Evonik enhances its capabilities to develop specialty PU additives with new Essen innovation center

Essen, Germany. Evonik has further expanded its leadership position in the polyurethane (PU) industry with a new state-of-the-art laboratory and innovation facility at its Essen Goldschmidt site in Germany, which was inaugurated at the end of October.

The new 400-square-meter laboratory will enhance the Group’s development capabilities for high-performance specialty PU additives and processing aids for a variety of PU applications. The focus is on high-growth application areas such as the production of sustainable artificial leather, low emission catalysts for high-quality coatings and adhesives, performance additives for making PU shoe soles more durable and comfortable, and emission optimized release agents for molded foams and elastomers.

“Our new laboratory and innovation center sends a strong signal to the market and reinforces our strategy to not only be the leading, but also the most innovative, solutions provider to the PU industry,” said Ralph Marquardt, Head of Evonik's PU additives business. “This latest investment enables us to develop innovative and more sustainable additive solutions for our customers to help them meet changing market demands and increasing environmental regulations.”

Evonik's specialty additives and processing aids make, for example, the production of artificial leather more sustainable by replacing organic solvents with water in the production process. Another application area that Evonik’s PU experts are already working on in the new laboratory and innovation facility are environmentally friendly catalysts for polyurethane foams and materials with rubber-like properties (elastomers). They are used in the production of high-performance PU materials that protect electronic components in cell phones from vibrations or prevent the mechanical failure of electric car battery components during the charging and discharging process. Another example are additives and processing aids that extend the lifespan of PU shoe soles by improving the durability, appearance and wearing comfort.

"The new facility’s state-of-the-art equipment enables our team to work efficiently and safely on developing new additive solutions and bring them to market much quicker," said Matt Aldag, Head of Evonik’s Advanced PU business.  

For more details about our solutions for the PU industry please visit our

• digital customer portal “ExplorePU”
• LinkedIn channel “Evonik Polyurethane Additives”