Evonik expanding silica capacity by 50% in South Carolina

CHARLESTON, S.C.—Evonik Industries A.G. is increasing production capacity for precipitated silica at its Charleston site by 50 percent.

The group is investing a "mid-double-digit million-euro amount" in the project, the construction work on which is set to start mid-year.

The expanded capacity will meet "high demand" for the materials, particularly from tire industry in North America, Evonik said in a Jan. 31 press release, noting the new production line is expected to begin operation in early 2026.

The project will help the supply chain of Evonik partners by enabling "local silica sourcing," the company said.

"North America is an important strategic growth region for us," said Maike Schuh, chief financial officer of Evonik and responsible for the Americas region.

With the expansion, the Charleston site becomes "a major hub for precipitated and sustainable silica products in North America," according to Lauren Kjeldsen, head of the smart materials division.

Evonik said the project falls within the company's "roadmap towards carbon neutrality" for its Charleston site.

"The commercial and technical teams have worked intensely in the past years to develop a robust expansion concept, which we will now implement," said Emmanuel Auer, head of the silica business line.

While addressing the local-to-local demand, the expansion aims to introduce "circular raw materials" to manufacture Ultrasil-branded silica to meet the sustainability targets of the tire industry.

According to Evonik, using silica as a tire additive can reduce a conventional passenger car's fuel consumption by up to 8 percent. And in North America, it added, demand for tires with reduced rolling resistance and improved fuel efficiency is "experiencing above-average growth."

"Over the past years, Evonik has continuously invested in modern silica production updates and strategic acquisitions around the globe," the supplier said.

The Charleston facilities are part of a network of 18 precipitated silica production sites globally.