INTERVIEW: Scaling up for a more sustainable future

Yann d’Hervé, head of Evonik’s Care Solutions business line, discusses its under-construction rhamnolipid biosurfactants plant in Slovakia and where it fits in with the German chemical company’s long-term strategic objectives.

On 29 June, Evonik broke ground on the world’s first industrial-scale facility for rhamnolipid biosurfactants in Slovakia. A triple-digit million-euro investment, construction of the Slovenská Ľupča plant is scheduled for completion by the end of 2023. Personal Care Global editor Tim Probert caught up with Yann d’Hervé, head of Evonik’s Care Solutions business line, to discuss the plant and where it fits in with the German chemical company’s long-term strategic objectives.

TIM PROBERT (TP): What is the rationale for building the rhamnolipid biosurfactants plant in Slovakia?

YANN D’HERVÉ (YH): It’s a very important milestone in our strategy to becoming the preferred sustainability specialties partner. Rhamnolipids are 100% bio-based, 100% biodegradable and do not use any tropical oil.

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