Celanese
American technology and specialty materials company serving chemical, engineered materials, consumer, and industrial markets.
Last updated October 26, 2026
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Overview
Celanese is an American technology and specialty materials company headquartered in Irving, Texas. Its modern business combines large-scale chemical production with engineered polymers, cellulose acetate products, food ingredients, emulsions, and other specialty materials. The company serves automotive, electronics, medical, construction, coatings, adhesives, packaging, textiles, food and beverage, and tobacco-related markets. Its principal activities are organized around acetyl intermediates, advanced engineered materials, consumer specialties, and industrial specialties, with additional development of fuel-related technologies. The business traces its origins to the American Cellulose & Chemical Manufacturing Company, founded in New York City in 1918 by Swiss chemist Camille Dreyfus. The original purpose was to develop cellulose-based materials and yarns as alternatives to silk and other imported fibers. During World War I, the company established a plant in Cumberland, Maryland, an inland location selected for access to water, coal, rail transportation, and protection from possible attacks on coastal industrial sites. Commercial production at the facility began in 1924. In 1925, the company introduced the Celanese name, combining “cellulose” with “ease” to emphasize the easy-care properties of acetate fabrics. The corporate name became Celanese Corporation of America in 1927. Following World War II, Celanese expanded its international manufacturing and product portfolio. It began producing acetate fiber in Mexico in 1947 and by the late 1950s operated a substantial network of plants, research facilities, and product groups. The company used architecture and design, including the 1959 Celanese House in New Canaan, Connecticut, to demonstrate applications for its synthetic materials. Over subsequent decades, it moved beyond fibers into industrial chemicals, high-performance polymers, protective-apparel materials, and other specialty products. The company underwent major ownership and structural changes. In 1982, it acquired selected operations of Imperial Chemical Industries, and in 1983 it built a polybenzimidazole plant in South Carolina. In 1986, it spun off its pharmaceutical business as Celgene. In 1987, Hoechst AG acquired Celanese Corporation, forming Hoechst Celanese. In the late 1990s, Hoechst reorganized much of its industrial-chemical portfolio into Celanese AG, which was later spun off as a publicly traded German company. In 2004, Blackstone acquired Celanese AG, restored the Celanese Corporation name, and carried out operational streamlining and acquisitions. In January 2005, Celanese completed an initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker CE. Blackstone sold its remaining investment by 2007. Celanese is particularly prominent in acetyl chemistry. It has been described as the world’s leading producer of acetic acid and the largest producer of vinyl acetate monomer, materials used in adhesives, coatings, construction products, polymers, and numerous chemical processes. The company operates production facilities and research centers in multiple countries, including large acetic acid plants in Texas, Singapore, and China. Its advanced engineered materials business supplies polymers for demanding applications such as fuel systems, emissions control, electronics, safety equipment, medical devices, fluid handling, and industrial conveying. The company has also reshaped its portfolio through divestitures and acquisitions. Its engineering-polymer capabilities were expanded through the 2016 acquisition of Italy’s SO.F.TER Group. In 2020, Celanese sold its 45 percent stake in Polyplastics to Daicel, which already held the remaining 55 percent. Other portfolio actions include the 2009 sale of its polyvinyl alcohol business to Sekisui Chemical. Celanese promotes TCX Technology, a process for producing ethanol from hydrocarbon feedstocks.
