Wedoany.com Report-Jul. 5, Evonik Industries AG, headquartered in Essen, Germany, is localizing the final production step of its polybutadiene product POLYVEST® ST-E 60 in Shanghai, China. This move underscores the company’s strategy to improve supply reliability and strengthen customer proximity within the Asian market. The new production capability is scheduled to become fully operational by the third quarter of 2025.

The expansion will boost the company’s capacity to produce silane-functionalized polybutadienes, a critical component used in a range of applications such as rubber compounds, tires, adhesives, coatings, and sealants. Evonik’s decision to localize this process reflects a broader plan to meet increasing regional demand and reinforce its role as a dependable supplier in the specialty chemicals sector.

“This strategic investment will enhance our production capabilities and ensure that our customers in Asia benefit from improved supply security and shorter lead times,” says Dr. Anna Maria Ickert, Head of Evonik Coating & Adhesive Resins. “In today’s environment, fostering independent supply chains and bringing our products closer to our customers is essential, enabling us to respond more effectively to their needs.”

Dr. Jürgen Herwig, who leads Evonik’s polybutadienes and specialty acrylics segment within the Coating & Adhesive Resins business, emphasizes the long-term importance of the expansion: “This expansion aligns with our long-term strategy to strengthen our global footprint while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and operational excellence. The new capacity will enable Evonik’s customers to achieve their business goals while participating in the region’s growth. This is a crucial step toward expanding our presence in Asia.”

Evonik’s increased capacity in Shanghai is part of a broader global initiative to enhance responsiveness to regional market needs. By completing the final production step of POLYVEST® ST-E 60 locally, the company aims to reduce delivery times and optimize its supply chain within the Asia-Pacific region. This effort supports the company's objective to align its operations more closely with market demand, ensuring a steady and reliable supply of high-performance materials.

The localized production is expected to contribute positively to Evonik’s sustainability goals through reduced transportation requirements and improved logistical efficiency. The company continues to invest in technologies and processes that support efficient, scalable, and environmentally responsible production.