Evonik seeks growth markets: Recycling painted plastic parts
Evonik wants to open up new growth markets with its Next Markets Program. In a pilot project, for example, painted plastic parts from the automotive sector are being recycled.
Evonik wants to generate additional growth with the Next Markets Program: The initiative is designed to open up markets that are adjacent to the company's core businesses. It positions Evonik in emerging markets by pooling expertise on existing technologies and products across the Group in order to offer customers holistic solutions. "We are experiencing massive geopolitical and social changes. This is leading to shifts in the markets and new customer needs," says Lauren Kjeldsen, member of the Executive Board and head of the Custom Solutions segment. "We want to recognize these even earlier and deliver the right solutions. To this end, we are creating the Next Markets Program - Evonik's new speedboat. It navigates through complex value chains and enables us to seize growth opportunities along them." Patrick Glöckner will take over the management of the program. He was previously responsible for the Global Circular Economy Program, which will be continued in the new program. The initial focus areas are circular packaging, plastics recycling, defense and aerospace.
Recycling painted plastic parts from the automotive sector
One example is painted plastic parts from the automotive sector, which are difficult to recycle. In a consortium project with BMW, which was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK), Evonik worked with leading industrial and scientific partners to find solutions to this problem, among others. Thanks to a technology from Evonik, it has been possible to separate the paint from the plastic quickly and effectively. The resulting recyclates are of such high quality that they can be processed into new add-on parts for cars, for example. In the Next Markets Program, the experts are now working on commercializing this solution and finding further applications. Anyone who wants to get to know the team behind the program will have the opportunity to do so at the K 2025 trade fair: the leading international trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry will take place in Düsseldorf from 8 to 15 October 2025.