Evonik Industries has attained another significant milestone in the production of its ROHACELL® foam through the main production site in Darmstadt, Germany, by using 100% renewable energy for production. In line with the strategy of the company of being a reliable partner in carbon neutrality, it uses completely renewable energy in producing this high-performance foam. This protects the climate by saving around 3,400 tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually from Evonik’s High Performance Polymers business line.
Key Sustainability Initiative for Evonik
In all, converting to renewable energy in manufacturing ROHACELL® supports the wider sustainability goals of Evonik, which has targeted having more than 50% of its sales derived from products offering considerable environmental benefits before 2030. ROHACELL® is classified as one of Evonik’s “Next Generation Solutions,” defined as products that will contribute to a more sustainable future.
In addition, the use of renewable energy reduces the carbon footprint in the production of ROHACELL®, and provides customers in multiple industries with a product by using which they can reduce the carbon footprint of their particular products. Examples include aeronautics, transportation, and medical technology, all of which make great use of ROHACELL® as a lightweight, high-strength material for various components that help reduce energy consumption and lower emissions.
Implementation of Green Energy Solutions
Transitioning to 100% renewable energy at the Darmstadt site is possible through green electricity certificates and PPAs. The two mechanisms guarantee that the energy used in the production of ROHACELL® comes from renewable sources such as wind or solar power. This method does not only significantly reduce those emissions that occur directly from the production process itself but further supports Evonik on a strategic path to enabling the global transition toward clean energy.
ROHACELL®: Key Product of Evonik’s Sustainable Portfolio
ROHACELL® is a rigid structural foam made of polymethacrylimide with one of the lightest weights combined with resistance to high temperatures and pressure. It is, therefore, especially used in industries where weight reduction, durability, and high-performance materials play an important role-for example, in aeronautics, electronics, medical technology, and transportation.
ROHACELL® is used in aeronautics for the production of lightweight, strong composite materials that can contribute to fuel economy in aviation. In the transport sector, its application increasingly lies in electric vehicle manufacture and high-speed trains, where properties allow lighter, more efficient design with resultant overall energy consumption and emissions reduction.
Supporting Low Carbon Future
Transitioning the ROHACELL® production to renewable energy is also within a broader step by Evonik towards sustainability in its High-Performance Polymers business line. The use of renewable energy resources will reduce its own emissions and further bring down emissions in the value chain. This supports the global efforts to mitigate climate change and helps the various industries that express their desire to lower their carbon footprint.
It also finds manifestation in Evonik’s target to generate more than 50% of its total sales from its “Next Generation Solutions” by 2030. Solutions such as ROHACELL® offer customers advanced, environmentally friendly alternatives that meet the growing demands for sustainability in product development and manufacturing.
Market Impact
By using renewable energies in the value chain, Evonik takes up a pioneering position in the market with sustainable, high-performance materials for specific applications. From mobile phones to cars, demands from various industries for eco-friendly solutions to satisfy both regulatory and consumer needs will drive products like ROHACELL® to continuously enable efficient, low-emission technologies.
There are already very sophisticated applications with ROHACELL®, and further development will be a key factor in the realization of future developments in the fields of electric mobility, aerospace, and medical technology. Production of renewable energy and reduction of the carbon footprint create the long-term competence to meet the demand of the above-mentioned growth markets and to make a contribution to a more sustainable world economy.
Prospect
Decarbonization by Evonik will be part of the broadly based strategy in meeting global sustainability goals that involve the reduction of CO2 emissions and increased usage of renewable energy within manufacturing processes. In its growth strategy, the company remains committed to innovations that reduce environmental impacts through high-performance solutions for customers.
The switching to renewable energy on the Darmstadt site means another milestone in the direction of sustainability that Evonik takes. As Evonik continues investing in green technologies, the business is in an advantageous position to maintain the leading position of sustainable chemicals manufacturing.
Conclusion
The fact that Evonik’s Darmstadt site now relies 100% on renewable energy supplies to produce the ROHACELL® foam marks a crucial milestone in the strategic direction of the company. By doing so, Evonik is making significant contributions toward achieving its long-term goals with respect to sustainability through reduction of carbon emission and by anchoring in the development of environment-friendly materials for meeting the ever-growing demand for low-emission and energy-efficient products across industries.
Source: Evonik