Evonik Industries AG：Driving the Green Transition of Manufacturing

Christian Kullmann, Chairman of the Executive Board, Evonik Industries

Introduction

Industry is facing some elementary challenges. These challenges are caused by the profound changes that are occurring in society, economy and politics. The main drivers of these upheavals include the fight against climate change and also the energy transition. In addition to the consequences of the pandemic, disrupted supply chains and altered global supply relationships, industrial companies are now confronted with rapidly rising energy prices, scarcities of raw materials and supplier products, and the economic repercussions. Furthermore, the change is based on new political paradigms. In many countries, protectionism and increasing nationalism are on the rise. Some regions are marked by political instability. The geopolitical and economic framework conditions are changing significantly and will continue to do so in the future.

The ecological transformation of society and the economy is inevitable. For the chemical industry, climate protection is a central issue. We see it as a commitment to society and to future generations, and we also see it as a major opportunity for the future. With its many innovative products, the chemical industry makes a significant contribution to greater climate protection. At the same time, the industry has enormous potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in its own production processes. The chemical industry is focusing on innovative and sustainable procedures and technologies and, in its role as a supplier industry, it is connected to many other industrial sectors. The areas of application for these technologies are numerous: The circular economy, battery technology, hydrogen and synthetic fuels, lightweight construction materials, bio-based plastics, insulating materials for buildings and the biotechnical optimization of agricultural crops are just some examples. It is quite clear: Without the chemical industry, the transformation to a sustainable future cannot succeed. The clear focus on the green transition means, for Evonik, taking responsibility. With our products and solutions, we are helping to overcome the major challenges of our time.

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