Clariant reported that its catalytic technologies enabled a reduction of 45 million tons of CO2e emissions in 2025, a figure that exceeds the previous year’s result by 5 million tons. The company highlighted that this progress is due to the growth of industrial applications focused on decarbonization and the transition to lower-carbon processes.
The Swiss company explained that a large part of these reductions come from catalysts used in the production of direct reduced iron (DRI), the removal of nitrous oxide in nitric acid plants and the manufacture of green methanol using renewable hydrogen or biological raw materials.
Catalysts for high-emission industries
The industrial sector continues to face significant challenges in reducing its environmental impact. In this context, Clariant noted that its solutions are being used in complex processes where greenhouse gas emissions are typically high.
Among the most relevant applications are reforming catalysts for DRI production. This process allows the manufacture of steel with approximately 50% lower CO2 intensity compared to conventional blast furnace-based methods.
The company also indicated that its catalysts for purifying waste gases are helping refineries and crude oil and chemical complexes reduce their environmental footprint through more efficient emissions management.
Green methanol gains prominence in the energy transition
Clariant also highlighted the growth of green methanol projects as part of the global energy transition. Two commercial initiatives using the company’s catalytic technologies became operational last year.
One of the projects is European Energy’s e-methanol plant, which transforms biogenic CO2 into green hydrogen using MegaMax™ catalysts. The second project belongs to Shanghai Electric and uses agricultural waste to produce bio-methanol on an industrial scale.
According to the company, both developments demonstrate that sustainable methanol production can now be implemented commercially in large volumes and with economic viability.
Clariant is committed to low-carbon technologies
Jens Cuntze, president of Clariant Catalysts, stated that the company maintains its focus on solutions for industries that are difficult to decarbonize through continuous technological innovation.
Richard Haldimann, the company’s director of strategy and technology, noted that collaboration between industrial producers and technology providers will be crucial to accelerating global climate goals.
The company also reiterated that it will continue to expand its portfolio of technologies to support the decarbonization of the chemical, petrochemical, and fuel industries. This strategy is part of its corporate approach focused on promoting sustainable solutions for both industry and the environment.
Source and photo: Clariant