27 May 2026

Clariant's FAMAX^™ catalysts deliver outstanding performance at two Yihua formaldehyde plants in China

Clariant's FAMAX catalysts enable successful start-up and operation of 100 kt/a and 120 kt/a formaldehyde plants in two world-scale Pentaerythritol production bases in Inner Mongolia and Hubei province, China
Clariant's FAMAX catalyst technology supports Yihua Group as a leading pentaerythritol producer with major 70 kt/a capacity
Strategic partnership with Wuxi Xiyuan Engineering demonstrates continued success of integrated process technology and catalyst solutions in China's mega-projects

MUTTENZ, May 27, 2026 - Clariant, a sustainability-focused specialty chemical company, today announced the successful operation of its FAMAX formaldehyde catalysts at two world-scale production facilities operated by Yihua Group in China. The advanced catalyst technology, integrated with process technology from engineering partner Wuxi Xiyuan Engineering Technology Co., Ltd., is delivering exceptional performance at both the major 100 kt/a formaldehyde plant in Inner Mongolia and the 120 kt/a formaldehyde plant in Hubei province.

The Inner Mongolia facility successfully started up in March 2026, while the Hubei unit was commissioned in November 2025. Both large-scale iron-molybdenum formaldehyde plants supply high-quality feedstock to downstream the world-scale pentaerythritol production units, reinforcing Yihua Group's position as a leading global pentaerythritol producer.

Clariant's FAMAX catalysts enable both facilities to achieve superior operational efficiency through significantly reduced energy consumption, higher plant productivity, and improved product quality. The catalyst's innovative design delivers 10-15% reduced pressure drop, while the advanced chemical composition improves low temperature activity, resulting in higher formaldehyde yields and extended catalyst lifetime.

"We are extremely satisfied with the outstanding performance of Clariant's FAMAX catalysts and Wuxi Xiyuan’s technology at both our major facilities," said Lulu Zhu，Project Manager from Yihua Group. "The technology has enabled us to achieve our ambitious production targets efficiently while maintaining high-quality formaldehyde feedstock essential for our pentaerythritol manufacturing. This highly successful collaboration strengthens our confidence in continuing to work with Clariant and Wuxi Xiyuan for future world-scale projects."

Nora Schiefenhoevel, Vice President and Head of Clariant Specialty Catalysts, commented: "These two major projects with Yihua Group demonstrate the proven value of our FAMAX catalyst technology in formaldehyde production. We are proud to support Yihua's strategic growth as a leading global pentaerythritol producer. Our continued partnership with Wuxi Xiyuan exemplifies how integrated technology solutions create exceptional value for China's mega-projects."

Clariant's FAMAX catalysts are designed specifically for iron-molybdenum formaldehyde production. The catalyst's special shape design reduces pressure drop and enables potential capital cost reduction through optimized reactor configurations. The advanced chemical composition provides improved low temperature activity, allowing operation at reduced cooling medium temperatures while maintaining lower hotspot temperatures. This contributes to higher reaction selectivity and reduced by-product formation, supporting improved formaldehyde quality. Building on decades of experience in formaldehyde catalyst technology, Clariant continues to advance iron-molybdenum based formaldehyde production throughout the region.

Clariant’s high-performance EnviCat^™ emission control catalyst was also selected for the off-gas treatment of the two formaldehyde plants. The catalyst effectively removes harmful VOCs with an exceptional conversion efficiency of up to 99% and even beyond, while operating up to 400°C low temperatures. This greatly reduces fuel consumption and stress on equipment, resulting in significant economic, operational and safety advantages for producers.

Learn more about Clariant’s FAMAX catalysts and EnviCat emission control catalysts.

^™ ARE TRADEMARKS OF CLARIANT.

Reader enquiries

Clariant International Ltd
Rothausstrasse 61
4132 Muttenz 1
Switzerland

ClariantInternational

clariant_international

Notes for editors

www.clariant.com

Clariant is a focused specialty chemical company led by the overarching purpose of “Greater chemistry – between people and planet.” By connecting customer focus, innovation, and people, the company creates solutions to foster sustainability in different industries. On 31 December 2025, Clariant totaled a staff number of 10 281 and recorded sales of CHF 3.915 billion in the fiscal year. Since January 2023, the Group conducts its business through the three Business Units Care Chemicals, Catalysts, and Adsorbents & Additives. Clariant is based in Switzerland.

www.clariant.com/catalysts

Building on a 165-year history, Clariant Catalysts is a global and independent manufacturer of energy-efficient catalyst technologies shaping a sustainable future for the chemical industry. We create greater chemistry – between people and planet – by helping to decarbonize our customers’ production processes and scaling up the transition toward zero-emission chemicals and fuels. Through our exceptional R&D and established expertise, our broad portfolio of catalysts and adsorbents provides innovative solutions that range from the oil and gas to the plastic sectors. With more than 2 000 employees at 31 locations, our high-performing teams collaborate with partners and customers across our global footprint.

The products described herein are for formaldehyde and emissions control use only. This media release may be accessible from various countries around the world and hence it may contain statements or product classifications not applicable to your country. Statements contained herein may not be applicable to products regulated by the US FDA or Health Canada.

This information corresponds to the present state of our knowledge and is intended as a general description of our products and their possible applications. Any user of this product is responsible for determining the suitability of Clariant´s products for its particular application.

NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY IS MADE OF THE MERCHANTABILITY, SUITABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR OTHERWISE OF ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE.

Related images

Milestone achieved: The 100,000 t/a formaldehyde plant in Inner Mongolia, part of Yihua Group's expanding production network, successfully started up in March 2026 — powered by Clariant FAMAX catalysts in partnership with Wuxi Xiyuan Engineering Technology.
© Yihua Group

CLAPR2018a