Press release
VESTAMID
November 6, 2012

Bio-based high-performance polymer: A successful year for VESTAMID® Terra

Increased capacity, expansion of the product portfolio, and official bio-certification—2012 held an array of highlights for the bio-based VESTAMID® Terra from Evonik Industries. So the remarkable presentation at FAKUMA, featuring the Green Wall of Applications, was only the logical extension of a successful year.

Early in 2012, the bio-based origin of VESTAMID® Terra products has been independently certified by DIN ISO 10694, 1996–08 and as part of the Biopreferred® program of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In addition, Evonik just recently began offering a rayon-fiber-reinforced variant of its biopolymer. By foregoing mineral reinforcement through glass fibers, this combination results in a merger between high bio-content and excellent reinforcing potential.

"The growing interest of customers and designers throughout the world in VESTAMID® Terra is a nice acknowledgement of what we are currently doing," says Jean-Marc Chassagne, Director Biopolymers in Evonik's Performance Polymers Business Unit. "The increasing importance of sustainable products was clearly visible at FAKUMA. And I’m confident that this is just the beginning." The bio-based high-performance plastic has also established itself in the past few months as a reliable alternative to the polyamide 12 VESTAMID®.

To serve the steadily growing demand for biopolyamides, Evonik Industries initiated comprehensive measures at the beginning of this year to increase its capacities for the bio-based VESTAMID® Terra polyamide. Additional steps are already planned and will be implemented in 2013.

The raw material feedstocks of VESTAMID® Terra are derived from the seeds of the castor bean (Ricinus communis) and its oil derivatives. It is used in high-demanding applications in the electronics, sports, hygiene and cosmetics industries, as well as the automobile industry. VESTAMID® Terra is also worth consideration in many applications that have traditionally relied on petroleum-based polyamides.

For more information, please visit our re-designed website www.vestamid-terra.com

Company information

Evonik, the creative industrial group from Germany, is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. Its activities focus on the key megatrends health, nutrition, resource efficiency and globalization. In 2010 about 80 percent of the Group’s chemicals sales came from activities where it ranks among the market leaders. Evonik benefits specifically from its innovative prowess and integrated technology platforms.
Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In fiscal 2010 more than 34,000 employees generated sales of around €13.3 billion and an operating profit (EBITDA) of about €2.4 billion.

Disclaimer

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press 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.