The value of transparency across the entire value chain
Delivering on Clariant's purpose »Greater chemistry - between people and planet.«
This story is an example of how Clariant delivers on its purpose-led strategy.
We appreciate companies that are reliable - it's good to know the products we use are safe and made with care. At Clariant, we think transparency fosters trust. When customers truly know our products and how we make them, they can confidently choose sustainable solutions.
Our 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, we saw a chance to innovate. Our 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 our bio-based Ceridust® 8330 impact various players across manufacturing value chains:
- 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.
- Manufacturers across industries can integrate our materials into their production processes for increased sustainability without sacrificing quality or performance.
- 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.
- In the end, consumers enjoy products that are more advanced and have less environmental impact, while still delivering exceptional results.
Clariant’s bio-based waxes are 100% free from PFAS and PTFE
Innovation and sustainability go hand in hand
Our 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 us to continuously improve and expand our 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 our customers' needs.
We 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.«
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, we're building a brighter collective future for the environment and our communities.
Clariant and NAPIM team up to drive transition towards sustainable
Listen to Ray Gonzales, Clariant’s Head of Marketing Coating & Adhesives, and George Fuchs, NAPIM’s Director Regulatory Affairs and Technology, to learn more about:
- How the push towards PTFE-free solutions impacts printers, manufacturers, ink suppliers, brand owners, and end customers.
- How innovative and better-performing alternatives of PTFE and PFAS are already available on the market, and how sustainability and high performance can go hand-in-hand thanks to collaborative efforts across the value chain.
- How Clariant proactively develops replacements for PTFE that reduce the health and environmental risks, while maintaining and improving efficiency.
Tune in and learn more about complex challenges and collaborative efforts that push the printing inks industry forward.
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.