The company was awarded “Best Catalyst Technology” for its chromium-free HySat catalyst platform used in hydrogenation processes. It also shared the “Best Petrochemical Technology” prize with partner Linde Engineering for their jointly developed EDHOX Technology. Additionally, Clariant was named a finalist in two categories: “Best Catalyst Technology” for its StyroMax UL-100 catalysts and “Best Health, Safety or Environmental Contribution (Upstream)” for its VIVAZ services.
Jens Cuntze, President of Clariant Catalysts, commented: “We are truly honored to have received this valued recognition amongst more than 500 submissions from highly respected peers. We owe this incredible achievement to the dedication of our teams. It is also a testament to Clariant’s commitment to developing innovative, sustainable catalyst solutions that address critical industry challenges. Both Cr-free HySat catalysts and EDHOX Technology demonstrate how cutting-edge chemistry can simultaneously improve performance, contribute to sustainability and create commercial value for our customers.”
The HySat chromium-free catalyst series eliminates the use of hexavalent chromium, a substance classified as highly concerning under REACH regulations. It delivers performance equal to or better than traditional catalysts across applications including oxo-alcohol and fatty alcohol production as well as SMPO processes. Available in tablet and powder forms, the catalyst integrates seamlessly into existing plants without requiring equipment modifications. Commercial installations and repeat orders have confirmed its reliability and operational benefits.
The EDHOX Technology, co-developed with Linde, enables the direct conversion of ethane and oxygen into polymer-grade ethylene and glacial acetic acid in a single electrified process step. Operating below 400°C under moderate pressure, the process uses Clariant’s proprietary OxyMax E catalyst in a multi-tube reactor cooled by molten salt. This design achieves high selectivity, significantly reduces energy consumption by up to 70 percent, and lowers direct CO? emissions by at least 60 percent compared with conventional routes. Process CO? is captured in purified form suitable for further utilization. The technology offers lower capital and operating costs, improved safety, and greater carbon efficiency, making it suitable for new plants, retrofits, and integration with downstream units producing vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), purified terephthalic acid (PTA), or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).
The awards recognize Clariant’s ongoing efforts to provide advanced, sustainable catalyst and process solutions that support the chemical and petrochemical industries in achieving higher efficiency, enhanced environmental performance, and long-term operational value.
