Evonik reported a 24% surge in Q2 EBITDA, while the global polymeric surfactants market is projected to reach $17.8 billion by 2035, according to a new report from ResearchAndMarkets.com. The market was valued at $10.5 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow at a 5.4% CAGR through 2035. Growth is driven by the transition towards water-based and low-VOC systems in coatings, paints, personal care, and industrial applications. Block copolymers held a 42.2% market share in 2025, making them the leading product category. Their dominance stems from precise molecular structure control and versatility across multiple applications including coatings, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and personal care. The personal care and cosmetics industry represents a key growth area, fuelled by consumer demand for premium products offering improved texture and stability. Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating polymeric surfactants into product development as regulatory requirements and sustainability objectives evolve.

Evonik is investing $100 million over five years to modernise its drug substance manufacturing facility in Lafayette, Indiana. The investment will upgrade equipment including 100 m³ reactors, enhance automation, and improve efficiency at the site. The German chemicals company aims to meet growing demand for US-based contract development and manufacturing organisation services. The Tippecanoe facility is Evonik's second-largest US site and one of the world's largest active pharmaceutical ingredient facilities. The site features 170 m³ of high-potency API capacity, 860 m³ of reactor capacity for general APIs, and 2,500 m³ for large-scale fermentation. Evonik acquired the facility from Eli Lilly in 2010. The modernisation supports production of increasingly complex molecules for cancer, metabolic, and cardiovascular disease treatments whilst reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Evonik Industries' principal shareholder, RAG-Stiftung, has issued €375 million in convertible debt maturing in December 2031. The note carries a 1.45% coupon and a conversion price of €19.46 per share, representing a 27% premium over the reference price at issuance. The transaction is part of RAG-Stiftung's long-term capital-raising framework, bringing its total outstanding convertible debt to approximately €1.4 billion. The low coupon reflects disciplined interest expense management in the specialty-chemicals sector. If converted, the debt would retire and dilute the foundation's equity stake by less than 1%. The proceeds will support research and development spending and provide a buffer against commodity price volatility. The German specialty-chemicals company faces competition from BASF, Lanxess and Solvay in high-performance polymers and advanced additives.