Evonik Industries AG is significantly advancing its global growth strategy by strengthening its production infrastructure for hydroxyl-terminated polybutadienes (HTPB), a high-performance polymer used in coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers and specialty applications.
The investment aims to meet soaring global demand, improve supply reliability and bring production closer to key markets.Evonik has started construction work to substantially increase HTPB output at its existing Marl, Germany manufacturing site a hub for the company’s specialty chemicals business.
The expanded capacity is slated to begin operations in the second quarter of 2027, marking a significant step in reinforcing the company’s European supply network. In parallel with the Marl expansion, Evonik has initiated the engineering phase for a new HTPB production facility in the Asian region.
While the exact site location has not yet been disclosed, company leadership says it was chosen to leverage strategic synergies with existing assets and better serve rapidly growing Asian markets.
In 2024, Evonik expanded HTPB production at the Marl site to strengthen its market position and better service customer needs. In 2025, the company commissioned a production facility for POLYVEST® ST-E 60 polybutadienes in Shanghai, China, enhancing regional supply resilience and reducing logistics complexity.
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HTPB marketed under Evonik’s POLYVEST® HT brand is a specialty polyol valued for its performance characteristics and versatility across end-use industries.Expanding capacity supports long-term growth in sectors such as construction, transportation, electronics and advanced materials.
Dr. Jürgen Herwig, Head of Evonik’s polybutadienes business, emphasized the strategic value of expanding both capacity and geographic footprint, noting that the Asian facility site was selected to maximize operational synergies and leverage existing regional assets.
Dr. Anna Maria Ickert, Head of Evonik Coating & Adhesive Resins, reinforced that the investments demonstrate Evonik’s commitment to meeting rising global demand and providing customers with greater supply reliability and proximity.
She highlighted that local manufacturing capacities help shorten supply chains and enhance service responsiveness.
Industry analysts say Evonik’s moves reflect broader trends in the specialty chemicals sector, where manufacturers are investing in regional production to mitigate supply chain risks and align with customer expectations for localized support.
The expanded footprint in Europe and Asia positions Evonik to better balance global demand fluctuations and capture growth in fast-expanding markets across the Asia-Pacific region.
