9 May 2016

Clariant’s R&D alliance with TUM, MuniCat, relocates to state-of-the-art Catalysis Research Center

Technical University of Munich (TUM) inaugurates new building for its Catalysis Research Center (CRC)
MuniCat, the Munich catalysis research alliance between Clariant and TUM relocates to the new premises
TUM has created more than 75 state-of-the-art chemistry and physics research labs

Munich, May 9, 2016 – Clariant congratulates the Technical University of Munich (TUM) on the inauguration of a new building for its Catalysis Research Center (CRC). The CRC is home to MuniCat, the Munich catalysis research alliance between TUM and the specialty chemicals company Clariant. Clariant’s Catalysts business unit is a leading global developer and producer of catalysts for industrial processes.

MuniCat follows an "industry on campus" approach: TUM scientists and Clariant researchers work together to resolve questions of fundamental and applied research in chemical catalysis. Since its inception in 2010, more than 50 PhD, master’s and bachelor’s students have worked on ten successful MuniCat research projects.

The new CRC building is dedicated entirely to research work. Comprising more than 75 state-of-the-art chemistry and physics laboratories, the venue is designed to facilitate collaboration among the 19 CRC research teams, which represent complementary aspects of catalyst studies, from theory and development to technological application.

The facility is one of the largest research centers at TUM, located adjacent to the university’s chemistry department in Garching, near Munich, Germany. Supported by grants from the German and Bavarian governments, TUM has invested 84.5 million euros into the construction of the world-class facility.

Stefan Heuser, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Business Unit Catalysts at Clariant, stated: “MuniCat, Clariant’s strategic partnership with the Technical University of Munich, plays a vital role in our technical catalysis research. We look forward to further joint scientific successes in the new Catalysis Research Center.”

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Notes for editors

www.clariant.com

Clariant is a globally leading specialty chemicals company, based in Muttenz near Basel/Switzerland. On 31 December 2015 the company employed a total workforce of 17’213. In the financial year 2015, Clariant recorded sales of CHF 5.807 billion for its continuing businesses. The company reports in four business areas: Care Chemicals, Catalysis, Natural Resources, and Plastics & Coatings. Clariant’s corporate strategy is based on five pillars: increase profitability, reposition portfolio, add value with sustainability, foster innovation and R&D, and intensify growth.

www.tum.de/en

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is among the top European universities in international rankings, and one of the first universities in Germany to be named a “University of Excellence”. It is committed to the highest standards in research and teaching, interdisciplinary education and the active promotion of promising young scientists. The university also forges strong partnerships with companies and scientific institutions across the globe.

www.clariant.com/catalysts

Clariant’s Catalysts business unit is a leading global developer and producer of catalysts for industrial processes. It has been part of the Catalysis business area of the Clariant Group since the acquisition of Süd-Chemie in 2011. Clariant Catalysts is headquartered in Munich, Germany, and has a total of 18 production sites, 14 sales offices, and 12 R&D and Technical centers around the world. Approximately 1 750 employees serve customers across all regional markets. Aimed at delivering sustainable value to customers, Clariant’s catalysts and adsorbents are designed to increase production throughput, lower energy consumption, and reduce hazardous emissions from industrial processes. The broad portfolio also includes products that enable the use of alternative feedstock for chemical and fuel production.

www.munich-catalysis.tum.de

Founded in 2010, MuniCat (“Munich Catalysis”) is a strategic alliance between the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the specialty chemicals company Clariant. The collaboration focuses on the investigation and application of innovative catalyst systems, and promotes the development of sustainable technologies.