- Evonik is investing hundreds of millions of euros to expand C4 production.
- 1-butene capacity in Marl will increase by 75,000 tons.
- Butadiene production in Antwerp will grow by 100,000 tons.
- MTBE capacity in Marl and Antwerp will rise by 150,000 tons.
Investment and Expansion
Evonik Industries is investing hundreds of millions of euros to expand its production facilities for C4-based products. The expansion will increase the Group’s 1-butene capacity in Marl Chemical Park by 75,000 tons, making Evonik the leading global provider of 1-butene. Additionally, butadiene production in Antwerp will be expanded by 100,000 tons, and the capacity of MTBE in both Marl and Antwerp will be increased by a total of 150,000 tons. These expansions are scheduled to be operational by 2015.
Product Applications
1-butene is primarily used as a co-monomer in the production of high-value plastics such as polyethylene, enhancing the tensile strength of packaging films. Butadiene is essential in the manufacture of synthetic rubber, with the tire industry being one of the largest consumers. MTBE, a fuel component, raises the octane number in gasoline and improves fuel combustion, thereby contributing to better air quality.
Job Creation
The expansion projects will create approximately 40 new jobs to operate the new plants. Evonik already operates world-scale C4 production facilities at its sites in Marl and Antwerp, and this investment will further solidify its market position and support the growth plans of its customers in Europe and overseas.
Product Portfolio
Evonik’s C4-based product portfolio includes 1-butene, butadiene, and MTBE, as well as isobutene, INA (isononanol), 2-PH (2-propylheptanol), and DINP (diisononyl phthalate). The company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers in this sector, continually expanding its technology leadership and market presence.
