Evonik Expands Polybutadiene Production Capacity in China

Evonik will localize the final production process of its polybutadiene product Polyvest® ST-E 60 in Shanghai, and is expected to be fully operational in the third quarter of 2025. The move is aimed at improving supply security and customer responsiveness in the Asian market and further consolidating its market position in the field of specialty chemicals.

Polyvest® is a reactive plasticizer used in tire formulations and is widely used in rubber, adhesives, coatings and sealants. The expansion will increase Evonik's global production capacity for silane-functionalized polybutadiene to meet the market's continued demand for high-performance additives.

Dr. Anna Maria Ickert, head of Evonik's Coatings and Adhesive Resins business, said the investment will strengthen the regional supply chain, shorten delivery cycles and serve Asian customers more efficiently.

Dr. Jürgen Herwig, head of the Polybutadiene and Specialty Acrylates business, pointed out that the project is an important part of Evonik's global expansion strategy and also reflects its commitment to sustainable development and operational excellence.

This expansion further improves Evonik's layout of polybutadiene and related specialty chemicals in China. The company has previously established the Specialty Additives Asia Pacific Innovation Center in Shanghai, focusing on local research and development of high-performance materials; the multifunctional chemical base in Nanjing also produces a variety of fine chemicals for rubber and polymer materials. These measures have greatly enhanced Evonik's technical support and local service capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region.