Sustainability at Interface & Polyurethane Additives

Additive Solutions for Performance, Lower Emissions and Circularity

Manufacturers face growing pressure to reduce emissions, improve resource efficiency and meet evolving sustainability requirements. Evonik helps address these challenges with additive technologies that can support lower VOC emissions, greater resource efficiency and the use of renewable or circular feedstocks across a wide range of industries.

Sustainability is a core element of our innovation strategy. We combine global reach with local expertise to design additive technologies that balance performance, process efficiency, and environmental performance. By integrating ecological, economic, and social considerations from the start, we help customers respond to evolving sustainability requirements without compromising quality or reliability.

Explore our additive solutions

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How We Support Your Sustainability Goals

Reduce Emissions

Support low-VOC and low-odor formulations.

Advance Circularity

Support recycling, renewable feedstocks and circular material flows.

Improve Resource Efficiency

Help reduce energy use and waste and optimize manufacturing processes.

Support Regulatory Requirements

Support compliance with evolving sustainability and environmental standards.

Polyurethane Recycling: Advancing Circularity in the PU Value Chain

Evonik is working to advance circularity in polyurethane through new recycling technologies and collaboration across the value chain. Our proprietary hydrolysis process recovers polyols and amines from end-of-life polyurethane foams, enabling new foams to be formulated with up to 100% recycled polyol, supporting closed-loop material cycles and helping reduce reliance on virgin raw materials. By partnering across the value chain, we are working to scale polyurethane recycling and open new opportunities for high-performance PU products made with recycled content.

Learn more about our PU recycling work

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Sustainability in Action: Product Showcase

Explore how our additive technologies help customers address sustainability challenges across agriculture, construction, plastics, polyurethane foams, coatings, textiles and other industries.

We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint, protecting ecosystems, and advancing circularity through resource‑efficient formulations and recycling initiatives. Strict safety standards guide our processes to safeguard the wellbeing of our communities.

We develop additive technologies that enhance product performance while supporting more resource-efficient manufacturing. These examples illustrate how our solutions can contribute to lower emissions and improved energy efficiency along the materials value chain.

Organic Agriculture with BREAK-THRU® Adjuvants

As the agriculture sector moves toward more resource-efficient practices, our BREAK-THRU® portfolio supports application efficiency and organic farming systems.

BREAK-THRU® SP 133 is a fatty acid ester based on polyglycerol, it is produced from renewable resources, contains 95% biobased carbon (ASTM D6866-16) and is readily biodegradable and engineered specifically for anti-drift applications. By minimizing product loss through "vanishing", SP 133 helps supports more precise application and can help reduce off-target losses. Its compatibility with microbes makes it suitable for modern farming techniques. Certified by both the OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) and FiBL (The Research Institutes of Organic Agriculture), BREAK-THRU® SP 133 meets international standards for organic agriculture.

BREAK-THRU® S 233 supports crop protection performance through efficient use of applied product. This biodegradable trisiloxane polyether superpenetrant enhances the uptake and bioavailability of active ingredients within the leaf, helping the applied product reach its target more efficiently. Application rates remain subject to the plant protection product label. OMRI listing further supports its suitability for certified organic production. By improving spreading, penetration, and water efficiency during application, BREAK-THRU® S 233 helps farmers make more efficient use of water and applied product.

BREAK-THRU® SF 420, is a biosurfactant produced through fermentation. Biodegradable and approved by FiBL, SF 420 increases rainfastness and supports the performance of crop protection products by reducing surface tension and enabling uniform coverage. More uniform coverage can support efficient use of applied product within label rates.

Our BREAK-THRU® portfolio supports farmers to enhance productivity, supports application efficiency and is suitable for use in organic and regenerative farming systems.

BREAK-THRU® SP 133

BREAK-THRU® S 233

BREAK-THRU® SF 420

Sustainable Artificial Leather Production with ORTEGOL® P Additives

Evonik supports the transition to artificial leather production with a focus on improved safety and resource efficiency with a dedicated application lab for polyurethane (PU) leather technologies. Our experts help manufacturers design high‑quality PU leather with improved efficiency, greater processing flexibility, and full technical support.

