Evonik boosts Chinese surfactant capacity

Shanghai, China — Evonik has started up a new plant here to produce organically modified silicones used as surfactants in the polyurethane, paint and coating applications.

The surfactant plant was formally inaugurated on 5 September 2017 by Cristian Kullmann, chairman of Evonik’s executive board.

‘The plant is another important cornerstone in eaves growth strategy. We are focusing on businesses with clear orientation towards specialty chemicals and on powerful innovations to increase the value of the company,’ Kullmann said.

Evonik said it had invested ‘a high two-digit million euros sum in the construction of the new production facilities.’ The firm added that the new facility covered an area of 30,000 m².

The new surfactant plant has ‘simplified Evonik’s supply chain. Because we can now produce many specialty silicones locally, we no longer need to ship them from Europe or North America. This enables us to react faster to requirements and increases our flexibility,’ said Klaus Rettig chairman of the resource efficiency segment of the management board.