Evonik’s DEGACRYL® Specialty Acrylate Production Goes Green with Renewable Energy

Evonik’s DEGACRYL® Specialty Acrylate Production Goes Green with Renewable Energy

(IN BRIEF) Evonik’s Coating & Adhesive Resins Business Line in Darmstadt, Germany, has transitioned its production of DEGACRYL® specialty acrylates to renewable energy sources, reducing annual CO2 emissions by approximately 1,400 metric tons. This move aligns with the business line’s sustainability commitment and meets growing market demand for environmentally friendly products. Dr. Claudia Meister, Head of Specialty Acrylics, emphasizes the importance of sustainability and meeting customer preferences, highlighting the benefits of reducing Scope 1/2 emissions and supporting eco-friendly packaging solutions and medical applications through the production of DEGACRYL® specialty acrylates.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESSEN, 3-Apr-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Evonik’s Coating & Adhesive Resins Business Line has achieved a significant reduction in carbon emissions by powering the production of DEGACRYL® specialty acrylates in Darmstadt with electricity from renewable sources. This initiative, effective since the start of the year, results in an annual CO2 savings of around 1,400 metric tons.

The shift to renewable energy aligns with the business line’s commitment to sustainability. “In addition to a strong focus on products that provide our customers with more sustainable solutions through the handprint, this also includes reducing the carbon footprint of DEGACRYL®,” says Dr. Claudia Meister, Head of Specialty Acrylics.

With lower CO2 emissions, the business line is helping to achieve its own sustainability goals and at the same time meet market requirements: “Our customers are increasingly asking for sustainably manufactured products. We can now support our customers even better in this area and reduce our Scope 1/2 emissions at the same time,” says Meister.

The supply of electricity from renewable energy sources is ensured via green electricity certificates and special supply contracts known as Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).

The integration of green electricity into the production process is another building block in the more sustainable production of specialty acrylates. For many years, the steam necessary for production has been sourced from a local waste-to-energy plant, utilizing waste heat to generate additional value.

The DEGACRYL® specialty acrylates produced in Darmstadt are used in a wide range of applications. In the packaging industry, they are essential for heat-sealing lacquers used in dairy products packaging, among others, promoting the creation of eco-friendly packaging solutions. In addition, these acrylates play a crucial role in the medical sector as a raw material in dental prostheses and bone cement, as well as in adhesive applications.

COMPANY INFORMATION

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 SMART MATERIALS

The Smart Materials division includes businesses with innovative materials that enable resource-saving solutions and replace conventional materials. They are the smart answer to the major challenges of our time: environment, energy efficiency, urbanization, mobility and health. The Smart Materials division generated sales of €4.46 billion in 2023 with more than 8,100 employees.

DISCLAIMER

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press 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:

Moritz Bönte
Head of Market Communications
Coating & Adhesive Resins
Mobile: +49 152 09 26 92 89
moritz.boente@evonik.com

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

SOURCE: EVONIK