The new facility has been built at Evonik’s Multi-User-Site (MUSC) in the SCIP, which is conveniently located in the Yangtze River Delta economic zone and is said to have an annual capacity of around 80,000 metric tons and a production line that uses a number of different technologies, enabling it to offer a broad portfolio of locally manufactured products.
In a bid to set standards in terms of environmental technology, quality and reliability, Evonik says this will include sophisticated emissions controls, a two-step water treatment system, and modern technology.
The focus is also revealed to be on specialty surfactants from renewable resources that are used in personal care and hygiene products. Particularly on key product groups such as amphoteric surfactants, amidoamines, esters, alkoxylates and quats.
"The new plant in Shanghai not only plays a key role in further consolidating our position in the Chinese market, but is also an important element of our strategy for the growth markets of the entire region," says Dr. Klaus Engel, chairman of the executive board in his remarks at the opening ceremony.
Further expansion on the region...
Evonik already operates a similar plant in Bekasi, Indonesia, mainly serving manufacturers in the personal and household care industries in Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and this start-up means it has created some 80 new jobs and will further consolidate the brand on the vast region.
"Our production plant and our new R&D Center in Shanghai allow us to respond quickly to regional requirements in the Asia-Pacific region, to identify trends early on and to offer products with the same quality worldwide," says Dr. Claus Rettig, Head of the Consumer Specialties Business Unit.
"As a producer of ingredients, additives and system solutions for high-quality consumer goods and industrial applications, we strongly rely on our customer-oriented approach that focuses on innovation and sustainability," he adds.
Chinese cosmetics market continues to boom
The Chinese cosmetics market, Asia’s single largest, has been growing in double-digits and is expected to continue growing in this range.
This growth, according to market researchers, is propelled by a prospering middle class that is changing its consumer behavior and showing a growing awareness of high quality and high product performance. In addition, consumers are increasingly focusing on trends such as well-being and sustainability which also contributes to the positive market development.