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Press Release

October 24, 2025

Evonik Strengthens Asian Presence with New Aluminum Specialty Plant in Japan

  • Strategic investment in Yokkaichi expands Evonik’s footprint for aluminum oxide products in Asia
  • New Alumina asset delivers high-performance aluminum oxide grades for electromobility (lithium-ion-batteries) and coating applications
  • Commitment to innovation and sustainability drives Evonik’s growth in the region

Yokkaichi, Japan. Evonik has officially opened its first state-of-theart fumed alumina production facility “Alu5” in Yokkaichi, Japan, which marks a major step forward in the company’s strategy to serve the Asian market with advanced aluminum oxide-based solutions. This mid-double-digit million Euro investment underscores Evonik’s commitment to innovation, supply security, sustainability, and customer proximity in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.

“The launch of our Alu5 plant is more than just another capacity expansion - it’s a strategic move to bring our high-performance aluminum oxide products closer to our customers in Asia”, says Emmanuel Auer, Head of Evonik’s Smart Effects business line. Elias Lacerda, Head of Evonik’s Coatings Additives business line adds: “From battery technologies to coatings, we’re enabling a faster, more efficient access to the materials that power those industries today and tomorrow.”

The new facility will manufacture AEROXIDE®, an advanced fumed aluminum oxide solution renowned for its exceptional properties for a variety of applications. AEROXIDE® is tailored for ultra-thin coating technology and does significantly enhance performance and durability for value chains ranging from electric mobility, consumer electronics to sustainable powder coatings. The product not only enhances efficiency and longevity, but also exemplifies sustainability by promoting durable and resourceefficient solutions.

Claus Rettig, President of Evonik Asia Pacific, emphasizes the plant’s role in regional growth: “Alu5 is a cornerstone of our Asia growth strategy. By manufacturing locally, we’re not only reducing lead times and carbon footprint - we’re also reinforcing our commitment to security of supply, sustainable innovation and longterm partnerships in the region.”

Equipped with the latest production technology, the Alu5 plant sets new standards for quality, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. The results of constructing this facility represent the collaborative efforts between the two Evonik segments -Custom Solutions (including Coating Additives business line) and Advanced Technology (including Smart Effects business line) - underlining the benefit of having both under one roof. Furthermore, the initiative reflects Evonik’s broader vision to drive sustainable growth in specialty chemicals while addressing the evolving needs of industries transitioning to cleaner, smarter solutions. By meeting the growing demand for innovative, long-lasting products across multiple markets, both segments are strengthening Evonik’s competitive edge and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Evonik invites all partners, customers, and stakeholders to explore the possibilities enabled by this new facility and to join in shaping the future of specialty aluminum oxide products in Asia.

Photo caption from left to right: 

  • Mr. Hirotake Ohta, Representative Director and President of High-Punity Silicon Corporation
  • Mr. Tomohiro Mori, Mayor of the Yokkaichi City
  • Mr. Katsuyuki Ichimi, Governor of the Mie  Prefecture
  • Mr. Goro Naito, President of Evonik Japan and Nippon Aerosil
  • Mr. Emmanuel Auer, Head of Evonik Smart Effects business line
  • Ms. Petra Sigmund, German Ambassador to Japan

Evonik: Leading beyond chemistry

Evonik goes beyond the boundaries of chemistry with its combination of innovative strength and leading technological expertise. The global chemical company, headquartered in Essen, Germany, is active in more than 100 countries and generated sales of €15.2 billion and earnings (adjusted EBITDA) of €2.1 billion in 2024. The common motivation of the approximately 32,000 employees: to provide customers with a decisive competitive advantage with tailor-made products and solutions as a superforce for industry, thereby improving people's lives. In all markets. Every day.

About Advanced Technologies

The Advanced Technologies segment includes Evonik’s market-leading businesses that leverage technological expertise and process know-how. These businesses feature high-performance polymers and crosslinking agents, hydrogen peroxide and silica, as well as feed ingredients. In 2024, the segment generated sales of €6.1 billion with around 8,000 employees.

About Custom Solutions

The Custom Solutions segment focuses on innovation-driven, tailor-made solutions for customers in specific growth markets. These solutions include additives for coatings, adhesives and sealants, polyurethane foams and lubricants, catalysts, and ingredients for the cosmetics, cleaning and pharmaceutical industries. In 2024, the segment generated sales of €5.7 billion with around 7,000 employees. 

Disclaimer

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.