Lanxess Delivers €6.14 Billion Resilience Boost in 2024 While Targeting 10 Percent Growth in 2025

Despite industry headwinds, Lanxess defied the global slowdown, posting €6.14 billion in 2024 sales and a 19.9% jump in EBITDA—a performance that showcases the company’s strategic agility and shift toward specialty chemicals.

Since its 2004 spin-off from Bayer, the German chemical powerhouse has transformed itself from a commodity rubber player into a top-tier specialty chemicals leader. The final step in this evolution came in April 2025, with the sale of its polyurethane business to Japan’s Ube Industries, fully marking its exit from cyclical polymer operations.

Lanxess’ portfolio now spans intermediates, additives, and consumer protection, securing leading global positions in markets like flame retardants, lubricants, and disinfectants. The company’s 2023 “FORWARD!” initiative cut over €110 million in costs, beating expectations through structural optimization and business streamlining.

Lanxess CEO Matthias Zachert said the firm remains committed to low-carbon, asset-light, high-margin segments that are less vulnerable to economic cycles. With products now embedded in daily life—from flame-resistant building materials to lubricants certified for China’s C919 aircraft—Lanxess is well-positioned to weather uncertainty.

China has emerged as Lanxess’ largest single market, accounting for 13% of total sales. The company operates eight production sites and five offices in the Greater China region, supported by around 700 local employees. Recent highlights include lubricant certifications for Chinese aircraft, a Rhein Chemie plant expansion in Qingdao, and an Asia-Pacific application center in Shanghai.

While large-scale investments are now tapering off, Lanxess is focused on improving plant utilization over the next 1–2 years. The company views the China market as central to its future plans, especially as the nation shifts toward higher-quality chemical demand.

Despite global trade tensions, Zachert voiced confidence in the company’s global footprint and pricing power. Lanxess expects EBITDA to rise another 10% in 2025, supported by improvements in the agrochemical sector and a more favorable Chinese economic outlook.