Clariant has begun to use biologically derived succinic acid as a raw material in its quinacridone pigments, claiming it is the first pigment producer to use the ingredient in pigments.
Quinacridone pigments are typically deep red to violet and have high resistance to color fading and weathering. Their high performance is exploited in plastics and other applications.
Clariant, based in Muttenz, Switzerland, is using bio-succinic acid as a replacement for its fossil fuel-derived counterpart in a portion of its quinacridone production this year. Clariant says use of the bio-acid reduces the environmental footprint of the pigment without affecting quality.
Clariant is sourcing the acid from Myriant Corp. of Quincy, Mass., which makes the bio-acid in Lake Providence, La. Myriant also supplies the bio-acid to other companies for end-uses such as polyols and non-phthalate plasticizer production.
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