Evonik Expands Sodium Methylate Production Capacity in Argentina

Evonik Expands Sodium Methylate Production Capacity in Argentina

(IN BRIEF) Evonik has announced a significant expansion of its sodium methylate production capacity at its Rosario plant in Argentina’s Sante Fé Province. The expansion, increasing annual capacity by 50% to 90,000 tons, aims to meet growing demand for biofuels in South America. This move reinforces Evonik’s leadership in sustainability, supports Brazil’s biodiesel blending mandates, and aligns with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The company marked the occasion with a safety award ceremony, recognizing seven years of accident-free operation at the Rosario facility.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESSEN, 12-Jul-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Evonik has announced a significant expansion of its sodium methylate production capacity at its Rosario plant in Argentina’s Sante Fé Province. This move aims to meet the rising demand for biofuels across South America, reinforcing Evonik’s leadership in sustainability and innovation within the biofuels sector.

The expansion will increase the annual production capacity by 50%, from 60,000 tons to 90,000 tons, enhancing the production of high-performance sodium methylate catalysts. These catalysts are crucial for boosting biodiesel productivity and reducing production costs in the region.

Dr. Hendrik Schönfelder, Regional President for Central and South America at Evonik, highlighted the plant’s importance to Argentina and its role in serving major export destinations like Brazil. The expansion aligns with Brazil’s increased mandatory blending quotas for biodiesel, set to reach 15% by 2025, and supports initiatives like New Industry Brazil (NIB) aimed at expanding the biofuels sector.

Cauê de Arruda, Head of Evonik Catalysts Central and South America, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable development and innovation, noting the strategic importance of the expanded facility in Argentina and the ongoing progress of a new alkoxide plant in Singapore.

The expansion underscores Evonik’s global strategy to advance the biodiesel industry, supporting decarbonization efforts in the mobility sector and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The announcement was commemorated with a ceremony at the Rosario plant, where Evonik celebrated its employees’ outstanding safety record with the Silver Safety Award, marking seven accident-free years.

Media Contacts:

Michael Giffels
Head of Market Communications
Catalysts business line
Phone: +49 6181 59-3763
michael.giffels@evonik.com

Nina Peck
Head of Market Communications Smart Materials
Phone: +49 201 177-2223
nina.peck@evonik.com

SOURCE: Evonik