Evonik Commissions Strategic Alu5 Plant to Serve Growing Asian Demand

• Evonik has opened its first "Alu5" fumed alumina plant in Yokkaichi, Japan, a major step in its Asia strategy supported by a mid-double-digit million Euro investment.
• The new facility will produce AEROXIDE® fumed aluminum oxide, a product that enhances performance and durability for electric mobility, consumer electronics, and sustainable coatings.
• Executives stated the plant is a strategic move to bring production closer to Asian customers, reducing lead times and the carbon footprint while ensuring supply security.
• The plant is a cornerstone of Evonik's regional growth plan, emphasizing sustainable innovation and long-term partnerships in Asia.
• Equipped with latest technology, the facility sets new standards for quality and environmental responsibility and showcases collaboration between two key business segments.
• This initiative supports Evonik's broader vision to drive sustainable growth in specialty chemicals and meet the demand for cleaner, smarter industrial solutions.

Evonik has announced the official opening of its first state-of-the-art fumed alumina production facility, named “Alu5,” in Yokkaichi, Japan. The company described this as a major step forward in its strategy to serve the Asian market with advanced aluminum oxide-based solutions. It was stated that this mid-double-digit million Euro investment underscores Evonik's commitment to innovation, supply security, sustainability, and customer proximity in a highly dynamic region.

Emmanuel Auer, the Head of Evonik’s Smart Effects business line, was quoted saying that the launch of the Alu5 plant represented more than a capacity expansion, characterizing it as a strategic move to bring high-performance aluminum oxide products closer to customers in Asia. Elias Lacerda, Head of the Coatings Additives business line, added that the company was enabling faster and more efficient access to the materials that power industries such as battery technologies and coatings, both today and in the future.

The new facility will manufacture AEROXIDE®, an advanced fumed aluminum oxide solution noted for its exceptional properties. It was explained that this product is tailored for ultra-thin coating technology and significantly enhances performance and durability for value chains ranging from electric mobility and consumer electronics to sustainable powder coatings. The company highlighted that the product not only improves efficiency and longevity but also exemplifies sustainability by promoting durable and resource-efficient solutions.

Claus Rettig, President of Evonik Asia Pacific, emphasized the plant’s role in regional growth, stating that Alu5 is a cornerstone of the company's Asia growth strategy. He noted that by manufacturing locally, they were not only reducing lead times and carbon footprint but also reinforcing their commitment to security of supply, sustainable innovation, and long-term partnerships in the region.

The company detailed that the Alu5 plant, equipped with the latest production technology, sets new standards for quality, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. The results of constructing the facility were said to represent the collaborative efforts between Evonik's Custom Solutions and Advanced Technology segments, underlining the benefit of housing both under one roof. Furthermore, the initiative was described as reflecting 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 products, both segments are reportedly strengthening Evonik’s competitive edge and contributing to a more sustainable future.

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