Evonik Secures Sustainability Certification for Specialty Chemicals Production in Germany

Evonik has achieved a significant milestone in sustainable chemical production by obtaining the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS for its specialty chemicals manufacturing at the Essen Goldschmidt site in Germany. This certification, rooted in the mass balance approach, not only ensures the use of sustainable feedstocks but also establishes a traceable supply chain. The Essen Goldschmidt site joins the ranks of other accredited Evonik sites, including Marl and Herne in Germany and Mobile in Alabama, USA, as a testament to their commitment to sustainable and fully traceable supply chains.

The transition away from fossil-based raw materials aligns seamlessly with Evonik's overarching sustainability strategy, known as Next Generation Solutions. This strategy places a strong emphasis on portfolio and innovation management, production, and technology, aiming to steer the company towards a more sustainable future. The certification of specialty chemicals, particularly surfactants, produced at the Essen Goldschmidt site is a pivotal component of this strategy.

These certified specialty chemicals maintain an identical performance profile and exhibit characteristics comparable to their traditional counterparts. Notably, these chemicals, including surfactants, are pivotal components that contribute to various applications such as cleansing, foaming, emulsifying, and solubilizing. The Essen Goldschmidt site's production includes noteworthy products like TEGOSTAB additives designed for polyurethane foams used in mattresses or insulation panels, TEGO industrial coatings and inks, and TEGOMER, TAGAT, and TEGO PE utilized in various industrial processes and applications within agrochemistry and personal care.

What makes this achievement even more commendable is that these certified specialty chemicals will play a crucial role in empowering Evonik's customers to reduce their reliance on fossil resources and enhance the overall sustainability of their products. Importantly, this sustainability drive does not necessitate alterations to existing production processes, allowing for a seamless integration of eco-friendly practices into established manufacturing systems.

The overarching impact of this sustainability initiative extends beyond Evonik's own products, as it contributes significantly to addressing wider sustainability goals, reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and aiding customers in meeting environmental regulations. The certified surfactants, with a primary focus on those produced at the Essen Goldschmidt site, hold the potential to make substantial contributions to environmental conservation by supporting customers in adopting more sustainable practices.

In the intricate landscape of chemical production, particularly in industries where complex manufacturing systems are prevalent, the concept of mass balancing emerges as a crucial tool. This approach allows manufacturers to judiciously mix certified and non-certified materials while administratively keeping them separate. The significance of this practice lies in its ability to ensure transparency throughout the supply chain, allowing manufacturers to accurately track the quantity of renewable material used and its corresponding impact on the certified content in the final products.