Nitin Sharma, CEO and General Manager, Clariant IGL Specialty Chemicals (CISC), explains how they are leading the charge in sustainable chemical solutions with its innovative bio-based ethylene oxide derivatives and surfactants.

India is poised to become one of the largest markets for specialty chemicals. With its bio-based ethylene oxide derivatives and surfactants. Clariant IGL Specialty Chemicals (CISC), a Clariant joint venture, is well-positioned to serve a diverse range of market segments, including construction, the cement industry, crop solutions, personal care and home care, paints and coatings, industrial lubricants, textiles and pharmaceuticals.

At CISC, we are well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of the domestic market, supported by our robust local presence. One of the company’s key competitive advantages is its manufacturing base in Kashipur, Uttarakhand. This multipurpose production facility offers an alkoxylation plant for renewable bioethylene oxide.

As our climate gives us increasing and alarming signals of change, individuals and industries are looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprints, and the demand for bio-based chemicals is set to grow strongly in the coming years.

In several applications, the use of petrochemicals and fossil carbon remains a significant issue. The transition to bio-based carbon chemistry represents a significant challenge for manufacturers.

To support this demand CISC has an on-site R&D facility to support customers with innovative, more sustainable, and tailor-made solutions. CISC uses 100 per cent bio-ethanol derived from sugar cane or corn to create the ethylene oxide for its innovative new surfactants and PEGs. The bio-based material is fully segregated along the value chain from the field to the final consumer product.

CISC introduced its VITA product range to the markets in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, and customers in Europe, the US and South Asian markets. The portfolio offers innovative and sustainable solutions to this challenge as the range of 100 per cent bio-based surfactants and ethoxylated derivatives supports carbon footprint reduction in multiple market segments including the cement industry.

Importantly, in addition to setting the standard in a more sustainable production, these solutions are chemically equivalent to Clariant’s fossil versions, offering the same performance and efficiency to formulators and brand owners. Customers can currently benefit from more than 70 bio-based products, and the range will continue to be expanded to meet evolving market needs.

About the author:
Nitin Sharma, CEO and General Manager, Clariant IGL Speciality Chemicals (CISC), has over 18 years of experience in diverse industries and handling different product portfolios.