recognized leader in integrated chemical manufacturing, we're combining expertise to create solutions that will help our customers stay ahead of regulatory changes while maintaining the highest performance standards."
Manuel Mueller, Head of Strategy & Innovation, added: "This strategic cooperation demonstrates Clariant's targeted approach to innovation in the additives sector, consistently delivering solutions that address emerging challenges. The new partnership with Fuhua represents another important step in developing products that align with Clariant's commitment to innovation, sustainability, regulatory compliance, and performance excellence."
Recent capacity expansions in China
The announcement follows Clariant’s CHF 100 million investment in its Daya Bay facility, which added a second production line for Exolit OP flame retardants, a milestone celebrated on November 5. The company also expanded its stabilizer capabilities in Cangzhou with a second production line for Nylostab S-EED, which opened on November 3. These projects reinforce Clariant’s presence in China and support the development and supply of next-generation additive solutions that the joint venture intends to progress.
Clariant announces joint venture for novel flame retardants with Fuhua. Photo: Clariant
