Finland’s Neste and Switzerland’s Clariant join forces to develop sustainable industrial solutions

Neste, the world’s leading provider of sustainable renewable diesel and an expert in delivering drop-in renewable chemical solutions based in Finland, and Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals based in Switzerland, have signed an agreement for a new partnership to join forces in developing and making new sustainable material solutions accessible to a variety of industries.

In the first phase of the partnership, companies will start replacing fossil-based ethylene and propylene used in Clariant’s top-quality hot-melt adhesives, with monomers derived from renewable feedstock. This is enabled by turning Neste’s renewable hydrocarbons – produced 100% from renewable raw materials, such as waste and residue fats and oils as well as vegetable oils – into ethylene and propylene for Clariant’s products.

In a later phase, the companies will also develop other sustainable additive solutions derived from renewable raw materials for plastics and coatings applications. This will enable the two companies to help various sustainability-focused brand owners – such as those producing furniture, sporting goods, hygiene products, electronics, and automotive – to increase their bio-based offering while also reducing crude oil dependency and climate emissions.

“We are proud to join forces with Clariant, one of the most innovative players in the specialty chemicals industry. The collaboration marks an essential step forward in Neste’s quest to become a preferred partner as a provider of sustainable chemicals solutions for forerunner brands,” says Peter Vanacker, president & CEO from Neste.

“Combining Clariant’s in-depth know-how in the varying applications of adhesives, plastics, and coatings, with Neste’s extensive knowledge and experience in working with bio-based materials to produce a variety of drop-in renewable solutions, enables both companies to develop their sustainable material offering to provide maximum added value not only to sustainable brands in varying industries but also to their customers,” Vanacker adds.

“For the society, our environment, and future generations, it is our responsibility to improve sustainability performance and reduce our carbon footprint and dependency on crude oil. As a result of Clariant’s partnership with Neste, we can progress our goal to become a truly sustainable solution provider in the additive market, offering our customers products and solutions that can make a positive contribution towards their targets and enhance end applications,” says Gloria Glang, vice president, head of Global Advanced Surface Solutions Business at Clariant.