The R&D centre is expected to start operations in 2015, with the goal of developing catalytic solutions tailored to Chinese market requirements and enhancing technical service support to Chinese customers.

Clariant has already established a technology position on catalysts for coal to chemicals applications through decades of R&D efforts and collaboration with its process technology partners.

For example, the world’s first two coal-to-propylene complexes started up with Clariant’s methanol-to-propylene and methanol synthesis catalysts.

Clariant has been serving the Chinese market through locally produced coal to methanol catalysts since 2011.

The company is also one of the main suppliers of catalysts for coal to ammonia conversion.

The China R&D centre will also develop catalysts for selected base metal hydrogenation applications for the fast growing specialty chemicals industry in China.

Besides R&D and technical services, the centre will provide support to Clariant’s catalyst production sites in the country.

Clariant BU Catalysts senior vice-president Stefan Heuser said the decision to create a major catalysts R&D centre in Shanghai reflected the company’s dedication to the market.