Expansions: Evonik doubles polyamides production in China; Blue Circle Olefins obtains funding for MTO project in Netherlands

German chemical firm Evonik has announced the successful trial production of the second polyamides reactor at its Shanghai site, paving the way to doubling Evonik’s long-chain polyamides production capacity in Asia.

High-performance polyamides are key materials used for lightweight automotive components, thermal management in new energy vehicles and energy storage, and premium consumer goods.

Driven by steady market growth, the project will also increase the local production of a range of high-performance polymers, including AABB polyamides and elastomers (PEBA). These materials are widely used in automotive tubing, monofilaments, and midsoles and outsoles of running shoes. Their applications in new energy vehicles, sports gear, and consumer goods are expected to continue growing in the coming years.

“This latest investment is based on our expectation of attractive growth in demand for long-chain polyamides, driven by multiple applications. The new production capacity will greatly enhance the resilience of our global supply chain, allowing us to respond more quickly and flexibly to customer needs in the Asia-Pacific region and provide them with superior and innovative solutions,” said Dr. Jan-Olaf Barth, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Evonik’s High-Performance Polymers business line.

In other news, Blue Circle Olefins has secured funding for the next phase of ProjectNL, the development of a commercial Methanol to Olefins (MTO) production facility in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

The investment by a consortium of private investors together with a Kansen voor West subsidy enables the start of the conceptual engineering and permitting process. The highly electrified 200,000 tonne plant will convert sustainable methanol into 100% circular ethylene and propylene, the basic building blocks for about 60% of all products produced by the chemical industry in Europe.

When the facility becomes operational by 2030, it will enable a reduction of more than 80% of the life cycle GHG emissions of plastics (PP, PE and PVC) compared to current fossil production processes.

Blue Circle Olefins has further selected Rotterdam as the location of choice for the development of the project.

Ralph Koekkoek, CEO Blue Circle Olefins, comments: “Securing this funding represents an important step in the development of ProjectNL. It provides the means to begin the conceptual engineering and permitting phase, a crucial stage on the path to reaching commercial operation in 2030. As the largest methanol hub in Europe, the Port of Rotterdam offers the ideal location to realize this facility.”

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