Evonik Launches Sustainable Paper Bag for MetAMINO®
Evonik Animal Nutrition has introduced a new, eco-friendly 25‑kg paper bag for its flagship product MetAMINO® (DL‑methionine), removing the traditional plastic film layer in favor of a fully recyclable paper construction. This move aligns with Evonik’s commitment to sustainability and supports compliance with the EU’s Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which promotes improved recycling and reduced plastic waste.
Packaging That Protects — and Preserves
Packaging plays a vital role in it’s pursuit of lowering CO₂ emissions and transitioning to a circular economy, emphasized Dr. Dirk Hoehler, responsible for the amino acid business at Evonik Animal Nutrition:
“Packaging must protect the product effectively, but it should do so in the most environmentally friendly way possible.”
It’s packaging engineers have spent several years refining practical solutions to eliminate plastic in various product lines. The new two‑layer paper bag has successfully passed rigorous testing, ensuring that MetAMINO®’s shelf life of 36 months remains intact and that product integrity is unaffected.
EU Compliance and Recycling Advantages
The new bags are classified under the EU’s PAP 22 standard, meaning they can be recycled as pure paper without separating plastic components. This simplifies recycling processes, supports more efficient waste streams, and helps customers meet regulatory requirements under the PPWR—which mandates increased use of recycled materials in packaging.
By removing the plastic layer, it enhances its compliance posture while also reducing ecological impact by simplifying end-of-life processing for its customers.
Measurable Impact: Plastic Elimination and CO₂ Reduction
The environmental benefits of this new packaging are striking:
- 32 tons of polyethylene (PE) saved annually at Evonik’s Antwerp production site alone.
- 20% reduction in CO₂ footprint for packaging due to the elimination of plastic and the shift to paper.
These improvements contribute to Evonik’s broader sustainability metrics and signal a clear step forward in resource conservation and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Rollout Plan: Global Implementation
The new paper bag packaging has officially launched at the Antwerp site and will shortly be implemented at Evonik’s production locations in Singapore and Mobile, USA, ensuring a consistent global standard while steadily expanding plastic reduction efforts worldwide.
Corporate Profile: Evonik at a Glance
Evonik, headquartered in Essen, Germany, is a global leader in specialty chemicals. In 2024, the company achieved:
- Sales: €15.2 billion
- Adjusted EBITDA: €2.1 billion
- Employees: ~32,000 across more than 100 countries
Evonik’s mission is to deliver customized solutions that provide its customers with a competitive edge, driving industrial innovation and improving quality of life. Its Advanced Technologies division, encompassing feed ingredients, high-performance polymers, and other technical specialties, contributed €6.1 billion in sales and employed approximately 8,000 people in 2024.
Packaging Innovation in a Circular Economy
Why Packaging Matters
Effective packaging must fulfill dual objectives: product protection and environmental responsibility. Evonik’s approach addresses both by:
- Ensuring long-term product quality, through validation of shelf life and integrity.
- Reducing plastic dependency, in line with evolving regulations and sustainability trends.
- Simplifying recycling, by creating fully paper-based, recyclable packaging.
Broad Benefits
- Enhanced recyclability simplifies handling for waste processors and end customers.
- Lower carbon footprint supports Evonik’s climate objectives and signals to stakeholders a strong commitment to environmental responsibility.
- Operational simplicity reduces disposal costs and administrative burden for customers.
Looking Ahead: Next Steps in Sustainability
With the paper bag rollout underway in Antwerp, Evonik is preparing phased implementation in its global manufacturing network, beginning with Singapore and the Mobile (USA) facility. The initiative aligns with the EU PPWR and other global regulations promoting sustainable packaging.
Evonik’s steps in reducing plastic use and carbon emissions extend beyond MetAMINO®. They form part of a broader strategy to innovate packaging solutions across its product portfolio—driving continuous improvement and leadership in sustainable manufacturing.
