Evonik has officially opened its new “double-digit million-euro” production plant for cosmetic emollients at Steinau, Germany. This will use an enzymatic esterification process from the company’s biotechnology platform to convert vegetable oils. “This investment helps us lower our footprint, while supporting the beauty industry in its transformation – meeting the demand for more responsible, eco-friendly solutions,” said Johann-Caspar Gammelin, president of the Nutrition & Care division.

International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG) has agreed to buy Clariant’s decommissioned bioethanol plant in Podari, Romania, for its biotech CDMO subsidiary Corden BioChem. No financial details were disclosed, but ICIG will rehire “a large proportion” of the laid-off employees and spend a double-digit million Euro sum, mainly in downstream operations, to make the site a flexible CMO.

During its 2023 results presentation, Evonik announced that it will establish a new organisational structure by the end of 2026. Under ‘Evonik Tailor Made’ it will eliminate administrative activities that do not directly support its businesses and bundle key tasks in the new structure.

International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG), the owner of WeylChem and many other European assets, has acquired two more operations. The acquisition of HCS Group in June followed on from that of Organica Feinchemie in May. Terms were not disclosed in either deal.

Evonik has agreed to sell its site at Niederkassel-Lülsdorf, Germany, and the associated cyanuric chloride business at Wesseling to International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG). Terms were not disclosed and the deal is scheduled to close in mid-2023, subject to regulatory clearance and approval by the competent Evonik committees. The businesses being divested had sales of around €260 million in 2022.

International Chemical Investors (ICIG) has made a firm and binding offer to acquire sodium metal specialist Métaux Spéciaux (MSSA) from Nippon Soda. It has also completed the acquisitions of Inprotec from Paragon Partners and its minority co-shareholders, and of Benvic Group from Investindustrial Growth.

International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG), the owner of WeylChem and various other chemical operations, has agreed to acquire Inprotec from Paragon Partners and its minority co-shareholders. The transaction is expected to close in November, subject to customary antitrust clearance.