22. Apr 2026
Evonik inaugurates specialty amines plant in Nanjing
German specialty chemicals company Evonik Industries has started operations at its expanded specialty amines facility in Nanjing, China, strengthening its position in polyurethane additives and epoxy applications.
The company officially inaugurated the expansion on 21 April 2026, describing it as a “double-digit-million-euro” investment aimed at increasing capacity for amine-based additives used across polyurethane and epoxy systems.
Specialty amines are widely used as catalysts and functional additives in polyurethane formulations, including flexible and rigid foams for automotive, construction and furnishings applications. The expansion is intended to improve supply of these materials while supporting Evonik’s longer-term growth strategy in high-performance additives.
The Nanjing site plays a strategic role in this effort. By expanding production in China, Evonik is seeking to optimise its global manufacturing network and improve access to cost-competitive raw materials, while remaining close to key downstream markets.
The facility produces amine-based additives that act as catalysts during polyurethane foam formation and can also contribute to reduced odour and lower volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions in finished materials—an area of increasing importance for automotive and interior applications.
The project forms part of a broader trend of capacity expansion in the specialty amines sector, where demand is being driven by applications spanning construction, automotive, coatings and other industrial markets. Asia Pacific remains the largest regional market for specialty amines, reflecting continued industrial growth and demand for high-performance chemical additives.
“This inauguration marks more than the launch of new production capacity. It underlines Evonik’s long-term commitment to China. By strengthening local production, sustainability, and innovation, we are building a resilient platform for future growth together with our partners,” said Christian Kullmann, chairman of Evonik Executive Board, at the inauguration ceremony.
For polyurethane producers, the investment underlines the continued importance of catalyst and additive innovation rather than wholesale changes in chemistry. Suppliers are focusing on improving processing efficiency, emissions performance and formulation flexibility—areas where specialty amines remain central to product development.