MUMBAI, India – Clariant has inaugurated its first Regional Innovation Center in India (RIC India). Located at Clariant’s headquarters in Navi Mumbai, the new facility will host approximately 100 technical employees in Chemical Research and Application Development. Research efforts will focus on surfactants, specialty polymers and functional chemicals.

The RIC bundles research, application development and analytical laboratories, critical business functions, and technical marketing under one roof. This will foster close collaboration with the regional customers, suppliers and scientific partners to identify the most relevant and attractive business opportunities.

“Innovation to meet the challenges and trends of regional and global markets is at the core of Clariant’s strategy. With its close proximity to regional customers, the RIC India will facilitate cross fertilization of ideas and accelerate Clariant’s innovation efforts toward delivering fast and tailor-made solutions,” said Christian Kohlpaintner, Member of Clariant Executive Committee.

To mark the inauguration, Clariant welcomed guests from industry, academic and research institutions to the new facility. Martin Vollmer, Chief Technology Officer of Clariant, gave an insight into the technology and innovation activities at Clariant, followed by an interactive session that focused on the emerging trends and needs of the Indian market.