Clariants new VAMax catalysts improve the economics of the Vinyl Acetate Monomer production process

• Vinyl-Acetate Monomer (VAM) is a key component for polymer and co-polymer derivatives
• Clariant's new, high activity VAMax™-series of catalysts have proven commercially effective
• VAMax catalysts can help high volume producers increase yields using existing production equipment

Munich, August 25, 2015 – Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, announced today the successful expansion of its selective oxidation catalyst portfolio with its new VAMax™ -series catalysts, which offers high-activity for Vinyl-Acetate Monomer (VAM) producers.

VAM is produced by reacting ethylene and acetic acid with oxygen in the presence of a catalyst. It is an essential building block for various polymer and co-polymer derivatives, which find broad applications in the manufacture of paints, adhesives and performance plastics for the automotive and construction industries. Global VAM consumption is expected to reach nearly 8-million tons by 2020, growing at a CAGR of +4.4%*.

Clariant's VAMax series of catalysts have demonstrated consistent and outstanding performance in commercial scale production of VAM over extended run-lengths. An attractive aspect of VAMax is its high activity characteristic. This can allow a VAM producer seeking to increase production to achieve higher yields on the basis of the same scale of production equipment. In consequence, this makes new plant projects more attractive by helping reduce the specific investment amount required per metric tonne of VAM capacity. Clariant's high activity catalysts can further be a viable option for de-bottlenecking existing VAM plants, as well.

Catalysts within the VAMax series can be matched to meet the specific requirements of diverse VAM plants. Because of this, Clariant can work with VAM producers to find the most suitable catalyst solution depending upon their economic and technical needs.

Stefan Heuser, Senior Vice President & General Manager BU Catalysts, Clariant, stated: "Our new VAMax product line gives our VAM producing customers new options to increase production without added infrastructure expense."

*Grand View Research, "Global Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM) Market Analysis And Segment Forecasts To 2020," January 2015