Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence

Clariant, an International manufacturer of speciality chemicals based in Selby, is facing increased competition from the Far East, coupled with escalating costs of the petrochemically-derived raw material used in their key high performance plastics product. Clariant approached the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence to carry outa detailed study of the company's manufacturing process to access its environmental acceptability and efficiency, alongside an extensive review of currently available technologies which could improve the manufacturing process.

Whilst the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence's research showed the overall manufacturing process to be relatively efficient, it also highlighted potential for improvement. The overall report produced by the Centre offers Clariant a wide range of potential options for development. These range from minor alterations that could improve the efficiency of processes, to more blue sky thinking surrounding the use of alternative feedstocks, which could reduce the company's future reliance on petrochemically-derived materials.

The potential of these alternative feedstocks to impact upon the potential future expansion of the Selby site has led to a further three year collaborative project being instigated between the company and the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence.

For further information visit:
www.clariant.co.uk
www.greenchemistry.net

Benefits of working with the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence:

• Verified the current process as the best method at present
• Enabled a thorough review of existing technology
• Highlighted potential of prospective, sustainable technologies
• Identified process improvements to improve productivity