Swiss-based Clariant International Ltd., announced the start-up of additional capacity for phosphate esters (P-Esters) at its plant in Gendorf, Germany, to extend existing production at its Knapsack facility.

The new capacity at Gendorf enables Clariant to support global demand from customers in the market segment industrial lubricants, as well as in the paints & coatings, crop solutions and personal care segments. The investment also creates opportunities for Clariant to extend its portfolio with innovative developments for emerging application areas, the company said.

Phosphate esters enhance the performance of a wide range of industrial and consumer applications through their use as emulsifiers, wetting and dispersing agents, antistatic agents and as extreme pressure/antiwear additives for metalworking fluids.

“Production of phosphate esters at the BU ICS site at Gendorf will improve their global availability for our customers. P-Esters are also versatile ingredients, allowing new product developments that further enhance our portfolio. In particular, the new capacity supports our broader strategy to become a solution provider for dispersing agents in the Paints & Coatings sector,” said Clariant’s Head of Sales Industrial Applications EMEA Alexander Snell.