Evonik Wins EuroCham’s First Sustainability Award

• Evonik has been awarded in the category of “Circular Economy” for its sustainable business practices
• Recognition of Evonik’s exceptional efforts in Singapore and the region

Evonik was honored by the European Chamber of Commerce Singapore (EuroCham) Sustainability Awards 2020 in the category of “Circular Economy”. The event was graced by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, Barbara Plinkert, Ambassador of the European Union to Singapore, Grace Fu Hai Yien, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Singapore, and Jaya Ratnam, Ambassador of Singapore to the European Union at the virtual Sustainability Awards Seminar on November 17.

“Evonik’s long term commitment to sustainability is not limited to its headquarters but clearly visible locally in the various countries where it operates - it was heartening to witness the depth of their global initiatives.” said Federico Donato, EuroCham President and member of the Jury of the EuroCham Sustainability Awards 2020.

As a specialty chemicals company, Evonik has been at the forefront of driving the shift to sustainability and circular economies. According to its sustainability strategy 2020+, the company more and more integrates sustainability into its management processes. Furthermore, Evonik has set itself ambitious environmental goals.

The company’s innovative solutions have been maximizing the use of finite resources in climate-neutral production methods. For example, Evonik has a process additive named VESTENAMER® that helps to turns scrap tires into a modern construction material for durable roads, and even tire rubber resting mats for livestock which helps to reduce joint injuries and provides heat insulation. The enhanced well-being of the animals increases productivity, so farmers benefit from higher milk yields in turn.

Besides research and developing solutions for mechanical and chemical recycling, the company also ensures its own consumption and production patterns make more efficient use of resources and minimize carbon emissions and waste. For example, the state-of-the-art methionine production plant in Singapore has an integrated digital platform to monitor processes to ensure efficiency and make good use of all material flows. Continuous process optimization and the efficient use of resources have always been a core element for the company’s production activities.

In addition, with the recent acquisition of the US-based Porocel Group, which has a production site in Singapore, Evonik is expanding its catalyst business and shifting its portfolio towards sustainability and especially the circular economy. By meeting increasing demand from a trend towards sulphur-free fuels as well as reducing CO2 emissions and saving resources, Evonik enables its customers to make their processes and products more efficient and resource-saving.

“We are delighted to receive this award in recognition of the company’s focus on incorporating environmental, social and governance aspects into our business processes. We believe that economic success, environmental protection and societal responsibility are not exclusive – on the contrary, they complement each other. We focus on R&D and innovation to drive this holistic approach to sustainability forward,” said Dr. Reiner Beste, President of Evonik’s Asia Pacific region. “In addition, we always have an eye on the supply chain for our raw materials, goods and services and on product benefits and applications for our customers to meet their sustainability goals.”

The EuroCham Sustainability Awards recognized companies for their sustainability efforts in the five categories Circular Economy, Green Finance, Smart Mobility, Clean and Efficient Energy, and Sustainable Food and Nutrition. These categories represent strategic areas common both to the European Union (EU) Commission’s European Green Deal and Singapore’s Sustainability Concept Plan.

For more information about Evonik’s sustainability strategy and more examples for Circular Economy please refer to the company’s Annual Sustainability Report.

EuroCham’s press release on sustainability awards virtual seminar can be found here.