LANXESS

LANXESS, headquartered in Cologne, Germany, is a global specialty chemicals leader operating in 32 countries. They develop and market chemical intermediates, additives, and consumer protection solutions, focusing on battery materials for electric vehicles. Committed to climate neutrality by 2040, LANXESS drives sustainable technology innovation.

Share This Post

LANXESS, established in 2004 as a Bayer AG spin-off, has grown into a global specialty chemicals corporation headquartered in Cologne, Germany. Operating across 32 countries with approximately 12,600 employees, the company focuses on developing, manufacturing, and marketing chemical intermediates, additives, and consumer protection solutions. LANXESS structures its operations through three main segments: Advanced Industrial Intermediates, Specialty Additives, and Consumer Protection. With a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility, LANXESS aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2040 through innovative process improvements and technological advancements.

Battery Technology

LANXESS contributes significantly to the battery industry through its specialized materials and solutions. The company produces essential raw materials for cathode components and electrolytes, particularly for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles. Their product portfolio includes precursors for lithium iron phosphate and materials for electrolyte conducting salts such as lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI).

Through its subsidiary Saltigo, LANXESS collaborates with manufacturers to create advanced electrolyte formulations. The company also manufactures anhydrous hydrofluoric acids and phosphorus chemicals, critical components in electrolyte salt production. For battery thermal management, LANXESS develops synthetic fluids specifically designed for immersion cooling of battery cells, enabling safe fast-charging capabilities. These fluids feature electrical non-conductivity and high flame resistance properties.

Additionally, LANXESS produces specialized flame retardants for high-performance plastics and non-flammable electrolytes, enhancing battery safety. The company also manufactures polyurethane casting compounds that protect electronic battery components.

Recent Projects

In Q4 2023, LANXESS exceeded market expectations with EBITDA pre-exceptionals reaching EUR 159 million, surpassing projected figures of EUR 130 million. This success was partly attributed to increased customer demand in the U.S., particularly within the Specialty Additives and Consumer Protection divisions.

The company received recognition through the ICIS Innovation Award 2024 for its development of high-quality iron oxides used in LFP batteries. LANXESS also introduced Everest ESR 220, an environmentally sustainable refrigeration lubricant, and secured an EUR 800 million sustainable credit line.

Investors

LANXESS’s investor structure comprises approximately 92% institutional investors and 8% private investors. Major institutional stakeholders include Norges Bank Investment Management (6.621%), Causeway Capital Management LLC (5.041%), DME Capital Management LP (4.494%), Capital Research & Management Co. (3.003%), and DWS Investment GmbH (2.934%). Geographic distribution shows U.S. investors holding 52%, German investors 22%, and French investors 5% of shares.