The move is in response to growing demand for biofuels in the region and will see the annual capacity increase by 50%, from 60,000 tons to 90,000 tons. Expanded production of high-performance sodium methylate catalysts aims to significantly increase biodiesel productivity and reduce production costs across South America.

“The sodium methylate plant is of great importance to Argentina and other countries in the region, with Brazil acting as a major export destination,” commented Hendrik Schönfelder, the Regional President for Central and South America at Evonik. 

This announcement is significant to the region, especially in light of the Brazilian government’s recent mandate to increase the blending of fossil diesel with 15% biodiesel (B15) by 2025. Furthermore, it is in line with the goals of New Industry Brazil (NIB), a program designed to stimulate the national industry and increase the proportion of biofuels in the transportation energy mix.

“Upon completion of the sodium methylate production expansion in Argentina and progress on the new alkoxide plant in Singapore, we reinforce our position as one of the largest global catalyst manufacturers and our continued commitment to sustainable development, innovation, and leadership within the industry,” said Cauê de Arruda, Head of Evonik Catalysts Central and South America.

The plant provides an efficient and cost-effective way for businesses to decarbonize the mobility sector, achieve greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.