Evonik Marks 50 Years of Methionine Production in Antwerp, Calls for Stronger Support for European Industry

Evonik Marks 50 Years of Methionine Production in Antwerp, Calls for Stronger Support for European Industry

(IN BRIEF) Evonik recently celebrated 50 years of methionine production at its Antwerp site, a crucial location in its global production of MetAMINO® for animal feed. The anniversary highlighted Antwerp’s role in Evonik’s international network and emphasized the company’s call for supportive policies to keep European production competitive. Evonik also underlined its commitment to sustainability, showcasing investments in reducing the carbon footprint of its production processes and reusing by-products.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESSEN, 25-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Evonik marked the 50th anniversary of methionine production at its Antwerp, Belgium, site, celebrating the facility’s role as a cornerstone in Evonik’s global MetAMINO® network. This essential amino acid, used in animal feed to promote efficient and sustainable protein production, has its roots in Antwerp, which, along with the Wesseling plant in Germany, anchors Evonik’s European production of MetAMINO®.

The event highlighted Evonik’s call for competitive policies to support the sustainability of European industry. “Europe’s industry underpins its prosperity, yet needs favorable conditions to stay competitive,” said Johann-Caspar Gammelin, President of Evonik’s Nutrition & Care division. Earlier this year, Evonik joined over 70 industry leaders in the “Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal,” advocating for supportive frameworks for European manufacturing.

With production hubs in Antwerp, Mobile (USA), and Singapore, Evonik leads the methionine market globally, producing over 700,000 metric tons annually. “Our extensive production network provides unmatched supply security, which is critical in today’s volatile environment,” noted Dr. Gaetano Blanda, head of Evonik’s Animal Nutrition line.

Evonik’s continued investment in its methionine facilities focuses on reducing the environmental impact of production. Recent expansions in Singapore and new technology integrations at Mobile reflect the company’s commitment to lowering the carbon footprint of MetAMINO® products, currently estimated at 35% below industry averages. The Antwerp site, part of Europe’s second-largest chemical cluster, also invests in green energy, freshwater reduction, and process efficiency. For example, a methionine by-product is repurposed for other Evonik products, contributing to resource conservation.

Initially established in 1974 by Evonik’s predecessor Degussa, the Antwerp facility now encompasses ten production units supporting four divisions. It has become a central pillar in Evonik’s strategy to meet global demand for sustainable animal feed solutions.

Evonik’s Antwerp site, located at the port, is key to the company’s objective of providing healthy, affordable animal protein to a growing population, embodying Evonik’s mission to enhance quality of life through sustainable solutions.

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. About 32,000 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:

Isabel Ramor
Head of Market Communications High Performance Polymers
+49 2365 49-9878
isabel.ramor@evonik.com

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

SOURCE: Evonik