Swiss chemical company Clariant has posted a rise in sales for the first half of 2006, with organic growth of 4% in local currency terms and 8% in Swiss franc terms compared with the first half of 2005.

A combination of higher costs for raw materials, energy and logistics as well as unchanged average selling prices weighed on results. Net income from continuing operations declined to CHF109 million ($88.7 million) from CHF144 million in the corresponding period in 2005, mainly due to higher restructuring charges.

Solid demand drove growth across most businesses. Textile, Leather & Paper posted solid sales growth compared with the previous year with strong growth in paper and encouraging developments in leather and textiles. Masterbatches delivered positive results, particularly in the United States. Pigments & Additives grew strongly in volumes and showed good performance with increased demand across all business areas, especially plastics.

In terms of regional growth, during the first half of the year, organic sales increased 4% in Asia, including 14% in China. In the Americas, sales grew 5%, including 7% in the United States, while in Europe sales increased 3%, including 3% in Germany.