Evonik Industries plans to increase its production capacities for superabsorbent polymers with selected debottlenecking measures. With the project engineering phase complete, the company says implementation will now be conducted in several phases.   
 
Evonik’s global superabsorbent production capacities will increase by approximately 40,000 metric tons per year. The group sees the biggest potential in its Krefeld and Rheinmünster plants. The company says the resulting flexibility for planning and utilizing production capacities will be used to secure and expand Evonik’s leading market position in the area of superabsorbent polymers.   
 
According to Evonik, debottlenecking measures require a relatively low investment and can be implemented within a comparatively short time. This enables the specialty chemicals company to respond quickly and economically to market developments. “The implementation in phases allows us to increase the production volume as necessary, which supports our strategy of value-based, sustainable growth,” says Norbert Westerholt, head of the Baby Care Business Line. The measures are also intended to further advance the competitiveness of Evonik in the area of superabsorbent polymers and to improve the regional availability of products.