Evonik Industries AG (Essen, Germany) recently launched its Smart Effects division, a new entity counting 3,500 employees worldwide, born from the strategic merger of its Silica and Silanes business lines that will be part of the Advanced Technologies unit within the new company organization. This merger leverages the expertise of both business lines to deliver innovative solutions that benefit both customers and the planet.
“The new business line is a strategic step by Evonik to strengthen the financing power of our complementary Silanes, precipitated and fumed Silica technology platforms,” stated Lauren Kjeldsen, President of Smart Materials Division at Evonik. “By combining our expertise in molecular silane chemistry and silica particle design, we can deliver differentiated solutions that add value to our customers with a tailored portfolio approach.”
Emmanuel Auer, head of the Smart Effects business line: ”Chemistry is about making the right connections and combinations. This merger not only enhances our customer relationships but also allows us to advance sustainability in key markets.”
Smart Effects will target key markets including the automotive and tire industry, electronics, consumer health and nutrition, and building protection. In the tire industry, the combination of silica and silanes has proven successful, especially in producing green tires that enhance fuel efficiency and safety. This integrated approach will continue to drive advancements in joint silica and silane applications, technical processes, and asset networks.
In the electronics sector, Smart Effects will supply high-purity silica, metal oxides, and silanes essential for lithium-ion batteries, semiconductors, displays, and other components, supporting the industry’s green transformation.
Evonik is also pioneering innovations like new adsorbents for Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology. This system uses surface-modified silica carriers with amino silanes to effectively remove CO2 from the atmosphere, demonstrating Evonik’s commitment to smart, sustainable solutions.
These initiatives underscore Evonik’s dedication to innovation and sustainability. Smart Effects will support customers in over 100 countries with local sales teams and regional technology centers. Our unique asset network across six continents ensures secure supply and exceptional value delivery.
“With Smart Effects, we aim to go beyond in industry,” Auer concluded. “Our goal is to deliver value for our customers by innovative, complementary technologies based on molecules and particles, driven by circular solutions and sustainable effects in applications.”