Evonik and Pingmei Shenma Sign Hydrogen Peroxide Licensing Agreement in China
Evonik, a global leader in specialty chemicals, has entered into a licensing agreement with China Pingmei Shenma Group Nylon Technology (Shenma) to support the construction of a new hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) megaplant in Pingdingshan, Henan Province. This facility will have a production capacity of 200 kilotons per year and will supply hydrogen peroxide for Shenma’s caprolactam production, a key raw material for nylon manufacturing.
New H2O2 Megaplant to Support Shenma’s Caprolactam Production
Under the terms of the agreement, Shenma will leverage it’s advanced hydrogen peroxide production technology to build a state-of-the-art H2O2 plant. The hydrogen peroxide produced at this new facility will be used internally for Shenma’s caprolactam production, which is vital for the manufacturing of nylon 6 and nylon 66. The deal, celebrated on March 5, 2025, sets the stage for the startup of the new plant in 2026.
Shenma is a leading player in China’s chemical fiber industry, specializing in the entire value chain for nylon 6 and nylon 66. The company is set to increase its caprolactam production capacity to 600 kilotons per year by 2026. The new hydrogen peroxide plant will ensure a steady and high-quality supply of the chemical, vital to Shenma’s expanding production needs.
Evonik’s Fluidized-Bed Technology Ensures Safety and Efficiency
Evonik’s fluidized-bed technology has been selected by Shenma for this project due to its exceptional safety and efficiency features. This advanced production method meets China’s stringent national requirements for process safety in hydrogen peroxide manufacturing. By adopting this technology, Shenma will benefit not only from enhanced production efficiency but also from guaranteed high-quality output, crucial for maintaining the integrity of its caprolactam production process.
Michael Träxler, head of Active Oxygens business line, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, saying, “As a technology leader in H2O2, we are very pleased to be Shenma’s first choice as a licensing partner. It offers easy-to-operate and safe technology, fast delivery, and long-term partnership—factors which are of great value to, and very much appreciated by, our customers.”
A Long-Term Strategic Collaboration
The collaboration between Evonik and Shenma marks a significant milestone for both companies, as it represents a long-term strategic partnership. This licensing agreement is expected to strengthen Shenma’s position in the nylon and chemical fiber industry by ensuring a reliable, high-quality supply of hydrogen peroxide.
Li Benbin, Deputy General Manager of Pingmei Shenma Group & Chairman of Shenma Industrial Co., Ltd., expressed excitement about the partnership, saying, “We are delighted to seize this collaboration opportunity to establish a long-term partnership with Evonik. It’s safe and efficient hydrogen peroxide production technology will help Shenma enhance the production efficiency and product quality across our nylon value chain. This will enable us to better serve the market demands and meet our customers’ expectations for high-quality products.”
Evonik’s commitment to the Chinese market is further underscored by the partnership, with Fuliang Xia, President of Evonik Greater China, noting, “This partnership represents a milestone in our hydrogen peroxide business in China and underscores our long-term commitment to the Chinese market. We look forward to exploring more collaboration areas on the basis of this partnership, continuing to achieve greater growth and success together.”
Evonik’s Expanding Presence in China
This new agreement with Shenma marks Evonik’s third licensing project for hydrogen peroxide production in China, highlighting the company’s growing presence and strong position in the region. In 2024, Fuhua Tongda Chemicals Company began constructing a 200 kiloton per year H2O2 plant in Leshan, Sichuan Province, based on Evonik’s technology. This marks the second major project in China for Evonik’s hydrogen peroxide technology, with more projects expected as the demand for high-quality chemical production continues to grow in the region.
Evonik’s expansion into the Chinese market reflects the increasing importance of hydrogen peroxide in various industries, including chemical, pharmaceutical, and environmental applications. As the demand for chemicals like caprolactam and other nylon products continues to rise, Evonik’s safe, efficient, and high-quality production technologies are well-positioned to meet these growing needs.
Conclusion
The partnership between Evonik and Pingmei Shenma Group represents a significant step forward in hydrogen peroxide production and its application in the nylon industry. By leveraging Evonik’s cutting-edge technology, Shenma is poised to enhance its production efficiency and ensure a stable supply of hydrogen peroxide for its expanding caprolactam operations. The agreement also highlights Evonik’s growing presence in China and its ongoing commitment to providing innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the global chemical industry.
About Evonik
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 €15.2 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €2,1 billion in 2024. Evonik goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable, and sustainable solutions for customers. About 32,000 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 €4.46 billion in 2023 with more than 8,100 employees.
For more information on Evonik’s Active Oxygens business line, please visit evonik.com/activeoxygens
