June 29, 2025 –
Evonik Shifts Strategic Production to China with POLYVEST® Localization
AsiaMB Exclusive – In a significant move to strengthen its Asian supply chain, German specialty chemicals leader Evonik has announced the relocation of its liquid polybutadiene POLYVEST® ST-E 60 production to Shanghai. The transition, scheduled for completion in Q3 2025, marks a pivotal development in the company’s regionalization strategy.
The premium additive, renowned for its rubber compatibility, plays a critical role across multiple industrial applications including tire manufacturing, adhesives, and coatings. “Local production will slash delivery times by over 30% while enhancing supply security for our Asian customers,” stated Dr. Anna Maria Ickert, Head of Evonik’s Specialty Polymers business line.
This strategic realignment comes as multinational chemical firms increasingly adopt regional production models. Industry experts note the Shanghai facility expansion underscores both China’s growing market importance and the global trend toward resilient supply chains. The move follows Evonik’s “In China, For China” philosophy, first implemented in 2018.
The POLYVEST® series’ unique properties make it particularly valuable for tire performance enhancement, where its molecular structure improves tread durability. AsiaMB analysts highlight that localized production could potentially reduce costs by 15-20% for regional buyers, though Evonik has not confirmed specific pricing adjustments.
The Shanghai base, which already produces other high-performance polymers, will undergo technical upgrades to accommodate the new production line. This investment positions Evonik to better serve Asia’s rapidly evolving specialty chemicals market, where demand for advanced rubber additives has grown 8% annually since 2022.