Evonik Expands Its Asian Footprint with the Launch of “Alu5” — a New State-of-the-Art Fumed Alumina Plant in Japan
Evonik, one of the world’s leading specialty chemicals companies, has officially inaugurated its first state-of-the-art fumed alumina production facility, named “Alu5”, in Yokkaichi, Japan. The launch marks a major milestone in Evonik’s long-term strategy to strengthen its presence in Asia and to meet the growing regional demand for advanced aluminum oxide-based solutions across high-performance industries.
Representing a mid-double-digit million euro investment, the Alu5 plant underscores Evonik’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, customer proximity, and supply reliability in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. The facility reinforces Evonik’s dedication to building local capacities and ensuring more sustainable, efficient, and responsive supply chains for customers across Japan, China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia.
A Strategic Move to Serve Asia’s Advanced Industries
The launch of our Alu5 plant is more than just another capacity expansion – it’s a strategic move to bring our high-performance aluminum oxide products closer to our customers in Asia,” said Emmanuel Auer, Head of Evonik’s Smart Effects business line.
He emphasized that the investment reflects Evonik’s broader goal of enhancing regional resilience, particularly in industries undergoing rapid transformation, such as battery manufacturing, coatings, and electronics. “By producing locally, we shorten delivery times, strengthen partnerships, and reduce the carbon footprint of our operations while contributing to the sustainable growth of our customers’ businesses,” Auer added.
Elias Lacerda, Head of Evonik’s Coating Additives business line, highlighted how Alu5 will accelerate innovation across critical value chains: “From battery technologies to coatings, we’re enabling faster, more efficient access to materials that power those industries today and tomorrow. Our customers in Asia are at the forefront of global innovation, and Evonik is proud to support them with the most advanced, sustainable specialty materials available.”
Manufacturing AEROXIDE®: Advanced Fumed Alumina for the Future
The new Alu5 facility is dedicated to manufacturing AEROXIDE®, premium-grade fumed aluminum oxide solution. Renowned for its exceptional purity, performance, and versatility, AEROXIDE® plays a vital role in multiple next-generation applications, from ultra-thin coatings and battery technologies to consumer electronics, semiconductors, and sustainable powder coatings.
The product’s unique structure and surface chemistry provide significant technical advantages. It improves surface smoothness, enhances adhesion, and increases the durability of coatings and films, leading to superior energy efficiency, thermal stability, and corrosion resistance. These properties are especially critical in electric vehicle batteries, energy storage systems, and microelectronic devices where performance, longevity, and consistency are essential.
Beyond its functional benefits, AEROXIDE® also embodies Evonik’s sustainability philosophy. Its formulation supports resource-efficient manufacturing and extends product lifespans, contributing to a reduction in waste and overall environmental impact. By providing longer-lasting materials, helps customers optimize performance while reducing their carbon footprint, aligning with the company’s global sustainability targets.
Strengthening Evonik’s Regional Growth Strategy
Alu5 is a cornerstone of our Asia growth strategy,” Rettig said. “By manufacturing locally, we’re not only reducing lead times and our carbon footprint, but we’re also reinforcing our commitment to security of supply, sustainable innovation, and long-term partnerships in the region.
He further emphasized that Japan represents a critical hub in Asia’s high-tech ecosystem. With its advanced manufacturing landscape and innovation-driven industries, Japan provides an ideal location for Evonik to collaborate closely with regional partners and customers. “Our new plant positions us to respond swiftly to market needs, co-develop new solutions, and provide local technical support at the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and environmental responsibility,” Rettig added.
State-of-the-Art Technology and Sustainable Design
The Alu5 facility features cutting-edge production technology designed to deliver world-class product quality, energy efficiency, and environmental performance. The plant integrates advanced process controls, automated safety systems, and optimized energy recovery solutions, ensuring the lowest possible environmental footprint while maintaining operational excellence.
Evonik’s Alu5 plant was developed through close collaboration between two of the company’s key segments:
- Custom Solutions, which includes the Coating Additives business line, and
- Advanced Technology, which includes the Smart Effects business line.
By combining expertise from both areas, Evonik ensures that Alu5 serves as more than a production site — it’s a platform for innovation and cross-functional collaboration. This integration allows Evonik to deliver synergistic technologies that address multiple market needs simultaneously, from mobility and construction to electronics and energy.
The construction of Alu5 is also a tangible demonstration of Evonik’s corporate vision to drive sustainable growth in specialty chemicals. The company is committed to supporting industries that are transitioning to cleaner, smarter, and more circular production models. Alu5 aligns with Evonik’s sustainability roadmap by reducing CO₂ emissions, minimizing waste, and optimizing resource use throughout the production cycle.
Empowering the Future of Specialty Aluminum Oxides in Asia
With the launch of Alu5, Evonik not only strengthens its industrial presence in Asia but also invites partners, customers, and stakeholders to explore the expanded opportunities made possible by this new facility. Evonik envisions Alu5 as a regional hub for technical excellence, collaboration, and the development of next-generation solutions based on specialty aluminum oxides.
We see Alu5 as an open platform for innovation,” said Auer. “We’re looking forward to working with customers and academic partners across Asia to explore new applications and technologies that can define the next decade of high-performance materials.
Evonik’s investment in Yokkaichi is part of a larger strategy to expand the company’s global production network for fumed oxides, which already includes sites in Germany, the United States, and China. With this addition, Evonik is now even better positioned to serve customers worldwide with localized production, consistent product quality, and faster delivery times.
A Celebration of Partnership and Innovation
The official opening ceremony of the Alu5 plant was attended by distinguished guests from both industry and government. Among those present were:
- Mr. Tomohiro Mori, Mayor of Yokkaichi City
- Mr. Hirotake Ohta, Representative Director and President of High-Purity Silicon Corporation
- Mr. Katsuyuki Ichimi, Governor of Mie Prefecture
- Mr. Goro Naito, President of Evonik Japan and Nippon Aerosil
- Mr. Emmanuel Auer, Head of Evonik Smart Effects business line
- Ms. Petra Sigmund, German Ambassador to Japan
Their presence highlighted the strong collaboration between Evonik, local authorities, and the broader industrial community in Japan. The event celebrated not only the start of production but also a shared commitment to advancing innovation, sustainability, and international cooperation in the specialty chemicals sector.
Leading Beyond Chemistry
Evonik’s brand promise, “Leading beyond chemistry,” reflects the company’s dedication to creating value that extends far beyond its chemical expertise. With a unique combination of innovation strength, technological leadership, and customer collaboration, Evonik strives to deliver tailor-made solutions that provide customers with a decisive competitive advantage while contributing to a better, more sustainable world.
Headquartered in Essen, Germany, Evonik operates in more than 100 countries worldwide. In 2024, the company generated sales of €15.2 billion and adjusted EBITDA of €2.1 billion. Supported by approximately 32,000 employees, Evonik continues to push the boundaries of material science and performance chemistry — working every day to improve lives, enable industries, and shape a sustainable future.
