Essen, Germany. Schneider Electric and Evonik have partnered to automate a thermoplastic processing plant at Evonik’s Essen Goldschmidt site in Germany. This initiative was officially launched during the world's number one trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry, K in Düsseldorf, from October 8-15, 2025. The collaboration aims to enhance the efficiency of mechanical plastic recycling processes and improve the quality of recyclates, underscoring both companies' commitment to circular economy principles.
Evonik brings expertise in high-performance additives and a strong focus on circularity, while Schneider Electric contributes cutting-edge solutions in process automation and digitalization. Together, the two companies are well-positioned to drive innovation and transformation in recycling and thermoplastic processing.
“Digitalization is essential for advancing circularity. Our collaboration with Evonik demonstrates how automation can enhance recycling efficiency and quality, showcasing the power of teamwork in building a sustainable future,” said Jessica Bethune, VP Industrial Automation DACH at Schneider Electric.
“Our partnership with Schneider Electric highlights how digitalization and chemistry enable circularity in plastics. Combining Schneider Electric’s process automation with our innovative additives takes thermoplastic processing to the next level, aligning it with the principles of a circular economy,” said Patrick Glöckner, Head of the recently announced Next Markets Program at Evonik.
The first step of the new partnership is the digitization of an existing pilot plant at Evonik’s Goldschmidt site. This facility will be equipped with an open automation approach, enabling the collection and contextualization of data from various machines into a central access point. This data-driven strategy aims to analyze performance, reduce or eliminate manual work, and streamline separate calculation steps.
The long-term objectives of the collaboration include leveraging laboratory experiences, improving the positioning of existing solutions supported by quantified data, decreasing time to market for new additive developments, and enhancing scalability from pilot plants to commercial units.
The scope of this cooperation extends beyond plastic recycling; it encompasses the overall processing of plastics with a strong emphasis on circularity.
For more information, please visit Evonik and Schneider Electric at the at the K in Düsseldorf, Germany, from October 8-15, 2025. Evonik is in Hall 6, booth D79, and Schneider Electric is in Hall 10, booth H18.
