Clariant Masterbatches launches innovation center focused on packaging

The Project House is a 400 sq-mt facility in Pogliano, Italy, which will house chemists and technicians as well as equipment, such as extrusion machinery and analytical equipment. Its key objective is to pursue breakthrough concepts and solutions in Masterbatches products and processes. The project house represents an investment of approximately 2 million euro.

Through this initiative, Clariant is able to co-locate industry of experts from around the world. The project house identifies strategic areas and brings together interdisciplinary, cross-functional teams of scientists, technologists, marketers, academics, and suppliers to exchange expertise and explore emerging technologies and advanced concepts that can lead market innovation. The initial focus will be on "what's next" in functional packaging with its sub-segments food & beverages, personal care, and household & cleaning. The key objective is to provide competitive advantage for customers through differentiation and speed-to-market. 

To help design customized innovation networks and enable meaningful connections, the project house will be fully integrated with Clariant's Masterbatches activities globally and has strong interfaces with the Clariant organization, including other business units, R&D and the company's brand-new Innovation Center (CIC) in Frankfurt. 

Introducing the Project House concept, Hans Bohnen, head of Clariant Masterbatches, said: "Clariant Masterbatches' stated objective is to build the next level of innovation. To do this effectively, the company actively engages in long-term projects and breakthrough developments; partnering with customers, suppliers, leading institutes and universities to make sure promising ideas reach market maturity and are converted into real value for customers. The Project House is our Masterbatches division's brand-new approach to Innovation."

Clariant masterbatches are used in bottles, microwaveable trays, biodegradable food containers, multi-layer laminate, active packaging, durable industrial drums and tear-resistant shrink wrap. 

The company is currently planning its second project house, to be located outside of Europe. It will focus on a different strategic field, beyond functional packaging.