Earlier this year, ICIG acquired the Lülsdorf site from Evonik, and its subsidiary Lülsdorf Functional Solutions GmbH (LFS) has been exclusively producing sodium and potassium alcoholates for Evonik. However, due to regulatory requirements outlined in the UN Minamata Convention on Mercury, the LFS alcoholate production facility is slated for closure by the end of 2027.

Alcoholates, also known as alkoxides, find applications across various industries, with a significant role in biodiesel production. To address this, Vynova Group's planned investment ensures the ongoing supply to the European market through local production. Notably, Vynova Group already operates a sodium methylate production plant at its MSSA subsidiary in La Rochelle (France) with a 20,000-ton annual capacity.