On July 20, the precipitated silica production plant of Evonik Industries in São Paulo, Brazil (Americana) was put into operation. The high-growth silica that the company produces is used mainly for high-quality low rolling resistance tyres.
In addition, by building this new silica production plant, Evonik is also catering to the needs of the growing regional business in attractive specialty segments in South America’s food, animal feed, and agricultural industries. This is the first plant for easy dispersible silica (HD silica) to come on stream in South America. Evonik’s investment for this plant is in the mid-double-digit euro range.
Dr. Johannes Ohmer, member of the Board of Management of the Resource Efficiency Segment, said: “The new plant in Americana now enables us to offer our products and solutions to our Brazilian and regional customers as well. Thanks to our dependability, outstanding services, and top-quality products, we provide customised solutions.”
The automotive industry’s growth that has recorded considerable increases in sales in South America over the past years has proved to be beneficial for the tyre industry. The market for low rolling resistance tyres and, consequently, for HD silicas, has been growing much stronger than the market for conventional tyres in South America. Evonik expects additional demand because of the planned labelling of the energy efficiency of tyres in Brazil.
The use of silica in combination with silanes means that tyres can be produced with a much lower rolling resistance, which can reduce fuel consumption by up to 8% compared to conventional automobile tyres. Consequently, low rolling resistance tyres contribute towards climate protection. Ohmer explained: “We are the only manufacturer that offers both components and are thus an expert partner for high-performance tyre compounds for our customers in the tyre and rubber industries.”
Evonik is one of the leading producers of silicas. In addition to the precipitated silicas Ultrasil and Sipernat, the group produces the fumed silica Aerosil and silica-based matting agents under the Acematt brand. In total, Evonik has a worldwide capacity of about 600,000 metric tonnes of precipitated and fumed silicas and matting agents per annum.
Ralph Sven Kaufmann, Executive Board member and Chief Operating Officer of Evonik Industries: “With this investment in Brazil we are strengthening our position in South America as a global provider of high-quality silica for resource-conserving applications. We are also consolidating our leading global market position in silica.”