22 Apr 2025

Clariant & Midrex fortify partnership in DRI, helping to decarbonize the steel industry

MIDREX^® DRI technology enables direct reduction of iron ore without melting, and emits considerably less CO₂ than coal-based steel production
Process uses MIDREX stoichiometric reformers with Clariant-manufactured REFORMEX^® Catalysts
MIDREX DRI technology avoids the emission of around one ton of CO₂ per ton of crude steel

MUNICH, April 22, 2025 - Clariant, a sustainability-focused specialty chemical company, today announced that it has renewed its successful cooperation with Midrex and will intensify collaboration in direct reduced iron (DRI) technology for steel production. A low-carbon alternative to conventional coal-based ironmaking, natural gas-based DRI converts natural gas with recycled CO₂ and H₂O to generate reducing gas for the production process. The technology combines MIDREX^® Reformers with Clariant-manufactured REFORMEX^® Catalysts, which offer superior activity and stability to increase productivity, reduce energy consumption, and minimize carbon emissions. MIDREX DRI technology avoids around one ton of CO₂ per ton of crude steel.

Georg Anfang, Vice President Syngas & Fuels at Clariant Catalysts, commented, “Together with Midrex, we have agreed to intensify our focus on natural gas-based DRI, as it is a critical bridge technology that will greatly support the transition of the steel industry toward net-zero production. While we collaborate on expanding and enhancing our current solution, we are also preparing and innovating for the future.”

Sean Boyle, VP-Commercial at Midrex, stated, “The MIDREX Process is one of the most widely used technologies for producing all forms of DRI products, and it is well-known for its reliability and continuous operation. Clariant’s catalysts are tailor-made for our process to offer optimized and consistent performance. Our joint solution ensures the lowest CO₂ emissions of any steelmaking route today.”

Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, Midrex is one of the world leaders in direct reduction ironmaking technology and aftermarket solutions. Midrex has designed, built, and serviced direct reduced iron (DRI) plants for 50-plus years. Plants based on MIDREX Process technology produce a substantial part of the world's low CO₂ DRI. MIDREX Plants can be configured to operate on natural gas with hydrogen addition (MIDREX Flex^®), and 100% hydrogen (MIDREX H2^™) and can process a wide range of iron oxide pellets and lump ores.

Clariant manufactured REFORMEX Catalysts, which have been used successfully for the MIDREX Process since the 1980s, demonstrating their exceptional performance and longevity. Due to the catalysts’ outstanding activity and superior heat transfer properties, they enable highly productive and cost-efficient syngas production. Furthermore, their extreme mechanical stability and excellent coking resistance ensure a long production lifetime. REFORMEX Catalysts are successfully operated at around 50 major commercial steel production plants around the globe.

MIDREX IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF KOBE STEEL, LTD IN THE US.
REFORMEX IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF MIDREX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

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Notes for editors

www.clariant.com

Clariant is a focused specialty chemical company led by the overarching purpose of “Greater chemistry – between people and planet.” By connecting customer focus, innovation, and people, the company creates solutions to foster sustainability in different industries. On 31 December 2024, Clariant totaled a staff number of 10 465 and recorded sales of CHF 4.152 billion in the fiscal year for its continuing businesses. Since January 2023, the Group conducts its business through the three Business Units Care Chemicals, Catalysts, and Adsorbents & Additives. Clariant is based in Switzerland.

www.clariant.com/catalysts

Building on a 165-year history, Clariant Catalysts is a global and independent manufacturer of energy-efficient catalyst technologies shaping a sustainable future for the chemical industry. We create greater chemistry – between people and planet – by helping to decarbonize our customers’ production processes and scaling up the transition toward zero-emission chemicals and fuels. Through our exceptional R&D and established expertise, our broad portfolio of catalysts and adsorbents provides innovative solutions that range from the oil and gas to the plastic sectors. With more than 2 000 employees at 31 locations, our high-performing teams collaborate with partners and customers across our global footprint.

The products described herein are for direct reduction of iron use only. This media release may be accessible from various countries around the world and hence it may contain statements or product classifications not applicable to your country. Statements contained herein may not be applicable to products regulated by the US FDA or Health Canada.

This information corresponds to the present state of our knowledge and is intended as a general description of our products and their possible applications. Any user of this product is responsible for determining the suitability of Clariant´s products for its particular application.

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