Evonik to use renewable energy for production of foams in Germany

German chemical firm Evonik says it has upgraded the production of the high-performance foam Rohacell at its main site in Darmstadt, Germany, to use only electricity from renewable energy sources. As a result, Evonik’s High Performance Polymers business line will cut 3,400 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions from its annual operations.

The supply of green electricity to the Darmstadt site for the production is ensured by green electricity certificates and special supply contracts, so-called Power Purchase Agreements (PPA). The exclusive use in production of electricity from sustainable energy contributes to the reduction of emissions, which in turn permits Evonik’s customers looking to increase the sustainability of their manufactured products, it adds.

Evonik has set itself the goal of generating more than 50% of its sales by 2030 from its “Next Generation Solutions.”

Rohacell is a rigid polymethacrylimide structural foam that is extremely lightweight and able to withstand high temperatures and pressures. The foam is sought after as a material for high-end applications in industries such as aeronautics, electronics, medical technology, transportation, sports equipment.

Ideal as a core substance for composite materials, end-products made with the foam, such as parts for high-speed trains and electric vehicles, are typically strong yet lighter in overall mass, and have an increased potential for better overall efficiency and lower carbon emissions, says Evonik.