Evonik is raising capacity at Changchun, China, for its polyetheretherketone (PEEK) high-performance polymer in order to meet increasing global demand. Capacity details and a timeframe for the project were not disclosed.

The company said its Vestakeep range of PEEK polymers has seen strong and consistent growth during the last five years across various industry sectors, for example oil and gas, aviation and automotive. PEEK polymers can replace metal, enabling manufacturers to reduce the weight of various components.

Matthias Kottenhahn, head of Evonik’s High Performance Polymers business line, said: “The investment affirms our commitment to support our customers’ growth over the long term as well as to continually expand our product portfolio.”

Meanwhile, Evonik completed the purchase of PeroxyChem Netherlands on Oct. 30 and has renamed the business Evonik Peroxide Netherlands.

The acquisition, which includes a site in Delfzijl, has increased Evonik’s European hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) capacity to more than 250,000 t/y. Evonik said the extra capacity will enable it to meet anticipated demand in the region as well as improve its service to customers.