The issue
The world’s resources aren’t infinite, and the chemical industry plays a huge part in how we use, reuse, and recycle them. Traditional linear models of “take, make, dispose” are no longer sustainable. To reach Net Zero, we need to reduce reliance on finite raw materials, keep valuable materials in use for longer, and cut down on waste at every stage.
But making the shift from linear to circular operations is complex. Refiners and chemical producers are looking for practical ways to recover value, reduce waste, and reuse critical materials – all while maintaining high product quality and regulatory compliance.
Evonik’s solutions
At Evonik Catalysts, we’re closing the loop. Our circular economy solutions help turn waste into resources, whether that’s through catalyst rejuvenation, metal recovery, or advanced purification of recycled feedstocks.
We’re pioneering smarter ways to extend catalyst life, reclaim valuable metals, and regenerate materials that would otherwise end up as hazardous waste. Through programs like our catalyst acquisition initiative, we’ve already kept more than 113,000 tons of spent catalysts out of landfill – and counting – proving that circular solutions can deliver both environmental and economic value.
Our Excel® Rejuvenation Technology restores catalysts to near-fresh performance levels while cutting CO₂ emissions by up to 60% and reducing waste by the same margin. And with technologies like Purocel™, we’re helping refiners and petrochemical operators transform waste plastics into high-quality feedstocks, supporting the transition to a truly circular chemical industry.
How this drives sustainability
Circularity is about more than recycling; it’s about redesigning systems and processes to keep materials in productive use and reduce reliance on limited natural resources. By regenerating catalysts, recovering metals, and upgrading waste-derived feedstocks, we’re helping customers shrink their footprint and expand their handprint.
Every ton of catalyst reused or repurposed means less waste, lower emissions, and fewer virgin resources mined. Together, these efforts drive measurable sustainability impact, creating tangible value for industry and the planet alike.