Evonik Unveils New Sustainable Emollients Plant to Meet Rising Demand in Eco-Friendly Beauty Industry

Evonik Unveils New Sustainable Emollients Plant to Meet Rising Demand in Eco-Friendly Beauty Industry

(IN BRIEF) Evonik has opened a new production plant in Steinau, Germany, to increase its capacity for producing sustainable cosmetic emollients. The plant uses an enzymatic process that significantly reduces the climate footprint of these essential cosmetic ingredients. This expansion supports the growing demand for eco-friendly beauty products and aligns with Evonik’s commitment to sustainability. The facility, powered by renewable energy, complements existing sites in Germany and China and enhances Evonik’s biosolutions portfolio for the beauty and personal care industry.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESSEN, 4-Sep-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Evonik has officially opened a new production facility at its Steinau site, marking a significant expansion in its capacity to produce sustainable cosmetic emollients. The state-of-the-art plant, built with a multi-million euro investment, is designed to meet the increasing demand for eco-friendly beauty and personal care products. This new facility will enable Evonik to reduce its climate footprint while enhancing the sustainability of cosmetic formulations for its global customers.

The new plant utilizes an innovative enzymatic process for manufacturing emollients, which are key ingredients in cosmetic products. These emollients, typically making up 10 to 25 percent of cosmetic emulsions, have traditionally been responsible for a significant portion of a product’s climate footprint. Evonik’s enzymatic esterification process, however, can reduce the climate impact of emollients by over 60 percent, aligning with the company’s commitment to sustainability.

“Emollients now need to deliver both high performance and a strong sustainability profile,” said Johann-Caspar Gammelin, president of Evonik’s Nutrition & Care division. “This investment underscores our dedication to supporting the beauty industry’s transformation towards more responsible, eco-friendly solutions.”

Evonik’s Steinau site will operate entirely on renewable energy, further minimizing the plant’s environmental impact. The new facility complements Evonik’s existing production sites in Duisburg, Germany, and Shanghai, China, where enzyme-catalyzed esters have been part of the company’s portfolio for nearly 25 years.

The Steinau site is recognized as a hub for innovation within the cosmetics industry and also produces biodegradable specialty surfactants and active substances. With over 200 products in its portfolio, the site continues to play a crucial role in Evonik’s strategy to lead in sustainable beauty solutions.

Evonik’s Care Solutions business line, guided by sustainability, is advancing initiatives like the ECOHANCE® program, which focuses on incorporating next-generation feedstocks and delivering exceptional social and ecological benefits for beauty and personal care applications.

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.

About Nutrition & Care

The focus of the business of the Nutrition & Care division is on health and quality of life. It develops differentiated solutions for active pharmaceutical ingredients, medical devices, nutrition for humans and animals, personal care, cosmetics, and household cleaning. In these resilient end markets, the division generated sales of €3.61 billion in 2023 with more than 5,600 employees.

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:

Jana Flommersfeld
Head of Market Communications Care Solutions
+49 201 173-3772
mailto:jana.flommersfeld@evonik.com

Dr. Jürgen Krauter
Head of Market Communications
+49 6181 59-6847
juergen.krauter@evonik.com

SOURCE: Evonik