The value of transparency across the entire value chain

Clariant appreciates companies that are reliable - it's good to know the products the company use are safe and made with care. It says, "At Clariant, we think transparency fosters trust. When customers truly know our products and how we make them, they can confidently choose sustainable solutions."

Clariant's sustainable PFAS-free waxes are a good example. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) has raised questions over its long-term environmental impact. As one of the leaders in specialty chemicals, the company saw a chance to innovate. Its R&D team has created wax alternatives that perform as well as PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) without using problematic materials.

Next-gen innovation: Safe, sustainable and compliant

For example fossil-based waxes such as Ceridust 3620, Ceridust 3030 and its bio-based Ceridust 8330 impact various players across manufacturing value chains:

1. Printers and ink suppliers can adopt PFAS-free solutions to address rising customer demand for safe products. This allows them to maintain efficiency while proactively reducing potential regulatory and reputational risks.

2. Manufacturers across industries can integrate Clariant's materials into their production processes for increased sustainability without sacrificing quality or performance.

3. Brand owners can meet consumer preference for eco-conscious brands by choosing partners who utilize PFAS-free solutions. This allows them to stay ahead of market trends.

4. In the end, consumers enjoy products that are more advanced and have less environmental impact, while still delivering exceptional results.

Innovation and sustainability go hand in hand

Clariant's PFAS-free solutions showcase how innovation and sustainability go hand in hand when stakeholders collaborate across the value chain by prioritizing transparency and encouraging open communication. Such a collaboration drives innovation and enables the company to continuously improve and expand its range of sustainable solutions for consumers. Therefore, Clariant proactively develops replacements for PTFE that reduce environmental risks, while maintaining and often improving efficiency, e.g. by creating additional PTFE-free grades to meet its customers' needs.

Clariant now offer a variety of PFAS-free products accompanied by comprehensive background information, including documentation about product carbon footprint data and sourcing. This empowers customers along the entire value chain to make informed choices that align with their sustainability goals.

Spirit of transparency for a brighter collective future

“Information has the power to transform perspectives and redirect dialogues. Through collaboration and openness across value chains, we aim to empower customers to move entire industries forward towards a more sustainable future, free from PFAS,” stated Ray Gonzales, head of Global Marketing Coatings & Adhesives.

Clariant’s commitment to transparency and sustainability extends beyond simply offering PFAS-free alternatives. These innovative products represent a significant step towards a future where specialty chemicals align with societal needs as end consumers increasingly seek transparency in product ingredients, manufacturing processes, and supply chains. They value companies that are open and honest about their practices and strive to meet ethical standards. Offering detailed information about PFAS-free alternatives aligns with this need. Through open communication and collaboration across the entire value chain, Clariant is building a brighter collective future for the environment and our communities.

What is PFAS and PTFE?

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a common fluoropolymer used in many industries. Not currently directly regulated, it is being impacted by its reported relationship with a group of chemicals known as poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in particular perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which are subject to increasing regulations and often dubbed as “forever chemicals” because of their persistence.