European Chemical Industry News & Insights

Evonik's Polyamide 12 Complex on Track

At a glance
  • The €400 million project will increase PA12 capacity by over 50%.
  • The new complex will be operational in the first half of 2021.
  • Located at Marl Chemical Park, it includes additional facilities for polymer and precursor production.
  • 80 engineers and a global technical service provider are involved in the project.

Project Overview

Evonik has completed the conceptual and basic engineering phase for its new polyamide 12 (PA12) production complex and has now entered the project implementation phase. The facility is scheduled to become operational in the first six months of 2021.

Investment and Capacity

The €400 million project, Evonik’s largest investment in Germany to date, is expected to increase the Group’s overall capacity for PA12 by more than 50 percent. Additional facilities for producing the polymer and its precursors will be constructed at the Marl Chemical Park in North Rhine-Westphalia, supplementing the existing PA12 production plant.

Engineering and Construction

Approximately 80 engineers from Evonik’s engineering unit are working on the project, alongside a globally active technical service provider contracted for detailed engineering of individual sub-projects. The construction site is located near ongoing production, requiring special safety standards and designated areas for construction containers, material storage, and pre-assembly.

Market Demand

Polyamide 12 is in demand in growth markets such as the automotive industry, oil and gas pipelines, and 3D printing. The investment aligns with Evonik's focus on specialty chemicals, with PA12 being a key component of the Smart Materials Growth Engine. PA12 products are noted for their energy efficiency, durability, and contribution to lightweight construction.