Evonik, a leading specialty chemicals company, has announced plans to double its global capacity for VESTAMID® E, a polyether block amide (PEBA) high-performance polymer. The move comes as demand for the raw material, which is used extensively in the global athletic footwear market, continues to surge.
Major Expansion at Multi-User-Site in Shanghai
Evonik’s capacity expansion will involve a two-pronged approach, including a major expansion of its production plant at the Multi-User-Site (MUSC) in Shanghai, and an optimization project at its production facility in Marl, Germany. Construction at the Shanghai site is set to begin in Fall 2023, and the expansion will significantly increase the company’s ability for the polymerization of PEBA.
VESTAMID® E’s Exceptional Qualities
VESTAMID® E is a long-established compound with exceptional qualities that make it ideal for use in high-performance athletic shoes. The polymer’s continuous technological developments have allowed midsoles featuring VESTAMID® E to be extremely lightweight while offering an excellent energy return that enhances the performance of athletes. VESTAMID® E also exhibits great low-temperature impact strength, and excellent chemical resistance, and is easy to process and color, making it highly sought after in demanding applications in the automotive and medical technology industries.
Evonik’s Sustainability Focus
As part of Evonik’s “Next-Generation Solutions” strategy, which aims to have over 50% of its sales from products with superior sustainability benefits by 2030, the company is placing a high emphasis on producing VESTAMID® eCO. This product retains all the characteristics of a PEBA molding compound but has a 42% lower carbon footprint. It is made using 100% renewable energy and has 50% of its raw materials based on recycled tires, through a third-party audited, mass-balance approach.
Constant Innovation in the Industry
“Constant innovation continues to drive this industry in the improvement of weight reduction, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. PEBA-based foams made with VESTAMID® E or VESTAMID® eCO are leaders in this category and are widely regarded as one of the highest-performing materials in the market,” said Ralf Düssel, head of Evonik’s High-Performance Polymers business line.
With more than 50 years of experience in developing and manufacturing specialty and high-performance plastics, Evonik has a comprehensive product portfolio that offers innovative solutions for virtually any industrial application. The company’s current capacity expansion will put it in an optimal position to address the global market, which is primarily centered on local manufacturing in Asia.