Evonik recently announced that it has expanded with a new state-of-the-art polyurethane (PU) laboratory and innovation facility at its Essen Goldschmidt site in Germany, which was inaugurated at the end of October. The new 400-sq-m laboratory will reportedly enhance the group’s development capabilities for high-performance specialty PU additives and processing aids for a variety of PU applications. According to Evonik, 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.” 

According to Matt Aldag, head of Evonik’s Advanced PU business, “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.”

Additional details are available at www.pu-additives.com/en.