Evonik kickstarts full commercial-scale ceramides production

Specialty chemicals company Evonik has started manufacturing commercial quantities of ceramides at its factory in Dossenheim, Germany.

Evonik said utilising the site’s full capabilities will provide further flexibility and supply security, including independence from alternative supply routes.

The increased production of the special class of lipids also aims to cater to the growing demand for ceramides in the personal care market.

“Expanding our in-house production capacity for ceramides enables us to meet the demand of our strategic customers who have minimum volume commitments and very long-term agreements with us,” said Johann-Caspar Gammelin, Head of the Nutrition and Care division at Evonik.

“We are also in a strong position to supply other customers with the flexibility and security they need.”

Ceramides are based on lipids, which are fatty or oily compounds that are soluble in organic solvents.

The ingredient has applications in skin, hair, sun care and make-up products.

It is commonly used for its delivery system, which transports the active ingredients to the correct layers of the skin.

Evonik’s decision to upscale its ceramides production follows on from a strong sales performance from its Nutrition and Care division in Q3 2022.

The division’s sales increased 14% to €1.06bn in the quarter as a result of price increases and positive currency effects.