History
Celanese began in 1918 as the American Cellulose & Chemical Manufacturing Company, also known as Amcelle. Swiss chemist Camille Dreyfus founded the company in New York City to develop cellulose-based materials and textile fibers. A manufacturing site in Cumberland, Maryland, originated during World War I. Its inland position offered access to the Potomac River, coal, rail connections, and relative protection from attacks. Production was delayed, but the plant began commercial operations on Christmas Day in 1924, making cellulose acetate fabrics and yarns intended to provide an alternative to silk. The Celanese name appeared in 1925. It was formed from “cellulose” and “ease,” reflecting the company’s promotion of acetate textiles as easier to clean and maintain. The business formally became Celanese Corporation of America in 1927. After the war, the company expanded internationally and entered Mexico with an acetate-fiber plant near Ocotlán in 1947. By 1958, it had developed a broad domestic manufacturing and research network, with 13 plants, three research and development centers, approximately 30 product groups, and about 13,000 employees. Celanese used product design and architecture to demonstrate the potential of synthetic materials. In 1959, it commissioned architect Edward Durell Stone to create the Celanese House, a model residence in New Canaan, Connecticut. The project showcased contemporary applications of company materials and formed part of a wider effort to connect chemical innovation with consumer design. The company diversified substantially during the 1980s. In 1982, it acquired selected operations of Imperial Chemical Industries, including the Fiber Industries plant in Salisbury, North Carolina. In 1983, it constructed a polybenzimidazole facility in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Polybenzimidazole was used in high-performance protective apparel, including firefighters’ equipment and astronaut suits. In 1986, Celanese separated its pharmaceutical business as Celgene. Hoechst AG acquired Celanese Corporation in 1987 and combined it with American Hoechst to form Hoechst Celanese Corporation. The following decade brought further restructuring. Hoechst Celanese sought to consolidate and rationalize its international operations, while its Trevira division was sold in 1998 to a consortium involving KoSa, Koch Industries, and Mexican partners. Hoechst also organized much of its industrial-chemical activity into Celanese AG. In 1999, Celanese AG was spun off as a publicly traded German company, listed in Frankfurt and New York, in a restructuring connected to Hoechst’s broader combination with Rhône-Poulenc. Blackstone announced a takeover offer in December 2003 after pursuing the company for approximately two years. Shareholders approved the transaction in June 2004, and the acquisition was completed later that year. The company was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange, renamed Celanese Corporation, and subjected to operational streamlining and portfolio changes under private-equity ownership. Celanese returned to the public market through a January 2005 initial public offering under the symbol CE. Blackstone sold its remaining shares by 2007. The modern company has focused on acetyl intermediates, engineered materials, consumer specialties, and industrial specialties. Its acetyl business produces acetic acid, acetic anhydride, vinyl acetate monomer, and related chemicals used in coatings, adhesives, construction materials, and polymer production. Advanced engineered materials supplies plastics and compounds for automotive, electronics, telecommunications, medical, safety, emissions, and fluid-management applications. Consumer specialties includes cellulose acetate, food preservatives, high-intensity sweeteners, and cellulose acetate film. Industrial specialties converts acetyl feedstocks into emulsions and polymers for paper, construction, textiles, coatings, and adhesives. Celanese expanded its engineering-materials portfolio with the 2016 acquisition of SO.F.TER Group in Italy. It sold its polyvinyl alcohol business to Sekisui Chemical in 2009 and divested its 45 percent interest in Polyplastics to Daicel in 2020, leaving Daicel with full ownership. The company also developed TCX Technology, launched in 2010, to produce ethanol from hydrocarbon feedstocks. Its historical record includes significant litigation over polybutylene plumbing systems and a later environmental class action concerning alleged contamination near a former South Carolina facility.
- 2020
Polyplastics stake sold to Daicel
[1]Celanese sold its 45 percent interest in Polyplastics to Daicel, which became the company’s sole owner.
- 2016
SO.F.TER Group acquired
[1]The acquisition expanded Celanese’s engineering-polymer and compounding capabilities.
- 2010
TCX Technology launched
[1]Celanese introduced its hydrocarbon-based ethanol-production process.
- 2005
Celanese completes initial public offering
[1]Celanese Corporation returned to the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker CE.
- 2004
Blackstone acquisition completed
[1]Blackstone completed its acquisition of Celanese AG, after which the business returned to the Celanese Corporation name.
- 1999
Celanese AG becomes publicly traded
[1]Celanese AG was spun out as a publicly traded German company in Hoechst’s broader corporate restructuring.