Today, more than 90% of artificial leather is still using DMF-solvent coagulation, an energy-intensive process that relies on hazardous chemicals. As the industry moves towards alternative production methods, Evonik provides solutions that enable DMF‑free, water‑borne, and solvent‑free PU coating technologies.

Two alternative coating processes are rapidly gaining market share:

Water‑borne PU coatings: Use water instead of harsh solvents, which can help reduce VOC emissions and solvent exposure during production.
2K solvent‑free PU coatings: Combine two reactive components directly on the fabric to form a durable coating without any solvent use.

These next‑generation processes can support reduced emissions and resource use during production while delivering excellent softness, durability, and aesthetics.

We provide specialized additives tailored for both water‑borne and solvent‑free artificial leather technologies. For water-borne polyurethane dispersions, the ORTEGOL® P series supports smooth, uniform coatings through optimized foam stabilization, viscosity control, and dispersion performance. For 2K solvent‑free PU coatings, we offer specialized silicone surfactants and curing catalysts that improve leveling, surface quality, and coating consistency.

With these advanced additives, we support manufacturers in producing high‑quality, durable, and aesthetically consistent PU leather for fashion, automotive, furniture, and consumer applications.

SITREN® Solutions for Durable Construction Materials

As the construction industry continues to advance toward more demanding performance, durability and regulatory requirements, innovative SITREN® technologies play a vital role in enabling durable, and efficient materials.

SITREN® SRA L 220 is a next‑generation isononyl-started polyether, available as mass-balanced option, specifically engineered to reduce post-manufacturing defects in flooring applications. This highly effective shrinkage-reducing agent is formulated with low VOC content and can support low-emission flooring formulations, depending on formulation design and application requirements. By minimizing shrinkage and cracking, SITREN® SRA L 220 extends the service life of flooring systems.

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Another key contributor to sustainable construction is SITREN AirVoid® 330, also available in a mass-balanced version. Designed as a specialized polyether for defoaming in concrete applications, it excels at reducing air bubbles in concrete mixtures, resulting in enhanced durability, and long-term performance. Like the rest of the SITREN® portfolio, its low VOC profile can support low-emission formulation targets.

By incorporating SITREN AirVoid® 330 into your concrete formulations, you not only improve structural integrity but also reduce future maintenance needs, supporting durable construction projects. Together, SITREN® solutions help projects achieve performance and longevity.

Choose SITREN® solutions for building and infrastructure projects that require reliable performance, durability and formulation flexibility. Our portfolio supports the development of high-quality construction materials tailored to specific application requirements.

SITREN® SRA L 220

SITREN AirVoid® 330

Odorless Recycled Plastics with TEGO® Sorb Absorbers

Recycled plastics are playing an increasingly important role in modern manufacturing. TEGO® Sorb PY 88 TEGO® Sorb PY 88 is a multifunctional odor absorber designed to enhance the quality of mechanically recycled plastics. This 90% bio-based multifunctional odor absorber, based on zinc ricinoleate, is specifically designed to eliminate persistent malodors that often limit the quality of mechanically recycled plastics.

Unpleasant odors remain one of the most significant barriers to broader adoption of recycled plastics.TEGO® Sorb PY 88 effectively neutralizes these malodors, dramatically improving the sensory properties of mechanically recycled plastics.With cleaner, more appealing material characteristics, manufacturers can confidently use recycled plastics in a wider range of applications —from consumer goods to industrial components—without compromising quality or customer acceptance.

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Choosing TEGO^® Sorb PY 88 means more than just improving the performance of recycled products. By reducing malodors in mechanically recycled plastics, it can help increase the usability of recycled materials in demanding applications and support the use of secondary raw materials. This aligns with growing interest in expanding the use of recycled materials across a broad range of plastic applications.

