Evonik: Commitment to sustainability and “green” transformation

As a world leader in specialty chemicals, Evonik reaffirms its commitment to sustainability as an integral part of its purpose and strategic management. With the aim of leading beyond chemistry to improve life, today and tomorrow, the company has begun the next stage of its “green” transformation by fully and systematically integrating sustainability into all aspects of its strategy, including portfolio management, innovation, corporate culture, and resource allocation.

Evonik aims to increase the share of sales generated by advanced and sustainable solutions, known as next-generation products, from the current 43% to over 50% by 2030. This initiative entails a global investment of approximately three billion euros. Additionally, 700 million euros have been earmarked for next-generation technologies focused on transforming production processes, reducing CO₂ emissions, and achieving annual operating savings exceeding 100 million euros by 2030.

In line with the Paris Agreement and validated by Science Based Targets (SBTi), Evonik aims for a 25% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, along with an approximately 11% decrease in scope 3 emissions over the same period. Furthermore, the company is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and plans to recalibrate its climate targets to contribute to limiting global warming to 1.5°C by 2050.

Concrete actions to reduce CO₂ emissions include the inauguration of a new gas and steam turbine power plant in Marl, Germany, replacing the existing coal-fired facility; implementing efficiency enhancements in production and processing operations worldwide; and transitioning to electricity from green sources.

Initiatives involving environmental, social, and corporate governance sustainability have also gained momentum throughout the Central and South America region. An area dedicated to these initiatives was established in 2022 to lead and boost future practices and actions in the region.

In early 2023, Evonik joined the São Paulo Environment Agreement, thereby reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. This initiative fosters voluntary reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions among companies, associations, and municipalities throughout São Paulo. This measure is in line with ongoing efforts to promote sustainable chemistry, aiming to improve people's lives on a daily basis.

All of Evonik’s production plants in the region—Americana (SP), Aracruz (ES), Castro (PR), and Rosario (Argentina)—follow eco-efficient practices, including water, energy, and waste management, and hold ISO 9001and 14001 certifications. Additionally, the sodium methylate plant for biodiesel production in Argentina has also received other significant certifications such as ISO 50001, Halal Advisory Group, Kosher Certification, as well as the Top 3 position in the Responsible Conduct®️ ranking. Furthermore, the Americana site is also certified according to ISO 50001, and all Brazilian sites are certified under the Responsible Care Program®.

In Castro, Paraná, the production of Biolys® for animal nutrition operates close to carbon neutrality. The plant adopts a highly efficient, waste-free biotechnology manufacturing process, with 100% of the energy used in production coming from renewable sources. Additionally, the sourcing of the plant-based key raw material for Biolys® production from crops cultivated using traditional methods, coupled with short transport routes, significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the production chain.

Evonik drives its global vision through venture capital initiatives focused on new technologies to reduce emissions and innovations that are highly adjusted to its Next Generation Solutions in terms of technology.  

The company has fully aligned its portfolio across its business divisions Specialty Additives, Nutrition & Care, and Smart Materials to ensure sustainability is at the heart of its operations in all areas. The Research, Development, and Innovation area plays a central role in the continuous transformation of its portfolio as the company aims to achieve additional sales of more than one billion euros by 2030 through innovation growth areas.

Among the "green" solutions, several technologies stand out, including controlled-release formulations of active pharmaceutical ingredients, membranes for gas separations in biogas and hydrogen applications, natural active ingredients for cosmetics, amino acids for animal nutrition, additives for hydraulic oils, as well as silica and silanes for the production of eco-friendly tires, among numerous other sustainable solutions. The dynamic growth observed in the Next Generation Solutions underscores the importance of these products and presents Evonik with above-average growth potential.

To further reduce its carbon footprint, Evonik is dedicated to optimize its processes across the value chain, utilizing renewable raw materials and biotechnological methods whenever feasible. As a founding member of the "Together for Sustainability” (TfS) initiative, the company advocates for transparency and sustainability throughout its supply chain by conducting audits, evaluations, and training for suppliers.

As a signatory of the Responsible Care® program, an initiative of the global chemical industry, Evonik is committed to the safe management of chemical products, thereby contributing to sustainable development. Furthermore, through the Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) of its products, the company drives targeted improvements, reduces carbon footprint and addresses global water management.

With these initiatives, Evonik is well positioned in prestigious sustainability ratings and rankings. In May 2022, the company successfully issued its second Green Bond.

Evonik is reinforcing its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by concentrating on four key SDGs for its operations: Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Climate Action (SDG 13).

Aligned with these SDGs, Evonik directs its efforts toward four key pillars: fighting climate change, fostering circularity, preserving ecosystems, and promoting health and well-being. Through these commitments, the company demonstrates its dedication to reducing its environmental impact and enhancing its positive impact through the use of its products. Examples include energy savings, increased productivity, and extended product life.

A continuous dialog with stakeholders is key to anticipating trends and responding quickly and effectively to the needs of the various markets in which the company operates, while staying aligned with developments, expectations, and regulatory changes.

For Evonik, corporate responsibility means finding a balance between economic, environmental, and social factors to ensure a sustainable development. As a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, the company adheres to the 10 universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labor, the environment, and anti-corruption. Its global social policy emphasizes human rights and labor standards, supported by an extensive code of conduct to safeguard the well-being of its employees worldwide.

Through social responsibility initiatives, Evonik translates its values into projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life in the communities where it operates. Social inclusion, education, and culture are central to these endeavors. Among its ongoing projects is the support for the ‘Saber Viver’ initiative, established in Aracruz, Espírito Santo in 2016, which seeks to assist vulnerable minors and their families.  

Another local project supported continuously by the company since 2017 is ‘Cereias’, a wildlife reintroduction center that plays a vital role in conserving biodiversity, combating illegal wildlife trade, and raising environmental awareness. Additionally, since 2023, the company has been a supporter of the ‘Sementinha Verde’ project in Barra do Riacho, an initiative focusing on environmental education. In Americana (SP), it develops the ‘Florescer’ project, aimed at showcasing industrial sector opportunities to young people in local communities.

Furthermore, through a government aid program, Evonik supports various educational and cultural initiatives. Among the projects supported are ‘Baú das Artes’, an initiative that provides training for elementary school teachers to creatively impart essential skills to future citizens; ‘Multiplique o Bem’, which promotes technological education in public schools; and initiatives led by ‘Museu do Futebol’, including temporary exhibitions, cultural events, and educational activities

All of these actions are aimed at supporting initiatives that strive to build a better world, leave a lasting legacy, and positively impact as many people as possible. The company firmly believes that social and environmental responsibility go hand in hand with economic success.