Evonik enhances capabilities to develop specialty PU additives

Evonik has further expanded its leadership position in the polyurethane (PU) industry with a new state-of the-art laboratory and innovation facility at its Essen Goldschmidt  site in Germany, which was inaugurated at the end of October.  

The new 400-square-meter laboratory will enhance the Group’s  development capabilities for high-performance specialty PU  additives and processing aids for a variety of PU applications. The  focus is on high-growth application areas such as the production  of sustainable artificial leather, low emission catalysts for high quality coatings and adhesives, performance additives for making  PU shoe soles more durable and comfortable, and emission  optimized release agents for molded foams and elastomers. 

“Our new laboratory and innovation center sends a strong signal  to the market and reinforces our strategy to not only be the  leading, but also the most innovative, solutions provider to the PU  industry,” said Ralph Marquardt, head of Evonik’s PU additives  business. “This latest investment enables us to develop innovative  and more sustainable additive solutions for our customers to help  them meet changing market demands and increasing  environmental regulations.” 

Evonik’s specialty additives and processing aids make, for  example, the production of artificial leather more sustainable by  replacing organic solvents with water in the production process.  Another application area that Evonik’s PU experts are already  working on in the new laboratory and innovation facility are  environmentally friendly catalysts for polyurethane foams and materials with rubber-like properties (elastomers). They are used in the production of high-performance PU materials that protect electronic components in cell phones from vibrations or prevent the mechanical failure of electric car battery components during the charging and discharging process. Another example are additives and processing aids that extend the lifespan of PU shoe soles by improving the durability, appearance and wearing comfort. 

“The new facility’s state-of-the-art equipment enables our team  to work efficiently and safely on developing new additive solutions and bring them to market much quicker,” said Matt Aldag, head of Evonik’s Advanced PU business.  

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