Choose TEGO^® Sorb PY 88 to improve the quality and usability of mechanically recycled plastics. Its effective odor-control performance helps manufacturers expand the range of applications for recycled materials while maintaining high product standards.

TEGO® Sorb PY 88

Innovative Polymers with ALBIFLEX®

ALBIFLEX^® is a high-performance epoxy-silicone block copolymer engineered to enhance the flexibility, durability and functionality of adhesives and composite systems.

With its unique molecular design, ALBIFLEX® delivers exceptional flexibilization while introducing added benefits for demanding electronic applications. One standout example is its use in fuel cell gaskets, where ALBIFLEX® improves sealing performance, operational reliability, and overall system efficiency in demanding fuel cell applications.

From automotive components and electronic assemblies to energy-related applications, ALBIFLEX® supports a broad range of advanced polymer formulations.

It enables the development of materials with enhanced flexibility, durability and performance, supporting evolving application and regulatory requirements.

ALBIFLEX®

NANOPOX®

NANOPOX®: Your Solution for Superior Composite Strength and Fatigue Resistance

In applications where durability and performance are critical, NANOPOX^® is an advanced nano-silica filler technology for the composites industry. This advanced nano-silica filler, embedded within epoxy resin, is designed to dramatically extend product life cycles—in some cases up to ten times longer than conventional alternatives. By reinforcing the composite matrix at the nanoscale, NANOPOX^® not only strengthens structural integrity but also delivers exceptional fatigue resistance, making it suitable for demanding applications such as hydrogen pressure vessels, wind turbine components, and other high‑stress environments.

Its lightweight characteristics make it well suited for applications where component weight and mechanical performance are important design considerations. By integrating NANOPOX^® into your composite designs, yyou can improve durability and service life while maintaining high mechanical performance.
Discover how NANOPOX^® can help enhance durability, fatigue resistance and long-term performance in advanced composite applications.

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Low‑VOC, Low‑GWP HFO Blowing Agents with POLYCAT® Catalysts

As the construction industry continues to adopt low‑VOC and lower‑GWP insulation technologies, polyurethane spray foam remains a widely used solution for achieving high levels of thermal insulation performance. Applied onsite in liquid form, spray foam expands to fill gaps and conform to complex building geometries, delivering effective thermal insulation and long‑term durability.

With global regulations phasing out traditional HFC blowing agents, formulators are transitioning to HFO (hydrofluoroolefin) blowing agents with lower global warming potential (GWP). Because HFOs behave differently in polyurethane systems, they often require specialized catalyst technology to ensure stable foam formation and consistent processing.

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Our latest POLYCAT® catalysts, including POLYCAT® 206, are engineered specifically to support HFO‑blown polyurethane systems. These catalysts improve the compatibility, solubility, and reactivity profile of HFO formulations, helping maintain the foam’s rise profile, cell structure, and cure characteristics.

Key features and performance benefits of Evonik’s HFO‑optimized catalyst technology include:
• Improved stability and uniform foam formation in spray polyurethane foam (SPF) systems
• Better compatibility with HFO blowing agents compared to conventional amine catalysts
• Support for low‑VOC and lower‑GWP insulation formulations designed to meet evolving regulatory requirements
• Balanced cream time, rise time, and cure profile for reliable onsite application
• Enhanced overall processing consistency and sprayability

By enabling a smoother transition to HFO technology, POLYCAT® catalysts help formulators acheive eliable processing, consistent foam quality and performance in HFO-blown polyurethane insulation systems.

POLYCAT®

Bio-Based TEGO® Antifoam and TEGOMER® Technologies for for PFAS-Free Formulations

TEGO^®Antifoam KS 53 combines effective defoaming performance with a high bio-based content for PVC, adhesives and plastics applications. Formulated from a blend of vegetable oil, silica, and organo-modified siloxanes (OMS), this highly effective defoamer contains 82% bio-based content. By reducing foam formation, TEGO^® Antifoam KS 53By reducing foam formation, TEGO^® Antifoam KS 53 can help improve process efficiency and support consistent production performance..