- 1987
Hoechst acquires Celanese
[1]Hoechst AG acquired Celanese Corporation and combined it with American Hoechst to create Hoechst Celanese Corporation.
- 1986
Pharmaceutical business separated as Celgene
[1]Celanese spun off its pharmaceutical operations into the company later known as Celgene.
- 1983
Polybenzimidazole plant built in South Carolina
[1]Celanese opened a facility in Rock Hill to produce high-performance polybenzimidazole materials.
- 1982
Selected ICI operations acquired
[1]Celanese acquired selected operations of Imperial Chemical Industries, including the Salisbury, North Carolina, fiber facility.
Products and positioning
Global specialty materials and chemical technology supplier combining high-volume acetyl chemistry with engineered polymers, cellulose acetate, consumer ingredients, and industrial specialty products.
Basic and intermediate chemicals
Acetyl intermediates
Celanese’s acetyl intermediates portfolio includes acetic acid, acetic anhydride, vinyl acetate monomer, and related chemicals. These materials are used as feedstocks or functional ingredients in adhesives, coatings, construction products, polymers, paints, and other industrial processes. Acetic acid is especially important to the company’s manufacturing footprint, with large plants in the United States, Singapore, and China.
Engineering polymers
Advanced engineered materials
This business supplies engineered plastics and compounds for technically demanding applications. End markets include automotive fuel systems, emissions-control equipment, electronics, telecommunications, medical devices, safety systems, conveyor components, filtration, and fluid handling. Celanese’s engineering-polymer capabilities include technologies associated with Ticona and were expanded through the acquisition of SO.F.TER Group in 2016.
Cellulose-based materials · 1924
Cellulose acetate products
Celanese is a major producer of cellulose acetate, including acetate tow used primarily in cigarette filters and acetate materials used in apparel and garment linings. The company also produces Clarifoil cellulose acetate film, made from wood pulp and described as biodegradable and compostable under specified home and industrial composting conditions.
Food ingredients and specialty materials
Consumer specialties
The consumer-specialties portfolio includes high-intensity sweetener Sunett, potassium sorbate, sorbic acid, and other food ingredients. These products serve beverage, confectionery, bakery, and dairy applications. The portfolio also includes cellulose acetate products used in consumer and filtration markets.
Polymers and emulsions
Industrial specialties
Industrial specialties uses acetyl-intermediate feedstocks to manufacture polymers and emulsions, including polyvinyl acetate emulsions and ethylene-vinyl acetate products. Customers include producers and users in polyvinyl alcohol, paper, mortar, gypsum, textiles, paints, coatings, and adhesives.
Fuel-production technology · 2010
TCX Technology
TCX Technology is Celanese’s hydrocarbon-based ethanol-production process. Launched in 2010, it was developed to enable fuel production from hydrocarbon feedstocks and to help countries reduce reliance on imported oil and gas. The company discussed potential plant investment in China and Texas.
Controversies
2020
EU fines Orbia, Clariant and Celanese over ethylene purchasing cartel
The European Commission fined Orbia, Clariant and Celanese for participating in a cartel to lower ethylene purchase prices. According to the report, the companies admitted participating and agreed to settle. Westlake disclosed the cartel and avoided a fine.
2014
Spartanburg-area contamination lawsuit
A class action brought by residents of Cannon’s Campground alleged that groundwater and surface-water contamination associated with a Hoechst-Celanese manufacturing facility caused health and environmental risks and reduced property values. Hoechst Celanese disputed the allegations and argued that the claims were legally deficient and time-barred. The available reference does not provide a final resolution.
1985
Polybutylene plumbing class action
Hoechst Celanese, Shell Oil, and US Brass were named in a class action concerning polybutylene plumbing systems. The litigation alleged that information about degradation when exposed to chlorine in municipal water systems had been concealed while the products continued to be marketed. The case was settled in 1995.
Marketing campaigns
- 1959Celanese House
United States
Celanese commissioned architect Edward Durell Stone to create a model home in New Canaan, Connecticut. The project demonstrated contemporary uses of synthetic materials and connected the company’s chemical products with residential design and consumer lifestyles.
