Evonik expands specialty silica production in Japan
- Evonik joint venture DSL Japan Co., Ltd. opens new production line at specialty silica plant at Ako site
- Production capacity expands by 30%
- Specialty silica are key for a variety of applications, from beer filtration to automotive
Ako, Japan. DSL Japan, a joint venture of Evonik and Japanese pharmaceutical leader Shionogi, has opened a new production line for specialty silicas at the company’s site in Ako, Japan. The new capacities expand the production potential of innovative, custom silica solutions by 30%, enabling DSL Japan to meet growing demand from multiple industries both locally and abroad.
Specialty silica are a key enabler for a wide range of industries, from vehicles to food and agriculture. For example, DSL Japan’s specialty silica products enhance modern automotive exhaust gas systems to comply with new, more stringent environmental regulations. In beer production, silica speed up the filtration process. Silica make complex agrochemical formulations stable and ensure a homogeneous distribution of active ingredients. Thus, the final product is already optimally effective in small quantities.
DSL Japan can tailor the structure and pore size distribution of the silica to the specific needs of the respective customer on the expanded production line as well. The expansion was not without its challenges. DSL Japan President Kenichi Kawamoto stated: “We are very proud that we could execute this important project despite the severe conditions of COVID-19 and meet our customers’ expectations regarding the ambitious project schedule.”
Dr. Florian Kirschner, President of Evonik Japan, added: “We are confident that this expansion will not only meet the strict requirement of our Japanese customers, but also the demands of our overseas customers. We believe that we can contribute with high functionality silica solutions to the sustainable growth of their businesses.”
Among the six Evonik Group production sites in Asia, the DSL Japan site in Ako particularly specializes in silica production, including gel types.
Company information
Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The company is active in more than 100 countries around the world and generated sales of €12.2 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €1.91 billion in 2020. Evonik goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable and sustainable solutions for customers. About 33,000 employees work together for a common purpose: We want to improve life today and tomorrow.
About Smart Materials
The Smart Materials division includes businesses with innovative materials that enable resource-saving solutions and replace conventional materials. They are the smart answer to the major challenges of our time: environment, energy efficiency, urbanization, mobility and health. The Smart Materials division generated sales of €3.24 billion in 2020 with about 7,900 employees.
Disclaimer
In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.