• Clariant strengthens commitment to catalysis innovation in China with fourth consecutive sponsorship of prestigious National Catalysis Achievement Award
• Award honors Prof. Dr. Zhang Tao for groundbreaking “Single-Atom Catalysis” concept and sustainable chemical process innovations
• Partnership underscores Clariant’s dedication to advancing sustainable catalytic solutions for China’s low-carbon transition

MUNICH, December 17, 2025 – Clariant, a sustainability focused specialty chemical company, today announced the laureate of the National Catalysis Achievement Award at the 22nd National Congress on Catalysis of China (NCC 2025). Presented by the Catalysis Society of China, and sponsored by Clariant, the prestigious award recognizes Prof. Dr. Zhang Tao from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics for his exceptional contributions to catalysis research. The ceremony took place during the congress opening at Xiamen International Conference Center, marking Clariant’s fourth consecutive collaboration with the Catalysis Society of Chinese Chemical Society to honor breakthrough innovations in the field.

The National Congress on Catalysis, China’s premier academic event in the field of catalysis, is held biennially and co-organized by the Catalysis Society of Chinese Chemical Society and Xiamen University. This year’s congress, themed “Catalytic Science and Technology in the New Era: Upholding Fundamentals and Embracing Innovation,” brings together leading researchers and industry experts to discuss advancements in catalysis research and applications.

“We are honored to continue our sponsorship of the National Catalysis Achievement Award for the fourth consecutive time, demonstrating our long-term commitment to advancing catalysis research in China,” said Marvin Estenfelder, Head of Research & Development at Clariant Catalysts. “Prof. Dr. Zhang Tao’s pioneering work in single-atom catalysis and sustainable chemical processes aligns perfectly with Clariant’s focus on developing innovative catalytic solutions that enable more sustainable chemical production and support the transition to an environmentally responsible future.”

Prof. Dr. Zhang Tao, a CAS academician and Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) & International Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, has made significant contributions to the field of catalysis, including pioneering the concept of “Single-Atom Catalysis” with worldwide impact. His groundbreaking discovery of a one-step catalytic process converting cellulose into ethylene glycol has been scaled to a thousand-ton pilot plant, demonstrating the practical applications of his research. Prof. Dr. Zhang has also led the development of catalysts used in China’s aerospace, aviation, and petrochemical sectors.

“I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious award and grateful to Clariant for their continued support of catalysis research in China,” said Prof. Dr. Zhang Tao. “Catalysis plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges such as climate change and resource scarcity. I look forward to further collaboration between academia and industry to develop innovative catalytic solutions for a more sustainable future.”

During the congress, Clariant also presented on catalyst scale-up from laboratory idea to commercialization, sharing knowledge and expertise gained through decades of experience in catalyst development and production.

Clariant’s sponsorship of the National Catalysis Achievement Award underscores the company’s commitment to supporting scientific excellence and fostering innovation in catalysis research. Through its state-of-the-art R&D center in Shanghai and research partnerships with top Chinese universities, Clariant continues to develop sustainable catalytic solutions that help reduce the carbon footprint of the chemical industry and contribute to China’s carbon neutrality goals.

Learn more about Clariant’s catalytic innovations for the Energy Transition.