Clariant Masterbatches demonstrates commitment to innovation by launching first Project House
Muttenz, November 27, 2013 - Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, has announced that its Business Unit Masterbatches is to open its first Project House in November 2013 as part of its strategy to build the next level of innovation.
The Project House is a 400m2 facility in Pogliano, Italy, which will house chemists and technicians as well as equipment, such as extrusion machinery and analytical equipment. Its key objective is to pursue breakthrough concepts and solutions in Masterbatches products and processes. The Project House represents an investment of approximately 2 million euro.
Through this initiative Clariant is able to co-locate industry know-how and connect teams of experts from around the world. The Project House identifies strategic areas and brings together interdisciplinary, cross-functional teams of scientists, technologists, marketers, academics, and suppliers to exchange expertise and explore emerging technologies and advanced concepts that can lead market innovation. The initial focus will be on "what’s next" in Functional Packaging with its sub-segments Food & Beverages, Personal Care, and Household & Cleaning. The key objective is to provide competitive advantage for customers through differentiation and speed-to-market.
To help design customized innovation networks and enable meaningful connections, the Project House will be fully integrated with Clariant’s Masterbatches activities globally and has strong interfaces with the Clariant organization, including other Business Units, R&D and the company’s brand-new Innovation Center (CIC) in Frankfurt.
Introducing the Project House concept, Hans Bohnen, Head of Clariant’s Business Unit Masterbatches, said: "Clariant Masterbatches’ stated objective is to build the next level of innovation. To do this effectively, the company actively engages in long-term projects and breakthrough developments; partnering with customers, suppliers, leading institutes and universities to make sure promising ideas reach market maturity and are converted into real value for customers. The Project House is our Masterbatches division’s brand-new approach to Innovation."
Clariant has an extremely broad range of color and additive masterbatches. The company’s expertise extends across the dozens of polymers used in today’s – and tomorrow’s – packaging. Clariant masterbatches are used in bottles, microwaveable trays, biodegradable food containers, multi-layer laminate, active packaging, durable industrial drums, and tear-resistant shrink wrap.
"However," says Hans Bohnen, "we recognize that Clariant needs to reach beyond its current portfolio in order to create maximum value and address the significant unmet customer and market needs that exist. We are committed to generating cutting-edge products, processes and services that ensure the sustainability of the Masterbatches innovation pipeline." He added: "Through the Project House, we can effectively address relevant customers’ needs in global markets throughout the value chain."
The company is currently planning its second Project House, to be located outside of Europe. It will focus on a different strategic field, beyond functional packaging.
