Clariant has announced the successful deployment of its FAMAX formaldehyde catalyst technology at two large-scale production facilities operated by Yihua Group in China.

 

This marks a significant step forward in the company's high-efficiency industrial formaldehyde manufacturing.

 

The installations—located in Inner Mongolia and Hubei province—are among the latest world-scale iron-molybdenum formaldehyde plants integrated with engineering support from Wuxi Xiyuan Engineering Technology Co., Ltd.

 

The Inner Mongolia facility began operations in March 2026, while the Hubei plant was commissioned in November 2025. Together, they supply critical high-quality feedstock to downstream pentaerythritol production, strengthening Yihua Group’s position as a major global supplier.

 

At the core of the performance gains is FAMAX formaldehyde catalysts, which are delivering measurable efficiency improvements across both plants. Operators report reduced energy consumption, higher productivity, and improved product quality. The catalyst design achieves 10–15% lower pressure drop, while enhanced low-temperature activity boosts formaldehyde yield and extends 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.”

 

Clariant’s Specialty Catalysts division emphasized the strategic significance of the deployments. 

 

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.”

 

Beyond efficiency gains, the FAMAX system is engineered for optimized reactor performance. Its shape design reduces pressure drop and enables potential capital cost savings, while improved chemical composition supports higher selectivity and reduced by-product formation under lower operating temperatures.

 

Clariant also highlighted the role of its emission control technology in the projects. EnviCat emission control catalyst has been selected for off-gas treatment at both facilities, achieving up to 99% VOC conversion efficiency—even higher under optimal conditions. 

 

Operating at temperatures up to 400°C lower, the system reduces fuel consumption while improving operational safety, equipment longevity, and overall cost efficiency.

 

Together, the deployments underscore Clariant’s growing footprint in advanced catalyst systems for large-scale chemical production, reinforcing its position in next-generation industrial sustainability solutions.