Safety and compliance remain essential in sensitive applications. TEGO^® Antifoam KS 53 combines food contact approval with reliable performance in applications where stringent regulatory and performance standards must be met.

In the packaging sector, TEGO^® PPA 51-1 is a high- performance processing additive for plastic film production. This masterbatch, consisting of OMS on a polyethylene carrier, is engineered to prevent surfactant-related defects in plastic film production. As an alternative to to PFAS-based additives, it enables manufacturers to maintain film quality and processing efficiency while meeting evolving formulation and regulatory requirements.

Together, TEGO® and TEGOMER® empower manufacturers in plastics and rubber to advance operational efficiency, improve product quality, and embrace more sustainable production practices.

TEGO® PPA 51-1

TEGO® Antifoam KS 53

Low‑VOC and LCF Polyurethane Additives with DABCO® NE and TEGOSTAB®

During polyurethane foam production, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odors can be emitted from blowing agents, catalysts and surfactants. As a result, low‑VOC technologies are increasingly important for mattresses, upholstered furniture and vehicle interiors.

Evonik supports the development of lower‑emission polyrethane foams through a combination of advanced TEGOSTAB® surfactants and DABCO® NE amine catalysts designed to meet demanding performance and regulatory requirements.

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Compliance with CERTIPUR, OEKO‑TEX® and OEM Requirements

Many of our latest TEGOSTAB® foam stabilizers and DABCO® NE (Non‑Emission) amine catalysts deliver low VOC and low‑odor performance — supporting compliance with certification systems such as, CERTIPUR, OEKO‑TEX® Standard 100 and automotive interior air‑quality requirements.

These technologies remain in the finished foam and are designed to reduce emissions and odor levels while supporting consistent foam rise, cell structure and mechanical properties.

We also offer a growing portfolio of polyurethane additives that include recycled content and mass-balanced raw materials, including TEGOSTAB® LCF surfactants with recycled content and ISCC PLUS‑certified mass‑balanced materials produced in Essen, Germany. These solutions incorporate recycled content and ISCC PLUS-certified mass-balanced raw materials while supporting polyurethane foam formulation requirements.

TEGO® Release Coatings for UV-Curable, Linerless and Recycled Label Applications

Our innovative TEGO® Release Coatings support modern label production through high-performance release properties and advanced curing technologies.

TEGO® RC902 is a silicone acrylate formulation designed specifically for UV curing. Compared with conventional thermal curing processes, UV curing can enable approximately 50% lower CO₂ emissions during the curing step.

TEGO® RC1930 is a silicone acrylate-based solution designed for linerless label applications. By eliminating the need for a liner, it can enable up to 40% reduction in overall waste, depending on the label construction and application.Its versatility supports specialty applications such as supermarket labels for food and logistics, helping manufacturers simplify label construction and streamline production processes.

TEGO® RC 2100 LCF is a silicone release coating developed for UV LED and UV Arc curing applications. Developed from a unique blend of silicone acrylate and photoinitiators derived from recycled silicone feedstocks, this single‑component formulation is ready to use and engineered for UV LED and UV Arc curing, compatible with UV LED and UV Arc curing while maintaining release performance.

TEGO® RC 2100 LCF offers:

Single‑component convenience using recycled silicone feedstocks
UV LED and UV Arc compatibility
Controlled, consistent release performance
Strong curing and anchorage properties
Compatibility with sensitive substrates and adhesives

TEGO® RC 902

TEGO® RC 1930

TEGO® RC 2000 LCF

Bio-Based Finishing Agents with TEGOTEX®

TEGOTEX^® offers finishing solutions for textile, leather, and nonwoven applications. TEGOTEX^® CS 0510 is a 100% active ingredient containing 75% bio-based content sourced from RSPO-certified palm oil, making it a powerful, environmentally responsible choice for textile finishing. Specifically designed for textile finishing, this esterquat technology delivers softness while providing a high level of bio-based content.

