CLARIANT
232 is good for the business . “ 2019 was the year where sustainability became a real topic for our customers ,” says Hansen . “ In the years before , it was often a final , courtesy agenda point at customer meetings . Now , it is more often than not the first and primary agenda point .” There is huge pressure on the plastics industry from governments , consumers and NGOs . “ Topics like the circular economy , recycled polymers and the whole issue of ocean plastic waste are very high on everybody ’ s agenda ,” Hansen explains . “ This is our opportunity . We have the capabilities and solutions to help our customers .”
Clariant backs up these words with actions . Specific projects undertaken in the sustainability space include looking into achieving more consistent colours with recycled polymers , as well as building sustainability options such as recyclability and compostability into its InstaColr app to help customers make informed decisions . Clariant is also piloting a recycling plant in Italy known as CycleWorks , as Hansen explains : “ That plant is , for example , doing extensive testing on how colourants and additives impact the recyclability of plastics . This
again allows us to help our customers very specifically on how to improve the sustainability of their products .
Developing and implementing digital solutions in a traditional manufacturing company is not an easy journey . Clariant Masterbatches spent considerable effort in building up its in-house Digital Innovation Center team . “ Initially , candidates are skeptical , as our environment is very different from that of , for example , an IT company . What in the end attracts and continues to excite people ,
APRIL 2020