Evonik Breaks Ground on Major Silica Expansion in Charleston, US
Evonik recently announced the groundbreaking of a significant expansion at its Charleston site in South Carolina’s Berkeley County.
This new development will boost the production capacity of precipitated silica by 50%, catering to the increasing demand from the tire industry, particularly for green tires in the US.
“North America is a crucial growth region for us,” says Guido Skudlarek, Evonik’s President North America. “This investment in the Charleston site underscores our dedication to meeting regional growth and customer needs. We are committed to providing innovative and sustainable solutions that offer significant benefits to our customers.”
The expansion is a strategic move by Evonik to solidify its presence in the region and demonstrate its long-term commitment to the silica business. The company has been preparing for this step, driven by strong customer and market pull, positive engineering updates, and robust support from site partners and local authorities.
“With this expansion, our Charleston site will become a key hub for sustainable silica products in North America,” says Lauren Kjeldsen, Head of the Smart Materials Division, which includes the silica business. “The site’s strategic location, dedicated workforce, and advanced silica processing capabilities make it ideal for this expansion.”
Evonik’s focus on sustainability is a core aspect of this expansion. “Our teams have worked diligently over the years to develop a comprehensive expansion plan,” says Emmanuel Auer, Head of the Silica Business Line. “This project will help us achieve our sustainability targets by combining the positive impact of our silica technologies with a low carbon footprint. It highlights our commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative.”
The expansion at the Charleston site will enhance local tire industry supply chains and introduce circular raw materials for Ultrasil Silica, supporting the sector’s sustainability goals. Silica is crucial for producing fuel-efficient tires, reducing fuel consumption by up to 8% compared to conventional tires. The demand for these tires is rapidly growing in North America due to the need for better fuel efficiency and reduced rolling resistance. Evonik has consistently invested in modernizing its silica production and making strategic global acquisitions, with the Charleston facilities being part of a network of 18 precipitated silica production sites worldwide.
