German chemical producer Evonik has increased production capacity for C4 products at its sites in Antwerp, Belgium, and Marl, Germany.

The investment, said to be in the triple-digit million euro range, includes additional capability to produce butadiene, the plasticizer isononanol and the antiknock agent MTBE.

In announcing the plans two years ago, Evonik said the expansion would be a step toward lifting its butadiene output in Antwerp by 100,000 t/y, and its output of MTBE at Marl and Antwerp together would rise by 150,000 t/y up to 2015.

Citing market analyses that global demand is increasing by 2-5% annually, the Essen-based company said it is “sustainably strengthening” its market positions and supporting its customers growth plans.

Evonik said it has secured raw materials supply to the new production facilities with long-term contracts. Additionally, for the first time it has made FCC-C4 material flows from refineries usable.

Along with being “a globally leading provider” of the products being expanded as well as other C-4 products, including isobutene, 1-butene, 2-PH (2-propylheptanol) and the plasticizer DINP (diisononylphthalate), the German chemical producer also operates integrated large-scale plants for processing C4 starting materials.