Outcome. Public showcase for the company’s materials and design-oriented innovation.
Brand decisions
2020
Exit Polyplastics joint ownershipM&ABackground
Daicel already owned 55 percent of Polyplastics, while Celanese held the remaining 45 percent.
Action taken
Celanese sold its stake to Daicel, transferring full ownership of Polyplastics to Daicel.
Aftermath
Celanese simplified its portfolio and exited its ownership position in Polyplastics.
2016
Acquire SO.F.TER GroupM&ABackground
Celanese sought to strengthen its advanced engineered materials platform and polymer-compounding capabilities.
Action taken
The company acquired SO.F.TER Group, an engineering-polymer business based in Forlì, Italy.
Aftermath
The transaction expanded Celanese’s capabilities in engineered plastics and polymer production.
2010
Introduce TCX ethanol technologyProduct launchBackground
Celanese sought to develop fuel technologies that could reduce dependence on imported oil and gas.
Action taken
The company launched TCX Technology, a process for producing ethanol from hydrocarbon feedstocks.
Aftermath
Celanese discussed possible investments in ethanol plants in China and Texas, but the available reference does not document the final construction or operating status of those projects.
2005
Return to public ownershipStrategyBackground
After Blackstone acquired and restructured Celanese, the company sought to return to the public markets.
Action taken
Celanese completed an initial public offering and began trading on the New York Stock Exchange as CE.
Aftermath
Celanese operated as a publicly traded specialty materials and chemicals company.
1986
Separate pharmaceutical operations as CelgeneStrategyBackground
Celanese reorganized its business portfolio by separating its pharmaceutical operations from the broader chemicals and materials business.
Action taken
The pharmaceutical operations were spun off as Celgene.
Aftermath
Celanese continued concentrating on chemicals, fibers, polymers, and materials technologies.
Recent events
- 2020
Celanese completes acquisition of Polyplastics stake sale to Daicel[1]
M&A
Celanese sold its 45 percent interest in Polyplastics to Daicel, which already owned the other 55 percent, giving Daicel full ownership of the engineering-plastics company.
- 2016
Celanese expands engineering-polymers capabilities through SO.F.TER Group acquisition[1]
M&A
Celanese acquired Italy-based SO.F.TER Group, strengthening its advanced engineered materials and polymer-compounding capabilities.
- 2010
Celanese launches TCX Technology[1]
Product launch · Other
Celanese introduced TCX Technology, a process intended to produce ethanol from hydrocarbon feedstocks and support fuel production in markets seeking to reduce imported oil and gas.
- 2009
Celanese sells polyvinyl alcohol business to Sekisui Chemical[1]
M&A
The company divested its polyvinyl alcohol business to Sekisui Chemical as part of portfolio management.
- 2005
Celanese returns to public markets[1]
M&A
Celanese Corporation completed an initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker CE after its acquisition and restructuring under Blackstone ownership.
Sources9 sources
- 1Celaneseen.wikipedia.org
- 2EU fines Orbia, Clariant and Celanese over ethylene purchasing carteltech.sina.com.cn
- 3Celanese Announces Price Increases in Europe on Amcel and MFI Series (POM) Gradesfinanznachrichten.de
- 4Celanese Announces Price Increases in Europe on Amcel and Other Polyacetal (POM) Gradesfinanznachrichten.de
- 5Celanese Completes Acquisition of Elotexfinanznachrichten.de
- 6Celanese Corporation: Celanese Acquires POM Technology and Sales Agreements from Grupa Azotyfinanznachrichten.de
- 7Celanese Corporation: Celanese Announces Acetyl Intermediates and Acetone Derivatives Price Increasesfinanznachrichten.de
- 8Celanese Corporation: Celanese Announces Acetyl Intermediates Price Increasesfinanznachrichten.de
- 9Celanese Launches Sustainability on Celanese.comfinanznachrichten.de
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