Clariant and Omya to partner for aluminium finishing market

Swiss specialty chemicals firm Clariant has entered into an exclusive partnership with Omya for the European aluminium finishing market. As per the deal, Clariant will dedicate its aluminium laboratory capacity for key developments in its performance- and process-boosting product range for consumer goods, cosmetics, automotive, sport, and architectural market segments, as well as general technical recommendations and performance reviews. Omya is focusing primarily on marketing and customer support, with a dedicated team of experts backed-up by a state-of-the-art aluminium technical service with excellent anodising laboratory facilities which are also used for client training.

Andreas van Baerle, Head of Sales Aluminum Finishing for Omya, said, “We have built extensive experience in supporting the anodised aluminium market and thanks to this unique cooperation we are able to offer our customers top dyes and chemicals manufactured with high quality standards combined with a professional after sales service. Clariant and Omya together make our customers sense the difference.”

Clariant reports that demand for its range of dyes, colourants and process chemicals designed to improve the sustainability and aesthetics performance of anodised aluminium finishing, is currently outpacing supply. The company has expanded its aluminium dyes and chemicals facility in Muttenz, Switzerland by 40% since 2012 – and investment is scheduled to continue as Clariant upgrades its facility to meet full environmental and REACH compliance. At present, Clariant is establishing REACH registration for the aluminium product range, well ahead of the deadline of May 2018.