Evonik increases sodium methoxide production in Argentina

Evonik has announced the expansion of sodium methoxide production capacity at its Rosario site in Argentina. The company’s expansion contributes to its continued growth in the biofuels industry and supports its innovation and sustainability efforts in South America.

The move is in response to the growing demand for biofuels in the region and will increase annual production capacity by 50%, from 60,000 to 90,000 tons. The expansion of high-performance sodium methoxide catalyst production is intended to significantly increase biodiesel productivity and reduce production costs in South America.

“The sodium methoxide plant is of great significance to Argentina and other countries in the region, with Brazil being a major export destination,” commented Hendrik Schönfelder, President of Evonik Central and South America.

This announcement is significant for the region, especially in light of the Brazilian government’s recent requirement to increase the blending ratio of fossil diesel to a maximum of 15% biodiesel (B15) by 2025. Furthermore, this is in line with the goals of the New Industry of Brazil (NIB), a program aimed at stimulating national industry and increasing the share of biofuels in the transportation energy mix.

“With the completion of our sodium methoxide production expansion in Argentina and progress on our new alkoxide plant in Singapore, we have strengthened our position as one of the world’s largest catalyst manufacturers and remain committed to sustainability, innovation and industry leadership,” said Cauê de Arruda, Head of Evonik’s Catalysts Business in Central and South America.

The plant provides companies with an efficient and cost-effective way to decarbonize the transportation sector, meet greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.