Clariant rejects Dow Europe’s roughly EUR 1.1 billion damages claim

The specialty chemicals company said the case was filed in Dortmund on July 16, 2026 and relates to the ethylene purchasing market conduct sanctioned by the European Commission in July 2020.

Summary

Clariant said it received another damages claim from Dow Europe against four companies, including Clariant, alleging around EUR 1.1 billion in losses tied to competition law infringement in the ethylene purchasing market. The claim was filed with the court of Dortmund, Germany, on 16 July 2026 and relates to conduct sanctioned by the European Commission (EU executive body) in July 2020. Clariant said it firmly rejects the allegation, will adamantly defend its position, and has economic evidence that the parties’ conduct did not produce any effect on the market.

Terms & Concepts
  • competition law: Rules governing anti-competitive market conduct
  • ethylene purchasing market: Market for buying the petrochemical ethylene
  • damages claim: Civil lawsuit seeking financial compensation