German chemicals group Evonik has developed a membrane for electricity-based hydrogen production that could significantly reduce costs. Commercial manufacturing of the Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolysis system has begun at a pilot plant in Germany's Ruhr region. The technology uses fewer precious metals than traditional methods and allows hydrogen to be produced under pressure, eliminating additional compression steps. Specialist studies suggest the system could reduce investment costs by at least 25%. Green hydrogen currently costs two to four times more than grey hydrogen produced from natural gas. Evonik is targeting large-scale application in China, where it has established a technology centre in Shanghai to test the membranes under industrial conditions with local partners. The company expects strong demand growth for green hydrogen as industries transition to carbon neutrality.

Evonik shareholders approved a €1.25 billion convertible bond programme and conditional capital increase of up to 37 million shares at the company's annual general meeting on Tuesday. The measures provide capital for acquisitions as the German chemicals group accelerates its shift toward higher-margin specialty products. The board also proposed a €1.00 per share dividend, totalling roughly €466 million. Deutsche Bank Research maintained its 'Hold' rating with a €16 price target, noting that a sale of Evonik's C4 chemicals unit is expected soon. Evonik shares have climbed 26% year-to-date, trading near €16.85, though technical indicators suggest overbought conditions. The company will report second-quarter results in August.

Vary Tech, Evonik and SupeZET have launched a full-chain chemical recycling package at IFAT Munich 2026 that converts waste plastics into high-quality Plastic Pyrolysis Oil and circular naphtha. The technology targets low-value, mixed polyolefin waste that cannot be mechanically recycled. Vary Tech and SupeZET signed a strategic agreement to establish CARBON LOOP SYSTEMS in Singapore, focusing on chemical plastic recycling. The joint venture, alongside Evonik and JE Synergy, will build Asia's first closed-loop chemical recycling demonstration project for post-consumer plastics. The process combines Vary Tech's oxygen-free pyrolysis technology with Evonik's Rocket module and SupeZET's hydrogenation and fractionation systems. Vary Tech's single-unit capacity reaches 150 tonnes daily with over 8,000 annual operating hours, with more than 100 commercial pyrolysis lines delivered globally.