Evonik Plans New Polyamide 12 Complex In Germany

Evonik is planning to build a new production complex for the high-performance polymer polyamide 12 (PA 12). The German speciality chemicals firm intends to increase its overall PA 12 capacity by more than 50%. PA 12 finds application in attractive growth markets such as the automotive industry, oil & gas pipelines, and in 3D printing.

After successful basic engineering, Evonik plans to invest approximately €400-mn in the PA 12 complex at its largest site, Marl Chemical Park in North Rhine-Westphalia. The existing PA 12 production is to be supplemented with additional manufacturing facilities for the polymer and its precursors. The complex is expected to become operational in early 2021. The project is to be implemented over the course of four years as part of the annual budget for growth investments.

“We are planning Evonik’s largest investment in Germany,” said Mr. Christian Kullmann, Chairman of the Evonik Executive Board. “This investment is a perfect fit to our strategy of consistent focus on speciality chemicals since polyamide 12, as a high-performance polymer for speciality applications, is an important part of our strategic Growth Engine Smart Materials.”

The PA 12 market is posting annual growth rates exceeding 5% worldwide, significantly outpacing the global gross domestic product. In the specialty application of 3D printing, growth rates even reach double digits. “The demand for polyamide 12 is showing steady, dynamic growth,” said Mr. Claus Rettig, Chairman of the Board of Management of Evonik Resource Efficiency GmbH.