Evonik Inaugurates New Speciality Alumina Plant in Japan, Bolstering Regional Growth Strategy

Evonik has officially commissioned "Alu5," a new, state-of-the-art production plant for fumed alumina in Yokkaichi, Japan. This strategic investment, amounting to several million euros, represents a key milestone in the company's ongoing expansion of its operations and production capabilities across Asia. It underscores Evonik's firm commitment to fostering innovation, ensuring sustainable and secure supply chains, and enhancing customer proximity within one of the globe's most vibrant economic regions.

"The launch of our Alu5 facility is not merely an expansion of capacity; it is a strategic move to embed our high-performance alumina solutions directly within the Asian market," stated Emmanuel Auer, Head of Evonik's Smart Materials division. Elias Lacerda, Head of the Coating Additives business line, added, "This local production allows us to provide industries like battery technology and advanced coatings with faster, more efficient access to essential materials, thereby supporting their critical evolution both today and in the future."

The Alu5 plant manufactures Aeroxide®, Evonik's premium fumed alumina product, renowned for its exceptional quality and performance. This versatile material is pivotal in enhancing the efficiency, durability, and sustainability of end-products in rapidly advancing sectors such as electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, consumer electronics, and high-performance coatings. By enabling longer-lasting and more resource-efficient solutions, Aeroxide® plays a vital role in reducing the environmental footprint of these technologies and accelerating the global transition to cleaner alternatives.

Klaus Rettig, President of Evonik Asia Pacific, highlighted the new facility's strategic importance for the region's growth, describing Alu5 as a cornerstone of the company's Asian growth agenda. By localizing production, Evonik significantly shortens lead times, reduces carbon emissions associated with logistics, strengthens overall supply chain resilience, and deepens its long-term partnerships with regional customers.

Equipped with cutting-edge production technologies, the Alu5 facility establishes new benchmarks in operational quality, efficiency, and environmental stewardship. The project exemplifies the powerful synergy between Evonik's Performance Solutions and Advanced Materials divisions, showcasing the collaborative drive that underpins the company's leadership in specialty chemicals and its unwavering commitment to sustainable innovation.

With the inauguration of Alu5, Evonik continues to advance its core mission: delivering advanced high-performance materials that empower industries to become cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable.