Closed-loop economy

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 help close material loops for catalysts: spent catalysts are regenerated, rejuvenated or recovered for their metals instead of being landfilled. 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, spent catalysts that would otherwise be landfilled are regenerated, rejuvenated or recovered for their metals – showing that catalyst reuse can deliver both environmental and economic value compared with fresh-catalyst supply.

Our Excel® Rejuvenation Technology restores the activity of spent catalysts and reduces CO₂-eq emissions and waste by 60% compared with fresh catalysts (TÜV-certified life cycle assessment). And with technologies like Purocel™, we’re helping refiners and petrochemical operators transform waste plastics into high-quality feedstocks, supporting circular approaches in the chemical industry, such as catalyst reuse instead of fresh catalyst, and the purification of pyrolysis oil from plastic waste for use as feedstock.

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 reduce waste and emissions compared with fresh-catalyst supply and landfilling of spent catalyst – for example, Excel® rejuvenated catalysts reduce CO₂-eq emissions by 60% compared with fresh catalysts (TÜV-certified life cycle assessment).