- Evonik is investing a three-digit million-euro sum in a new rhamnolipids production plant.
- The plant will be located at the Slovenská Ľupča site in Slovakia.
- The new facility is scheduled to be operational in two years.
- Rhamnolipids are bio-based, fully biodegradable biosurfactants.
Investment and Location
Evonik is investing a three-digit million-euro sum in constructing a new production plant for bio-based and fully biodegradable rhamnolipids. The plant will be located at the Slovenská Ľupča site in Slovakia, with completion expected in two years.
Partnership and Market Expansion
This investment strengthens Evonik's partnership with Unilever, which began in 2019, and allows Evonik to expand its market position in the growing biosurfactants sector. Rhamnolipids, produced by fermenting sugar, are a sustainable alternative to conventional surfactants made from fossil carbon and tropical fats.
R&D and Sustainability Goals
Evonik invests over €400 million annually in research and development. The development of rhamnolipids is a result of their expertise in biotechnology. Unilever's Clean Future initiative aims to replace fossil carbon in all cleaning products by 2030, and the partnership with Evonik supports this goal.
Product Benefits and Applications
Rhamnolipids offer excellent foaming properties, are gentle on the skin, and are fully biodegradable. Their applications extend beyond cleaning agents to personal care products. The new plant will supply the rapidly growing market with high-quality rhamnolipids.
Strategic Development
Evonik’s Nutrition & Care division aims to increase its share of system solutions from 20 percent to over 50 percent by 2030. Over the past 25 years, the Slovakian site has developed into a strategic center for biotechnology, staffed by highly qualified experts.
