Evonik Industries’ chemical production site in Krefeld stretches across 197,000 square meters of land and employs about 1,000 people. The products range from superabsorbents for the personal hygiene industry, through skin protection products, all the way to specialty polymers for the agricultural, cable and packaging, and fire fighting industries.

Krefeld began producing soap for the textile industry as far back as 1878, and in 1935 it developed PRAECUTAN^®. This novel, soap-free skin cleanser could be used even on highly sensitive skin. A milestone in the history of the site was the startup in 1986 of the first large-scale production plant for superabsorbents, whose contribution to the baby care business, particularly in diaper production, is appreciated by the parents of the wee customers.

Products

The superabsorbents produced in Krefeld occupy a leading position on the global market. Forming a gel, these powder-form polymers can absorb and hold up to 300 times their own weight in liquid. Superabsorbents are thus used in feminine and adult hygiene products, as well as baby diapers.

The STOKO^® Skin Care Product Line is the European market leader in protection, care, and cleansing products for skin subject to occupation-relatred stresses. Customers come from various segments of industry, the most significant ones being the automotive, steel, and chemical industries.