When combined with DPG (REWOQUAT WE 38 DPG), TEGOTEX^® CS 0510 is designed to provide improved biodegradability compared with conventional finishing technologies. Textile producers can achieve a premium hand feel and performance while incorporating bio-based content and improved biodegradability into their formulations.

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TEGOTEX^® RL 4050 is a rhamnolipid-based surfactant developed for textile finishing. Based on rhamnolipid technology and produced through fermentation, it is 100% bio-based and biodegradable and is engineered for scouring applications. TEGOTEX^® RL 4050 delivers material-compatible scouring performance while maintaining the performance requirements of textile finishing processes.

Integrating TEGOTEX® RL 4050 into your textile manufacturing processes not only improves operational efficiency and product quality, but also reinforces a commitment to responsible, future‑ready textile production.

TEGOTEX® CS 0510

TEGOTEX® RL 4050

Sustainability in Practice: Recognition, Collaboration & Regulatory Alignment

Evonik’s commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through global recognition, strong regulatory alignment and long‑standing collaboration across the chemical industry. Our approach supports transparency and responsible product development, helping customers meet rising expectations for environmental and social performance. Sustainability is a core element of our corporate strategy and value creation. This explicitly includes respect for human rights along our own operations and throughout the global value chains in which we are involved. Evonik is committed to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the International Labour Organization (ILO) core labour standards, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. These principles are embedded in our governance structures, policies, and management systems.

We work to meet international chemical regulations. REACH requirements have been fully integrated across our product portfolio since 2018. Through ongoing cooperation with regulatory bodies and supply chain partners, we support reliable regulatory compliance and help customers navigate evolving standards across global markets.

Evonik’s work in this area has been recognized by indutsry bodies and certification schemes:

TEGO® RISE software for flexible foam production earned the UTECH Europe 2024 Award for advancing process efficiency and reducing material waste.
ISCC PLUS certification for the Essen Goldschmidt production site of TEGOSTAB® surfactants, reinforcing our role in supporting renewable feedstocks and circular material flows.
From 2026, the Interface & Polyurethane Additives sites will source 100% of their externally purchased electricity from renewable sources, supporting Evonik’s goal of achieving 100% renewable external electricity globally by 2030.

Evonik also applies robust due diligence to its supply chain. Although not legally required to comply with U.S. conflict minerals regulations, we proactively track and assess the use of tin, tungsten, tantalum, and gold (3TG). New suppliers must disclose mineral origins, and CMRT documentation is available upon request, supporting responsible sourcing and traceability.

Our operations are further supported by ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, underscoring our strong quality management and environmental stewardship. In addition, we actively participate in global industry organizations and regulatory working groups, enabling us to anticipate market trends, contribute to policy development, and strengthen customer partnerships.

These efforts show how Evonik translates its sustainability commitments into practical solutions for the polyurethane and interfacial chemistry markets.

Shaping a Sustainable Future: Expanding Our Handprint, Shrinking Our Footprint

We expand our positive handprint by designing additive solutions that optimize production efficiency and reduce raw material use and energy demand. Our growing use of renewable electricity helps lower our carbon footprint, while durable, high-performance products can help extend service life and reduce material consumption. Through ongoing innovation, we work to improve recyclability and reduce VOC emissions. Product safety remains central to our approach as we continue to review our portfolio and meet strict labeling and transparency regulations.

At the same time, we work to shrink our footprint. This includes reducing absolute Scope 1-3 CO₂ emissions, increasing the use of circular and renewable raw materials and expanding access to certified feedstocks. Our silicone and amine production globally runs on 100% green electricity and our Goldschmidt site in Essen holds ISCC PLUS certification for certified traceable feedstocks. These initiatives strengthen responsible sourcing, minimize critical substances and support our alignment with evolving sustainability expectations.

Further Information on Sustainability at Evonik

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