Latin America
by Charles W. Thurston
Latin America Correspondent
thurstoncw@rodmanmedia.com
Clariant is investing in new capac- ity for water-based pigments in Mexico, with an expected fourth-quarter start-up for a new plant.
“With the new production plant
in Santa Clara, Clariant Mexico will
double annual production capacity for
water-based pigment preparations,” said
Gisleine Souza, head of BU Pigments
Latin America. “The demand for water-
based pigments and pigment prepara-
tions has been increasing significantly in
the last few years.”
The size of the Latin American mar-
ket for water-based pigments is an elusive
figure. “Actually, it is not an easy task to
define the market size for water-based
pigments due to the diversity of applica-
tions in many industries. However, we
can say that Latin America is considered
a strategic market for Clariant due to its
growth potential,” Souza allowed. “Our
company has been exploring new busi-
ness opportunities on a regular basis to
provide innovative solutions to attend
our customers and potential customers‘
needs,” she added.
While the new line is in Mexico,
which frequently is dedicated to U.S.
demand, this operation will play a hemispheric role. “This capacity increase
will enable Clariant to improve support
for North and Latin America’s current
and emerging market segments, including decorative coatings, non-impact and
flexo printing, industrial coatings, and
specialties like home care, personal care
and stationery,” Souza said.
This investment is only the latest in a
string of strategic developments by the
company across Latin America. “Clariant
has a strong footprint in Latin America
for all its business units, with produc-
tion plants, laboratories and sales offices
in strategic markets, covering more than
eight countries,” Souza said. “Specifically
for pigment preparations, Clariant has
production plants in Brazil, Mexico,
Argentina and Chile, to provide solutions
for the whole region.”
The cumulative capacity positions the
company well for the growing regional
consumer base for water-soluble pig-
ments. “Clariant is one of the leaders in
the pigment and pigment preparations
market in Latin America due to its strong
expertise, production capabilities, techni-
cal services and support,” Souza said.
One requirement for growth in this segment is technological support for the customer, Souza explained. “Sustainability is
gaining more and more importance in the
overall markets, including inks, paints and
coatings industries. Therefore, Clariant has
been supporting several customers in their
growth projects with tailor made solutions
based on the company technology and
know-how.”
Among other water-based pigments
manufacturers in Mexico, Canada’s
InterStar makes products in Mexico
City for concrete coloration as well as
acrylic sealants for concrete. Lanxess
and Eckart also are active in the market,
as is Evonik, which has five locations in
the country. CW
Clariant Doubles Pigment Capacity in Mexico
Photo courtesy of Clariant.
