International. The broad portfolio of heterogeneous catalysts is now complemented by homogeneous catalysts.
As of this month, an international network of production sites and Evonik's highly experienced alkoxides team further strengthen the catalyst business line.
The chemical industry is undergoing a process of transformation. Driven primarily by sustainability issues such as the circular economy and CO2 reduction/decarbonisation, catalysts are at the heart of this transformation, as they are required for approximately 80% of all chemical processes. Internal integration supports the transformation of the chemical industry.
The main application of alkoxides is the production of sustainable biodiesel fuel from vegetable oils, waste cooking oils or other grease-based waste.
The use of alkoxides optimizes the process towards the highest possible raw material yield. In the synthesis of active ingredients and fine chemicals, alkoxides also find numerous applications in the life sciences industry.
A particularly promising prospect for alkoxides is the chemical recycling of PET plastic. Evonik is currently working with partners to split the polymer chains into the original monomers and thus regenerate the basic chemical components that were used at the beginning of plastics production.
These components can be used to produce new polymers again for high-quality applications. The alkoxides business is managed as an independent product line within the catalysts business line, and will be run by Alexander Weber.
"The merger is logical and is not the last step on our common path. By combining various functions, such as on-site research and development in Hanau [Germany], our core competencies and expertise will be combined and we will work uniformly. more specific way and learn from each other, in terms of specific products, as well as support customer-related processes such as supply chain and digitalization," Weber said.
