Evonik to double PEBA elastomers capacity with plant upgrades

SHANGHAI—Evonik Industries A.G. is doubling its global capacity for polyether block amide (PEBA) thermoplastic elastomers through "a major expansion" in Shanghai and plant upgrades in Marl, Germany.

The German chemicals group is starting construction work at its facility in Shanghai this fall to increase capacity for the polymerisation of Vestamid E-branded PEBA.

Evonik said in an April 14 statement that the elastomer is "highly demanded" by the growing global athletic footwear market.

The investment at Shanghai "will significantly increase Evonik's PEBA production capacity, (and) expand our regional presence," said Ralf Duessel, head of Evonik's high performance polymers business line.

The expansion also will enable Evonik to better serve the global market, which is primarily centered on local manufacturing in Asia, he added.

To complete the Shanghai expansion, Evonik has undertaken projects to debottleneck and optimize overall production at its other major PEBA facility in Marl, Germany.

Evonik said it is placing particular emphasis on producing the eco-friendly version of the elastomer Vestamid eCo, which it says features a 42-percent lower carbon footprint.

The material is made using 100 percent renewable energy and has 50 percent of its raw materials based on recycled tires through a third-party audited, mass-balance approach.

According to Evonik, Vestamid E is ideal for use in "extremely lightweight" midsoles in high-performance athletic shoes.

The material also enables "excellent energy return," it added, claiming it enhances the performance of athletes.

In addition, the elastomer also exhibits "great low-temperature impact strength and excellent chemical resistance" while being easy to process and color.

The features, according to Evonik, make the elastomer "highly sought after" in other demanding applications in the automotive and medical technology industries.