Evonik Leverages Electrodialysis to Boost Sustainability and Resource Efficiency in Chemical Industry

Evonik Leverages Electrodialysis to Boost Sustainability and Resource Efficiency in Chemical Industry

(IN BRIEF) Evonik is advancing its green transformation by expanding the use of electrodialysis, a process that converts salts from chemical processes into valuable raw materials like caustic soda and sulfuric acid. This technology aims to reduce energy consumption, raw material usage, and CO2 emissions, making chemical production more sustainable. Evonik plans to invest millions over the next five years to scale up electrodialysis for industrial use, with promising pilot projects already underway in sectors like wind energy and tire manufacturing. The initiative supports the company’s broader goals of climate neutrality and circular economy integration.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESSEN, 17-Sep-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Evonik is accelerating its green transformation efforts by developing electrodialysis technology for industrial-scale use in the chemical industry. This electrochemical process converts salts, commonly produced during various chemical processes, into valuable raw materials such as caustic soda and sulfuric acid. By recovering these materials from salt waste, the technology promises to reduce energy consumption, raw material usage, and CO2 emissions, making up to 20% of Evonik’s processes more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Evonik is investing millions of euros over the next five years to advance its electrodialysis capabilities, with teams in Germany and China working to industrialize the technology. Initial trials show that electrodialysis can reduce the carbon footprint of recovered caustic soda by two-thirds compared to traditional methods, with even greater reductions possible when using green electricity. The technology, already applied in industries like food and beverage, is now being adapted for use in chemical production processes, such as those for wind turbines and energy-saving tires.

By refining and scaling up electrodialysis, Evonik aims to support the chemical industry’s transition toward climate neutrality and circularity, aligning with sustainability goals across multiple sectors.

Key Highlights:

• Electrodialysis allows salts from chemical processes to be converted into valuable raw materials, reducing waste.
• The process can significantly lower CO2 emissions and improve energy efficiency, with a carbon footprint up to two-thirds lower for recovered caustic soda.
• Evonik’s electrochemical technology platform is exploring applications across various industries, including wind energy and tire manufacturing.
• The company plans to invest heavily in the technology over the next five years to support its sustainability and circular economy goals.

About Evonik

Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The company is active in more than 100 countries around the world and generated sales of €15.3 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €1.66 billion in 2023. Evonik goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable, and sustainable solutions for customers. More than 33,000 employees work together for a common purpose: We want to improve life today and tomorrow.

Disclaimer

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.

Media Contacts:

Nadine Albach
External Communications: Strategy, Venture Capital
Tel +49 201 177-3915
nadine.albach@evonik.com

Stefen Schmalenberg
Market Communications
stefen1.schmalenberg@evonik.com

SOURCE: Evonik