Why is Evonik closing its Hamburg and Bitterfeld sites, and what are the key operational and economic reasons cited in the news?

Evonik is closing its Hamburg and Bitterfeld sites due to fragmented production, administration, and laboratory structures that lead to unnecessarily high costs and weakened competitiveness, as stated by interim chairman Claus Rettig. Specifically, the Hamburg site — serving cosmetics and personal care — is being closed because the broader care solutions business line faces weak global demand and persistent margin pressure in international competition; its activities will be consolidated at the larger Essen-Goldschmidtstrasse site. The Bitterfeld site — producing chlorosilanes, including high-purity silicon tetrachloride — is being closed due to persistently challenging market conditions, including increasing supply from Asia, competitive pressure, and prolonged low plant utilization that no longer supports economically viable operations; customer supply will be maintained primarily from Rheinfelden. Evonik evaluated alternatives such as capacity reduction, mothballing, and selling the site, but none offered a sustainable long-term economic perspective, according to Emmanuel Auer, head of the smart effects business line.

How many employees are affected by the closures, when will each site close, and how does Evonik plan to handle the transition for affected staff and customers?

The Hamburg site closure affects 50 employees and is scheduled for mid-next year (i.e., mid-2025), while the Bitterfeld site closure affects 40 employees and is set for the end of April 2027. Evonik states it is aware the decision represents a 'drastic change' for Hamburg employees and emphasizes the decision followed 'intensive evaluations of various options' to ensure the 'successful development of the business', per Maximilian Morin, head of the care solutions business line. For customers, Evonik confirms supply continuity: cosmetics and personal care activities will be bundled with technological know-how at Essen-Goldschmidtstrasse, and Bitterfeld’s chlorosilane output — particularly high-purity silicon tetrachloride — will be covered mainly through deliveries from the Rheinfelden site in southern Germany. The company also acknowledges the regional importance of Bitterfeld and affirms its responsibility to secure the long-term competitiveness of its business alongside social considerations.

Evonik to Close Hamburg, Bitterfeld Sites in Germany

Sep 11, 2026

Evonik Industries plans to close its Hamburg and Bitterfeld sites in Germany next year, impacting 90 employees due to high operational costs and weak market demand. Production activities will be consolidated at larger German locations to improve competitiveness.

chemweek

Evonik to Close Hamburg, Bitterfeld Sites in Germany

chemweek

2026-09-11

Evonik to Close Hamburg, Bitterfeld Sites in Germany

Evonik to Close Hamburg, Bitterfeld Sites in Germany

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