Expansion boosts global market share and supports sustainability goals
On August 28, 2024, Evonik, the German chemicals giant, announced the expansion of its methionine production facility on Jurong Island, Singapore. The expansion will increase production capacity by 40,000 tonnes, bringing the total annual output to 340,000 tonnes. Methionine is a key protein used in animal feed supplements, and this move solidifies Singapore’s position as a critical hub in the global animal nutrition sector.
The expanded facility makes Evonik’s Singapore operation the largest methionine plant in the world, contributing to over 40% of the company’s global methionine output, which totals 700,000 tonnes per year. The investment in the expansion, estimated to be in the mid-double-digit million euros, highlights the company’s long-term commitment to its Singapore operations, having first entered the market in 1969. Since then, Evonik has invested more than €1 billion (S$1.5 billion) into the city-state.
Evonik’s growth in Singapore is strategic. The city-state serves as a gateway to expand business across Asia, and the company is also building a biodiesel catalyst production plant adjacent to the methionine facility. This plant will become the largest of its kind in the world. As the Asia-Pacific region continues to grow, with increasing demand for animal feed and sustainable products, Evonik has made additional investments in countries like China, India, and Japan.
At the opening ceremony, Grace Fu, Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, emphasized the role of Singapore as a leading destination for specialty chemicals and green products. She pointed to the growing demand for sustainable chemicals in response to Asia’s rising population and consumption, alongside increasing consumer preference for eco-friendly products.
The expanded methionine facility is also aligned with Evonik’s sustainability goals. It has managed to reduce the product carbon footprint by 6%, helping the company contribute to Singapore’s decarbonisation efforts. The government aims to increase sustainable product output by 1.5 times by 2030 and reduce carbon emissions by at least two million tonnes annually.
This expansion not only increases Evonik’s competitiveness in the animal-feed protein sector but also supports its commitment to sustainable growth and green technologies in the Asia-Pacific region.
