Evonik Enhances Sustainable Manufacturing with Green Electricity for Specialty Acrylates

Darmstadt, Germany - Evonik’s Coating & Adhesive Resins Business Line has achieved a noteworthy reduction in carbon emissions by transitioning the production of DEGACRYL® specialty acrylates in Darmstadt to electricity sourced from renewable sources. This sustainable initiative, implemented since the beginning of the year, leads to an annual CO2 reduction of approximately 1,400 metric tons. This move towards renewable energy aligns closely with the business line's steadfast commitment to sustainability.

Dr. Claudia Meister, Head of Specialty Acrylics, underscores the significance of this shift, stating, "In addition to our dedication to offering products that furnish our customers with more sustainable solutions through the handprint, it is equally crucial to minimize the carbon footprint of DEGACRYL®." With a decrease in CO2 emissions, the business line not only advances its sustainability objectives but also meets evolving market demands. Meister elaborates, "Our customers increasingly demand sustainably manufactured products. This enables us to better assist our customers in this regard while simultaneously reducing our Scope 1/2 emissions."

The supply of renewable electricity is ensured through the utilization of green electricity certificates and specialized supply agreements known as Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Integrating green electricity into the production process marks another milestone in the pursuit of more sustainable specialty acrylate production. For numerous years, the necessary steam for production has been sourced from a local waste-to-energy plant, leveraging waste heat to generate added value.

The DEGACRYL® specialty acrylates manufactured in Darmstadt find applications across a diverse array of industries. In the packaging sector, they are indispensable for heat-sealing lacquers employed in dairy product packaging, contributing to the creation of eco-friendly packaging solutions. Moreover, these acrylates play a pivotal role in the medical domain as raw materials utilized in dental prostheses and bone cement, as well as in various adhesive applications.

The Smart Materials division encompasses firms that specialize in state-of-the-art materials engineered to facilitate resource-saving solutions while substituting traditional materials. These materials represent an intelligent response to the pressing challenges of our era, including environmental concerns, energy efficiency, urbanization, mobility, and healthcare. In 2023, the Smart Materials division achieved sales totaling €4.46 billion with a workforce exceeding 8,100 employees.

Evonik is positioned as a leading global player in specialty chemicals, with operations spanning across more than 100 countries worldwide. In the fiscal year of 2023, the company achieved sales of €15.3 billion and recorded an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €1.66 billion. Evonik's endeavors transcend traditional chemistry, focusing on the development of innovative, profitable, and sustainable solutions tailored to meet the needs of its diverse clientele. With a dedicated workforce exceeding 33,000 individuals, Evonik's employees collaborate harmoniously towards a shared vision.