Essen, Evonik Industries is strengthening its position in the market for additives required in polyurethane (PU) foam production. The group has acquired the SILBYK® polyurethane foam additives business from BYK-Chemie GmbH, Wesel, Germany. The transaction includes the existing business contacts and expertise in the manufacture of SILBYK® products for the polyurethane foam industry. The acquisition complements Evonik’s existing, innovative portfolio of polyurethane foam additives. PU foams are mainly used as insulation material in the construction industry and in foodstuff cold chains and as upholstery material in the furniture, mattress and automotive industry.

Evonik is a market leader in polyurethane additives, its key products being foam stabilisers. Evonik has excellent market access worldwide, a very good reputation in the industry and a wealth of experience in the formulation of polyurethane foam systems. It foresees substantial growth prospects for the polyurethane additives segment due to its very high application and product development expertise. The transaction allows the polyurethane additives business line of Evonik to enhance its existing business in some market segments and to strengthen its overall market position in the long term.

The total market for polyurethane additives is growing continuously. Asia, especially China, is a regional growth market and Evonik already has a strong market presence with its PU additives in this region. In addition to polyurethane foam stabilisers, the Evonik portfolio includes metal and amine catalysts, release agents, colourants, antioxidants, antistatic agents and other performance additives used in the manufacturing of polyurethane foams and to provide certain physical properties to the final foam products.