Venator announced that its Teluk Kalong manufacturing plant in Malaysia has become certified to make halal grade titanium dioxide (TiO2) for use in plastics, coatings, and inks applications. Venator is said to be one of the only manufacturers in Asia to hold this certification.
Around the world, there is a growing demand for halal plastics, coatings, and inks that can be used to make packaging for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products and other items that might come into contact with the skin, such as plastic gloves.
Venator is a global manufacturer and marketer of chemical products that comprise a broad range of pigments and additives that bring color and vibrancy to buildings, protect and extend product life, and reduce energy consumption. The company markets its products globally to a diversified group of industrial customers through two segments — Titanium Dioxide, which consists of our TiO2 business, and performance additives, which consists of our functional additives, color pigments, timber treatment, and water treatment businesses. We operate 24 facilities, employ approximately 4,000 associates worldwide, and sell our products in more than 110 countries, including India.
Achieving halal certification is standard practice for TiO2 producers that make pigments for food and drink products and cosmetic formulations. However, it is far less common for companies that make pigments for associated packaging materials to reach these standards.
The halal certification, which was awarded to Venator by the Halal Management Division of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia, confirms that all of the pigments produced at its Teluk Kalong plant for use in plastics, coatings, and inks applications are based on raw materials that comply with Islamic Shari’ah law. The accreditation also certifies that all manufacturing and associated packaging and logistics practices that Venator employs at the site are conducted following halal standards.
Eric Chong, vice president, Asia Pacific at Venator, said, “The global halal market is estimated to be over US$ 2 trillion. When you talk about halal, most people think you are referring to items that you eat or drink or put directly onto your skin – but the market is much broader than that. It spans plastic containers that consumer goods are sold in, the inks they are printed with, and the coatings that give them extra longevity. It also extends to materials used in medical applications – from barrier garments such as aprons and gloves to blister packs for everyday medicines like paracetamol. The list of applications is endless.”
“As a global business Venator understands and appreciates the cultural beliefs of different groups, whether that’s our employees, our customers, or consumers. With one halal certified facility already in operation in Europe, securing this accreditation in Asia was an important part of our strategy. We are one of the world’s leading providers of TiO2 and, with this certification in place, we will be able to better support our customers in Asia, who are making products for this fast-growing market.”
Teluk Kalong is the second plant in Venator’s global manufacturing network to achieve Halal certification, joining its Duisburg, Germany, to secure the certification.
Halal products available from the Venator Teluk Kalong facility in Malaysia include TIOXIDE TR92 to manufacture coatings, plastics, and inks, TIOXIDE RFC5, and TIOXIDE TR28 for the manufacture of plastics.
