Evonik Industries AG launched Smart Effects, a new 3,500-employee entity combining its silica and silane operations, as the German speciality chemicals maker pushes further into sustainable technologies.

According to a company statement, the unit began operations on 1January, will be part of the company’s Advanced Technologies division and target the automotive, electronics, consumer health, and building materials markets.

“This merger not only enhances our customer relationships but also allows us to advance sustainability in key markets,” said Emmanuel Auer, who heads the Smart Effects business line.

The combined unit will supply materials for electric vehicle batteries and semiconductors while developing new technologies, such as adsorbents for direct air capture of carbon dioxide. Its silica-silane combinations are already used in fuel-efficient “green” tyres.

“The new business line is a strategic step by Evonik to strengthen the financing power of our complementary Silanes, precipitated and fumed Silica technology platforms,” stated Lauren Kjeldsen, President of Smart Materials Division at Evonik. “By combining our expertise in molecular silane chemistry and silica particle design, we can deliver differentiated solutions that add value to our customers with a tailored portfolio approach.”

“With Smart Effects, we aim to go beyond in industry,” Auer concluded. “Our goal is to deliver value for our customers by innovative, complementary technologies based on molecules and particles, driven by circular solutions and sustainable effects in applications.”

Smart Effects will maintain local sales teams and tech centers serving customers in over 100 countries, supported by manufacturing facilities across six continents, the company said. The merger aims to streamline innovation in joint applications and technical processes.

Evonik developed surface-modified silica carriers with amino silanes that can extract CO2 from the atmosphere as part of its sustainability push. The company said the new structure will help accelerate similar innovations targeting environmental challenges.

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Kraton Corporation, a leading global producer of speciality polymers and high-value bio-based chemicals derived from pine wood pulping co-products, a global price increase for all polymer products with effect from 1 April 2026. The price hike will range from USD 440 per MT to USD 700 per MT, or as individual contract terms permit, with the exact price change varying according to the polymer type and production location.

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