Rheticus® – Renewable carbon for a sustainable and resilient chemical industry
The chemical industry faces major challenges: geopolitical conflicts, supply chain disruptions and the limited availability of fossil raw materials are threatening its stability. At the same time, pressure is mounting to develop sustainable solutions to reduce dependence on fossil resources and ensure security of supply. With Rheticus®, Evonik offers a forward-looking technology that utilises renewable carbon from biogenic raw materials and carbon dioxide, thereby making a decisive contribution to a more resilient and sustainable industry.
CO₂ as a raw material for sustainable chemistry
With Rheticus®, Evonik uses CO₂, green hydrogen and bioethanol to produce sustainable molecules with a negative carbon footprint through fermentation and chemical processes – as an alternative to fossil raw materials and a foundation for a climate-neutral industry.
Rheticus® combines biotechnological fermentation with chemical processing. In this process, specialised bacteria convert carbon dioxide (CO₂) into fatty acids in a fermenter, which are then chemically processed. By using CO₂, green hydrogen and bioethanol as raw materials, Rheticus® enables climate-neutral production whilst reducing dependence on fossil raw materials.
At the pilot site in the Marl Chemical Park, Evonik is already demonstrating how renewable raw materials can be efficiently converted into chemical building blocks. The combination of fermentation and chemical modification offers a high degree of flexibility and forms the basis for the planned scaling of the technology to industrial scale.
A sustainable alternative for many markets:
- Cosmetics
- Lubricants
- Cleaning and coating solutions
- Plastics
- Tyres
- Animal feed
Molecules produced using Rheticus® have a negative carbon footprint and offer a sustainable alternative to conventional materials. They are used across a wide range of markets. As a result, Rheticus® not only provides solutions for existing markets but also opens up new opportunities in high-growth sectors.
