Evonik doubling global capacity for PEBA elastomers

Shanghai, China – Evonik Industries AG is doubling its global capacity for polyether block amide (PEBA) thermoplastic elastomers through “a major expansion” in Shanghai and plant upgrades in Marl, Germany.

The German chemicals group is starting construction work at its facility in Shanghai this autumn to increase capacity for the polymerisation of Vestamid E-branded PEBA.

The elastomer, said Evonik 14 April, is a “highly demanded” by the growing global athletic footwear market.

The investment at Shanghai "will significantly increase Evonik’s PEBA production capacity, [and] expand our regional presence,” said Ralf Duessel, head of Evonik’s high performance polymers business line.

The expansion, added Duessel, will also enable Evonik to better serve the global market, which is primarily centred on local manufacturing in Asia.

To complement the Shanghai expansion, Evonik has undertaken projects to debottleneck and optimise overall production at its other major PEBA facility in Marl, Germany.

Evonik said it is placing particular emphasis on producing the eco-friendly version of the elastomer Vestamid eCo, which it says features a 42% lower carbon footprint.

The material is made using 100% renewable energy and has 50% of its raw materials based on recycled tires, through a third-party audited, mass-balance approach.

According to Evonik, Vestamid E, is ideal for use in “extremely lightweight” midsoles in high-performance athletic shoes.

The material also enables “excellent energy return” that enhances the performance of athletes.

In addition, the elastomer also exhibits “great low-temperature impact strength and excellent chemical resistance” while being easy to process and colour.

The features, according to Evonik, make the elastomer "highly sought after" in  other demanding applications in the automotive and medical technology industries.