en.Wedoany.com Reported - German chemical company Evonik has announced an €80 million investment in Slovakia to expand the biotechnological facilities at its Fermas plant. Located in Slovenská Ľupča, the plant specializes in downstream processing and bio-fermentation. This investment will enhance fermentation technology and support the production of pharmaceutical ingredients. The move aims to address changing demands in the European chemicals industry and strengthen the company's competitiveness in the biotechnology sector.
Originally producing amino acids for animal nutrition, the Fermas plant was acquired by Evonik in 1998 and gradually shifted towards developing fermentation products for use in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, personal care, and animal nutrition. In 2024, the plant became the world's first industrial-scale production site for rhamnolipid biosurfactants, a component used in products like dishwashing soap and shampoo.
Guido Skudlarek, Head of Evonik's Health Care business line, stated: "As demand for complex pharmaceutical ingredients grows, our enhanced biotechnological capabilities will help customers achieve reliable, scalable, and sustainable production." This investment reflects Evonik's ongoing expansion in biotechnology to meet market challenges.
The European chemicals industry holds advantages in biotechnology and R&D but faces pressure from global demand. According to a report by the European Chemical Industry Council, the petrochemical sector is significantly impacted by high energy prices. Despite lower demand, industry performance remains above the crisis levels of 2015 to 2019. Market confidence is expected to improve by the end of 2025, driven by increased orders and rising inventories. Evonik's biotechnology expansion in Slovakia is part of the European industry's adjustment efforts, aiming to optimize production efficiency and sustainability.
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