Evonik opens ingredients facility in Brazil

Germany-based Evonik Industries has begun operations at its new plant to produce ingredients for customers in the cosmetic and consumer goods industries in Americana, Sao Paulo (Brazil). This is another step in the specialty chemicals company's expansion of its market position in the dynamically growing Brazilian and South American markets. The plant will produce up to 50,000 metric tonnes of ingredients and intermediates for global and regional customers per annum.
 
The new production facility has high strategic importance for the South American business of Evonik's Consumer Specialties Business Unit, since about 80 percent of customers are located in the economically important state of Sao Paulo. Evonik supplies its customers with a broad range of ingredients and raw materials for producing cosmetics and personal care products, especially for hair care and skin care as well as fabric softener.
 
“Our new plant now enables us to satisfy the growing demand for local, sustainable products in South America more quickly and directly,” said Dr Claus Rettig, Head of the Consumer Specialties Business Unit.
 
With this investment, Evonik is expanding its leading position in the areas of personal care and household care. While Evonik already operates production facilities in Europe, the USA, and Asia, the innovative specialty chemicals company wants to profit more from the medium-term positive economic growth in Brazil and South America. The opportunities are good, especially in a country where people pay high attention to their outer appearance and personal care. Experts expect that Brazil is overtaking Japan as the second biggest market for cosmetics.
 
With its new production plant in Brazil, Evonik can now respond faster and more specifically to its customers' requirements. Costs and complexity in the supply chain and logistics are also reduced. These measures play a large part towards increasing Evonik's competitiveness in South America. “Together with our customers we want to promote innovations and, by doing so, intensify our partnerships,” said Dr Rettig.