In reaction to increasing global demand, German chemical producer Evonik has begun a project to double production of its Trogamid CX-branded transparent polyamides at the Marl Chemical Park up to 2020. The upgrade is being undertaken in part through debottlenecking, in part through optimization of production.

Ralf Düssel, head of Evonik’s High Performance Polymers business line, said the expansion will not only strengthen the Essen-based group’s long-term growth track for high-performance polymers but at the same time create “an important latitude for developing new products.”

The Trogamid polymers are in demand from the sports & leisure, automotive and cosmetics industries, as well as in medical technology, automotive interiors and optical applications.

Evonik recently developed a new PA molding compound for optical applications such as high-end lenses and visors, where the polymer is said to offer crystal-clear transparency, excellent wear comfort and high durability along with improved processing capabilities.

New catalyst plant commissioned in India

Outside Germany, the chemical group has commissioned a new plant for activated metal catalysts at its Dombivli, India, manufacturing site. Evonik said the new production facility will allow it to fully utilize its capacity at the Indian site while establishing “significant synergies” with its production site in Germany.

Activated metal catalyst are used in the food industry for production of sorbitol, as well as in the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and in the polyurethane value chain.

Evonik said the Indian project will “greatly enhance” the supply of high quality catalysts in Asia-Pacific, where growth rates are forecast to be significantly higher than in other regions of the world. The investment will also allow the group to expand its portfolio targeting new markets and applications.