Potassium carbonate, also known as potash, is used in many foodstuffs; for example in cocoa powder.

Press release
Performance Materials
April 23, 2020

Highest quality: Evonik receives food certification for potassium carbonate

With the recently awarded certification, Evonik is now certified to the highest standards of hygiene.

  • FSSC22000 certification for plant in Lülsdorf near Cologne, confirms highest standards in production and packaging of potassium carbonate
  • Optimal production conditions, hygienic packaging and complete documentation guarantee safe use in foodstuffs
  • Evonik is one of the world's leading producers of potash derivatives

Safety and transparency: when it comes to food, these two factors are of particular interest to the public and food manufacturers. With the recently awarded certification, Evonik is now certified to the highest standards of hygiene.

The Food Safety System Certification 22000 is a standard for ensuring food safety in the production of foodstuffs and is recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). The audit was carried out by the German Association for Certification of Management Systems (DQS).

As part of the audit by DQS, the plant was certified for the food-grade production and packaging of potassium carbonate. Furthermore, it also confirms excellent conditions for storage and comprehensive documentation.

All the efforts involved in the audit paid off, confirms Alexander Weber, Head of Marketing at Evonik Functional Solutions: "We had already gained experience with the FSSC certification of BIKA (potassium hydrogen carbonate). This was useful to us in the audit for potassium carbonate."

Christiane Neels, Market Segment Manager at Evonik: "With this certification, we are strengthening trust in our manufacturing processes and supply chains. Evonik thus continues to consolidate its position as the preferred supplier of potassium carbonate to the global food industry."

Potassium carbonate, also known as potash, is used in many foodstuffs; for example in cocoa powder. It maintains the dark color and helps to make it less acidic. As a baking agent it makes gingerbread rise and as a desiccant, turns grapes into raisins.

Image caption: Potassium carbonate, also known as potash, is used in many foodstuffs; for example in cocoa powder.

Company information

Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The company is active in more than 100 countries around the world and generated sales of €13.1 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €2.15 billion in 2019. Evonik goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable and sustainable solutions for customers. More than 32,000 employees work together for a common purpose: We want to improve life today and tomorrow.

About Performance Materials

The Performance Materials Segment is managed by Evonik Performance Materials GmbH. The segment focuses its global activities on developing and manufacturing intermediates, solutions and additives, especially for use in agriculture and in the rubber and plastics industry. In 2019, the segment’s roughly 1,600 employees generated sales about €2.04 billion from continuing operations.

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.