NEWS


Lubrizol opens Asia Pacific hub


Thermoplastic polyure- thane and specialty chemical producer Lubrizol has inaugurated a new innovation centre at its Songjiang manufacturing site in Shanghai, China, to serve as an Asian Pacific hub for innovation and customer collaboration. The new facility enhances laboratory capabilities and focuses Lubrizol technical expertise on products for industries such as mobility, electronics, sports, per- sonal care, and healthcare. “More than an ad- vanced R&D facility, the centre is a collaborative platform designed to


enable cross-industry collaboration and break- through innovation,” said Henry Liu, Vice President, Asia Pacific, Lubrizol. At the inauguration,


Lubrizol introduced two new additions to its existing range: Tolerathane TPU for implantable medical devices, and a portfolio for pharmaceuti- cal applications. �www.lubrizol.com


Clariant wins approval for wax additives in EU


Clariant has EU Commission approval based on a EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) positive safety assessment for its renew- able rice bran wax additives in food-contact plastics. This authorisation covers the Licocare RBW 100-300 series, including Licocare RBW 360 Vita and RBW 560 Vita, authorising their use at up to 0.3% in PET, PLA and rigid PVC materials and articles intended for contact with non-fatty foods. “This authorisation opens significant opportunities for European manufacturers to transition to renewable alternatives while maintain-


ing full compliance with food safety regulations,” said Diederik Goyvaerts, Seg- ment Manager Additives. The approval comple-


ments existing food contact authorisations from the US FDA and the Japanese food


safety authority. The timing is said to be particularly significant as the industry faces mounting challenges with traditional montan wax supply, which is extracted from lignite coal deposits. �www.clariant.com


Celanese expands US tech centre


ETP producer Celanese has expanded its Michigan Technology Centre as part of a strategic move that strengthens its US footprint and advances its Engi- neered Materials 2026 growth strategy. The centre is designed to enable earlier customer


engagement, faster devel- opment cycles, and deeper integration of technology and expertise across the company’s materials portfolio. “The Michigan Technol-


ogy Centre represents a major step forward in our commitment to innovation


and the long-term growth of our EM business,” said Todd


Elliott, Senior Vice President, Engineered Materials. The expansion also


incorporates the relocation of the Santoprene TPV piloting operation from Houston, Texas. �www.celanese.com


Avient launches recycled PA compound series


Avient has launched the Nymax REC 6000 High Impact Series, an impact- modified, recycled polyamide line created for manufacturers seeking sustainable, high-performance materials. The new series, featuring 22 grades,


incorporate 42% to 93% post-industrial recycled (PIR) content and can help customers support circular economy


8 COMPOUNDING WORLD | March 2026


goals and lower product carbon footprint while maintaining perfor- mance on par with prime PA grades. “The Nymax REC High Impact


portfolio demonstrates our commit- ment to innovating and advancing sustainable material options that meet market demands,” said Hermann Fuechter, Senior Marketing & Product Manager, Specialty Engineered


Materials EMEA at Avient. The new series includes eight unfilled grades and 14 glass-fibre- reinforced grades with up to 30% glass fibre, while each grade offers tailored impact performance for a wide range with target applications across the automotive, building and construction, and consumer industries. �www.avient.com


www.compoundingworld.com


IMAGE: CLARIANT


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