Multinational Companies in China’s Chemical Industry
Chemical MNCs show strong verbal commitment to China, but the real situation is somewhat underwhelming.
Evonik
Evonik Seeking to Sell Lülsdorf Site
Evonik has decided to sell its Lülsdorf site, south of Cologne, Germany, in the medium term. The company said detailed plans for the sale will be finalized by next spring. The goal is to sell the entire site to a new owner, though Evonik said it will consider selling parts of the businesses to “various interested parties.” Employee representatives have been notified of the plans.
Evonik Venture Capital with new China Investment
Extending its engagement with innovative Chinese start-ups, Evonik Venture Capital is placing fresh bets on two funds. The subsidiary of the German chemical producer said it is injecting an undisclosed amount of capital into GRC SinoGreen Fund and Richland VC Fund III.
Evonik Acquires German Biotech JeNaCell
For an undisclosed sum, Germany’s Evonik has acquired German industrial biotech JeNaCell, thereby expanding its biomaterials portfolio to biotechnologically derived cellulose. The Essen-based group said the acquisition confirms its venture capital arm’s strategy of investing early in start-ups with visionary technology relevant to its own innovation growth fields.
Evonik Buys Spain’s Infinitec Activos
Evonik has entered into an agreement to buy Infinitec Activos, a privately owned Spanish company that specializes in the development and production of novel delivery systems for cosmetic active ingredients. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Evonik Delivers Lipids to BioNTech Early
German specialty chemicals producer Evonik delivered the first batches of lipids for BioNTech’s mRNA-based Covid-19 vaccine on Apr. 22, months earlier than planned. Deliveries were expected to start in mid-2021 but the company said it was able to set up production in just eight weeks at its complex in Hanau, Germany, and meet the high-quality requirements for the component.
CO2-Neutral Chemical Industry
The European Chemical Industry has set out on an ambitious path to become carbon neutral. Germany, as one of the major chemical manufacturing nations, has committed to achieve this goal by 2050.
Ajinomoto in Talks with Metex on Animal Feed Unit
Japan’s Ajinomoto has entered into exclusive negotiations with French fermentation firm METabolic EXplorer to sell its entire stake in Ajinomoto Animal Nutrition Europe (AANE), based in Amiens, France. The company said the sale its part of a strategic reshaping of its portfolio and a restructuring of non-core businesses.
EU Firms in Alliance for Green Hydrogen
Seven companies from the European GET H2 hydrogen initiative, including chemical producer Evonik, have established a consortium to help promote industrial offtake of climate-friendly green hydrogen from renewable energies.
Innovation is the Driver to Delivering Value
Michael Reubold talked to Evonik’s Sanjeev Taneja about the role of catalysts in the company and their value to the industry and the society.
Expert Statement: Stefan Haver, Evonik
The European Chemical Industry has set out on an ambitious path to become carbon neutral.
Evonik to Acquire Durect’s Lactel Polymers
Evonik has entered into an agreement to buy the Lactel absorbable polymer business from Durect Corp., a US-based biopharmaceutical company focused on developing drugs for pain and chronic diseases.
Evonik on Track with PA 12 Expansion
German specialty chemicals producer Evonik says it is on track to complete the ongoing €400 million expansion of its PA 12 portfolio as planned, despite a few logistical challenges related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Evonik and Siemens Commission Photosynthesis Pilot
Evonik and Siemens Energy have commissioned a pilot plant that uses carbon dioxide (CO2) and water to produce chemicals. The plant is the culmination of two years’ work under the Rheticus I and II research projects to develop a technically feasible foundation for artificial photosynthesis using a bioreactor and electrolyzers.
Understanding the Requirements of Safe HPAPI Manufacturing
The pharmaceutical industry is increasingly focused on the development of specialized drug products with new treatment modalities, including previously undruggable targets for oncology and other areas.
Evonik Invests in C4 Specialties at Marl
Specialty chemicals producer Evonik is investing around €15 million in its C4 production network in Marl. Germany. The three-pronged focus is on Tert. butanol (TBA), di-isobutene (DiB) and 3,5,5-trimethylhexanal (TMH).
Evonik Acquiring Porocel for $210 Million
In a move designed to boost its catalyst business, Evonik will pay $210 million to acquire the Porocel Group, a US technology provider based in Houston, Texas. The transaction, to be financed out of Evonik's “strong cash position,” is due to close by the end of 2020 subject to regulatory approval.
Circular Economy
The chemical industry is on the threshold of a new era – the age of circularity. We asked industry experts to share their opinions on this transformational topic.
Agrochemical and Custom Manufacturing Industry: Connected Fates
The fate of the agrochemical innovation, development, product launch and production are strongly linked to the parallel development of the fine chemicals and custom manufacturing industry.
