Evonik Opens First Fumed Alumina Plant in Japan to Boost Asian Market Supply

Evonik has officially inaugurated its first state-of-the-art fumed alumina production facility, “Alu5,” in Yokkaichi, Japan — marking a significant milestone in its strategy to supply the Asian market with advanced aluminium oxide-based solutions. This mid-double-digit million-euro investment reinforces Evonik’s commitment to innovation, supply reliability, sustainability, and close customer collaboration in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.

“The launch of our Alu5 plant is more than just another capacity expansion – it’s a strategic move to bring our high-performance aluminium oxide products closer to our customers in Asia,” says Emmanuel Auer, Head of Evonik’s Smart Effects business line. Elias Lacerda, Head of Evonik’s Coatings Additives business line, adds, “From battery technologies to coatings, we’re enabling a faster, more efficient access to the materials that power those industries today and tomorrow.”

The new facility will produce AEROXIDE®, an advanced fumed aluminium oxide renowned for its exceptional performance across a wide range of applications. Engineered for ultra-thin coating technologies, AEROXIDE® significantly improves performance and durability in value chains spanning electric mobility, consumer electronics, and sustainable powder coatings. Beyond boosting efficiency and longevity, the product also embodies sustainability by enabling durable, resource-efficient solutions.

Claus Rettig, President of Evonik Asia Pacific, emphasises the plant’s role in regional growth: “Alu5 is a cornerstone of our Asia growth strategy. By manufacturing locally, we’re not only reducing lead times and carbon footprint – we’re also reinforcing our commitment to security of supply, sustainable innovation and long-term partnerships in the region.”

Equipped with advanced production technology, the Alu5 plant establishes new benchmarks for quality, efficiency, and environmental stewardship. The facility’s development showcases the joint efforts of two Evonik segments. Custom Solutions (including the Coating Additives business line) and Advanced Technology (including the Smart Effects business line), emphasising the advantages of combining their expertise under one roof.

This initiative aligns with Evonik’s broader vision to foster sustainable growth in speciality chemicals while supporting industries transitioning toward cleaner and smarter solutions. By catering to the increasing demand for innovative and long-lasting products across multiple markets, both segments are enhancing Evonik’s competitive position and reinforcing its commitment to a more sustainable future.

Source: EVONIK