Evonik is restructuring two of its business lines, Coating & Adhesive Resins and Health Care, to enhance their growth potential. The company plans to concentrate future investments on these core areas, while exploring options to sell or partner with remaining businesses outside these focuses. In certain cases, some operations may be discontinued responsibly. The affected businesses currently generate sales of approximately €350 million.
Christian Kullmann, chairman of the executive board at Evonik, stated, “Our industry is undergoing fundamental structural change worldwide. We will align all our resources with our strongest businesses to seize growth opportunities swiftly. Conversely, this also means implementing solutions outside Evonik for businesses that lack appropriate prospects.”
The Health Care division will concentrate on its key growth areas: lipids for mRNA and gene therapies, drug delivery systems, and cell culture ingredients. The production of keto acids for pharmaceutical use at the Hanau site will cease by the end of 2025, with around 260 employees receiving active support in finding new opportunities within Evonik or externally. Strategic options are also being explored for the Ham (France) and Wuming (China) sites involved in similar operations. On average, the entire amino and keto acids business has generated about €100 million in sales in recent years.
Caspar Gammelin, head of the Nutrition & Care division, emphasized, “Our amino and keto acids businesses in Ham and Wuming are robust and offer great potential. We are not considering closing them. With the right investments, these businesses could reach their full potential. We are therefore exploring partnerships or divestments that would enable them to thrive.”
Similarly, the Coating & Adhesive Resins business line will shift its focus toward two primary growth areas: liquid polybutadienes for adhesives, sealants, and tires, and specialty acrylics for medical technology and packaging. The existing polyolefins business, generating around €100 million in sales, will be integrated into Evonik’s C4 chain business to leverage existing supplier relationships. This business will eventually be sold as part of the C4 chain. Additionally, the polyester business for coatings and adhesives, with around 330 employees in Germany and China, will be divested. The largest facility is located in Witten, Germany, with a smaller plant in Shanghai. This business has an annual turnover of approximately €150 million. Lauren Kjeldsen, head of the Smart Materials division, noted, “While our polyester business has significant technological expertise, to compete globally and achieve necessary margins, investments are essential—something other companies focused on polyester can better realize.”
Thomas Wessel, Chief Human Resources Officer and Labor Director at Evonik, assured that all transitions, whether through divestments or discontinuations, will be conducted responsibly, with close involvement from employee representatives. Kullmann added, “The realignment of these two business lines exemplifies our approach. By concentrating on our strengths, we can unlock the growth potential within our company.
