Press release
VISIOMER
September 29, 2008

AVENEER - the New Manufacturing Process for Methyl Methacrylate (MMA)

A Quantum Leap in MMA Technology

Evonik Industries has developed a new, pioneering manufacturing process for methyl methacrylate (MMA). Evonik Industries thus provides an answer to the question of how future methyl methacrylate monomers and polymers can remain competitive.

Like the traditional ACH sulfur process, AVENEER is based on the starting materials ammonia, methane, acetone and methanol – without the additional use of sulfuric acid. Thanks to significantly improved efficiency in the use of "raw materials and energy” with regard to all established MMA processes, Evonik views itself as a future cost leader with the new process in this field.

In addition, the new technology is distinguished by its regional and technological flexibility: On the one hand, it can be conducted in general at typical chemical plants around the world; on the other, it allows existing Evonik plants to be reequipped.

Company information

Evonik Industries is the creative industrial group from Germany which operates in three business areas: Chemicals, Energy and Real Estate. Evonik is a global leader in specialty chemicals, an expert in power generation from hard coal and renewable energies, and one of the largest private residential real estate companies in Germany. Our strengths are creativity, specialization, continuous self-renewal, and reliability. Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In its fiscal year 2007 about 43,000 employees generated sales of about €14.4 billion and an operating profit (EBIT) of more than €1.3 billion.

Disclaimer

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.