Clariant: New Chinese Joint Venture for Phosphorus Pentoxide Production

19-Mar-2009 - China

In order to secure supply and meet the growing demand for phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5), Clariant is establishing a joint venture with two Chinese partners in Kunming in the Chinese province of Yunnan. A state-of-the-art phosphorus pentoxide plant will be built and is scheduled to go on stream in the first Quarter 2010, according to the company.

For Clariant’s Pigments & Additives Division, P2O5 is a crucial ingredient in several of its products. Exolit®AP, a range of pioneering flame retardants for intumescent coating systems, is a major user of P2O5, with a large, increasing demand in Asia, Europe, and the United States.

P2O5 is also a major component in the manufacture of quinacridone pigments and in other multifunctional additives, such as Hordaphos®. Other important markets for P2O5 are the agro and vitamin-producing industries.

The growing market for P2O5 and its downstream products cannot be served adequately by Clariant’s P2O5 production out of its facility in Knapsack, Germany. Yunnan Province is a key location for yellow phosphorus production, which is the feedstock for P2O5.

Clariant’s joint venture partners are Kunming GaoHeng Huagong Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., an Chinese exporter of yellow phosphorus that will provide the key raw material and the infrastructure, and Panchem International Trading and Industrial Co., a long-term partner of Clariant that will provide the logistic services. Clariant will contribute the manufacturing know-how and handle the sales of P2O5 from the new plant, through its international sales organization.

The new joint venture is part of Clariant’s continuing expansion in Asia. The new facility in Kunming will allow the company to establish a secure and economical supply of P2O5.

https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/98518/clariant-new-chinese-joint-venture-for-phosphorus-pentoxide-production.html