Evonik Launches New Facility in Slovakia to Lead Sustainable Biosurfactant Revolution

Evonik has recently launched its new sustainable biosurfactant plant in Slovakia alongside key customers. Valued at triple-digit million euros, this facility stands as the first of its kind globally, producing industrial-scale volumes of rhamnolipid biosurfactants. Renowned for their exceptional quality and sustainability, these biosurfactants are already revolutionizing industries such as cleaning, beauty, and personal care, with vast potential in numerous other applications.

"We strive to innovate and spearhead the sustainable transformation across various industries. Our leadership, rooted in systems thinking and a shared vision with our customers, has enabled us to implement scalable initiatives," stated Christian Kullmann, CEO of Evonik.

Evonik has been at the forefront of industrial-scale biosurfactant development, employing its patented fermentation-based process to produce rhamnolipids. Derived from renewable corn feedstocks through biotechnological means, this process yields a high-performing, non-toxic, and biodegradable biosurfactant. The increasing demand for rhamnolipids stems from their ability to offer a sustainable alternative to surfactants derived from fossil sources or tropical oils.

Evonik's goal by 2030 is to invest over €3 billion in Next Generation Solutions, which encompass products offering enhanced sustainability benefits. An illustration of this commitment is Evonik's development of a biosurfactant technology platform, intended to cater to a wide range of industries.

Evonik's biotechnological prowess is led by its Nutrition & Care division within the life sciences sector. With a focus on sustainability, the division employs cutting-edge biosolutions to tackle the challenges of biocircular care, utilizing closed-loop carbon systems to maintain functionality and preserve biodiversity. In addition to biosurfactants, Nutrition & Care's biosolutions include biotech actives, cell culture solutions, and medications based on nucleic acids.

Located at Evonik Fermas in Slovenská Lupca, Slovakia, the new facility benefits from the site's extensive biotechnology expertise developed over several decades. This background makes it the natural selection for hosting the inaugural industrial-scale rhamnolipid production facility, further solidifying Evonik Fermas's role as a pivotal scale-up and launch platform for Evonik's biotechnology endeavors.

Evonik stands among the global frontrunners in specialty chemicals. Operating across over 100 countries worldwide, the company achieved sales of €15.3 billion and an adjusted EBITDA operating profit of €1.66 billion in 2023. Evonik's commitment extends beyond conventional chemistry, striving to deliver innovative, profitable, and sustainable solutions to its customers. With a team of over 33,000 employees collaborating towards a shared goal, Evonik continues to drive progress in various industries. Evonik is continuously evolving, whether through pioneering innovative and sustainable solutions, injecting new momentum into research efforts, or investing in promising start-ups.