Building blocks for more sustainable epoxy and polyurethane solutions
As pioneers in isophorone chemistry, we offer a comprehensive portfolio that covers the entire value chain, from acetone through our innovative renewable acetone-based eCO VESTA products to isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI). Our product range includes VESTAMIN® IPD and PACM, two specialty diamines used in the industry for high-performance epoxy formulations. We also offer H12MDI and TMDI, providing a variety of aliphatic monomers under the VESTANAT® brand specifically designed for the synthesis of light stable polyurethanes (PURs) for durable coatings and exterior applications.
With our extensive expertise in global epoxy and polyurethane markets, we develop tailored specialty monomers that enhance the performance of both polymers and coatings.
Our versatile product line includes hardeners based on VESTANAT® IPDI, offering both unblocked grades for two-component (2K) PUR systems ideal for automotive clear coats and blocked grades suited for high-performance can and coil coating applications. Our latest innovations feature energy-efficient, lower-temperature cure systems as well as formulations for systems that comply with environmental standards and the latest food contact regulations.
Our Sustainability Vision
Our ambition is to increase the proportion of our portfolio featuring a positive sustainability profile and minimize our footprint by using resources more efficiently and reducing emissions. Furthermore, we develop products and technologies that empower our customers and end users to reduce their environmental impact, ultimately maximizing our handprint.
For our eCO product line we use an ISCC PLUS-certified mass-balance approach to replace virgin fossil-based raw materials with renewable alternatives. The mass balance approach effectively tracks renewable resource usage throughout all production stages and across the entire value chain, providing the chemical industry with a viable drop-in solution to meet sustainability targets.
Since 1962, our Herne site has been a leader in isophorone chemistry and sustainable production. With the "Herne Green Deal," we aim for fossil fuel independence and significant emission reductions, thereby reducing our environmental handprint. Our €700 million investment by 2030 focuses on developing eco-friendly production processes and utilizing renewable raw materials in our eCO series products.
- VESTASOL® IP: Based on our acetone chemistry, we produce isophorone for a variety of coating and adhesive applications
Monomeric Amines: VESTAMIN®
We produce specialty amine monomers designed for high-performance epoxy formulations
- VESTAMIN® IPD (isophorone diamine)
- VESTAMIN® PACM (4,4‘-diamino-dicyclohexylmethane)
- VESTAMIN® TMD (trimethylhexamethylene diamine)
Aliphatic and cycloaliphatic diisocyanate monomers for light stable PUR resins and elastomers
- VESTANAT® IPDI
- VESTANAT® TMDI
- VESTANAT® H12MDI
- VESTANAT® 1890: Unblocked IPDI trimer grades with high functionality for increased drying speed and Tg development
- VESTANAT® B: Blocked IPDI trimer grades for enamel curing 1K formulations in can and coil coating applications
A product range with increasing importance are powder coatings. They combine ecological aspects – being completely solvent free – with economical aspects with extremely low overspray losses and very high possible coating thicknesses applied in a single pass. Powder coatings based on PUR systems provide highest quality with outstanding resistance against chemical and mechanical impacts.
Evonik Crosslinkers offers a broad range of blocked and blocking agent free hardeners for PUR powder coatings. We also offer full service support in achieving the best results for our customers – may they be looking for the smoothest surface, perfect matte appearance or the lowest possible curing temperature.
- VESTAGON® B: Blocked PUR powder coating hardeners with outstanding chemical and mechanical properties for high performance applications
- VESTAGON® BF: Internally blocked PUR powder coating hardeners which are completely blocking agent free for lowest emissions during curing
At the Forefront of Innovation
Our interdisciplinary innovation team comprises experts in chemical synthesis, application technology, analytics, engineering, and simulation. We are committed to leading in technology and sustainability, focusing on the following key areas: continuous innovation in our process, our commitment to sustainability and advancing our recycling efforts.
Process Innovation
We continuously work to improve and modernize our production processes. Our development activities take place in our high-pressure hydrogenation pilot plant, scale-up facilities, and a miniplant dedicated to isocyanate production.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
We aim to increase the proportion of our portfolio with positive sustainability profiles and the work to increase the number of product grades in our VESTA® eCO lines is ongoing. We are also actively engaged in various other projects to enhance the sustainability of our production processes and supporting our customers in their sustainability goals.
Additionally, at our Herne site in Germany, we are pursuing fossil fuel independence and significant emission reductions to minimize our environmental handprint. Our €700 million investment by 2030 will enhance eco-friendly production processes and utilize renewable raw materials in our eCO series products.
Advancing Recycling Efforts
To promote a circular economy, enhancing innovation in recycling processes is crucial. We focus on recycling of both internal waste generated at our manufacturing sites and end-of-life products. A notable area of our research is the chemical recycling of fiber-reinforced polymer composites (such as those from wind turbine blades) and polyurethane-based products, including PU foams. Our goal is to recover and reuse these valuable materials, thereby contributing to sustainability and resource efficiency.
