Sep 6 2012
Swiss specialty chemicals group Clariant entered into a partnership agreement with Emerald Technology Ventures. Clariant will closely work with Emerald in order to identify opportunities to invest in or cooperate with technology companies active in the area of cleantech.
The cleantech sector is a fast growing segment driven by the need for specialty chemicals, e.g. new catalysts to improve process efficiency, advanced materials for the reduction of energy consumption, materials using renewable feedstocks, new energy storage and energy generation technologies. Those needs for “green” and sustainable products and technologies will have a significant impact on the chemical industry and the respective value chains. “Innovation is a key driver of profitable growth at Clariant. The partnership with Emerald is a further step in the implementation of this strategy. It will significantly support our move towards sustainable innovations in cleantech markets“, said Christian Kohlpaintner, Member of the Executive Committee.
“We are glad to enter the collaboration with Emerald as our first venture partner. Emerald’s management team has an excellent track record of a 10 year investment history in the cleantech sector. We are looking forward to a fruitful collaboration with Emerald” said Martin Vollmer, Clariants Chief Technology Officer and responsible for New Business Development.
About Clariant
Clariant is an internationally active specialty chemical company, based in Muttenz near Basel. The group owns over 100 companies worldwide and employed 22 149 employees on December 31, 2011. In the financial year 2011, Clariant recorded a turnover of around CHF 7.4 billion. Clariant is divided into eleven business units: Additives; Catalysis & Energy; Emulsions, Detergents & Intermediates; Functional Materials; Industrial & Consumer Specialties; Leather Services; Masterbatches; Oil & Mining Services; Paper Specialties; Pigments; Textile Chemicals. Clariant focuses on creating value by investing in future profitable and sustainable growth, which is based on four strategic pillars: Improving profitability, innovation as well as research and development, dynamic growth in emerging markets, and optimizing the portfolio through complementary acquisitions or divestments.