Evonik introduces recyclable paper bags for MetAMINO®, cutting plastic use and CO2 emissions while maintaining product quality and regulatory compliance.
Evonik, a global specialty chemicals company, has unveiled a more sustainable packaging solution for its MetAMINO® (DL-methionine) product by introducing a new 25-kilogram paper bag that eliminates the traditional plastic film layer. This environmentally conscious move supports both customer convenience and regulatory compliance, particularly aligning with the European Union’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which focuses on promoting recyclability and reducing waste.
The redesigned packaging is composed entirely of two layers of paper, making it fully recyclable under the PAP 22 classification according to EU recycling standards. This change simplifies disposal for customers, as the bag can now be treated as standard paper waste. Importantly, the shift also brings significant environmental benefits. At Evonik's production site in Antwerp alone, the updated packaging will result in an annual reduction of approximately 32 metric tons of polyethylene (PE) use. In terms of carbon impact, the new bags will cut the packaging’s CO2 footprint by an estimated 20 percent.
Despite the change in packaging materials, Evonik has rigorously tested the new paper bags to ensure that they continue to meet the highest standards of product protection and durability. Results from extensive testing confirm that the integrity and 36-month shelf life of MetAMINO® are unaffected by the new format.
Dr. Dirk Hoehler, who leads the amino acid business at Evonik Animal Nutrition, emphasized the broader corporate commitment to sustainability. “Product packaging is a key element in our strategy to lower CO2 emissions and promote a circular economy. It must safeguard the product, but also do so with the least environmental impact possible,” he stated.
The initiative to reduce plastic usage in MetAMINO® packaging has been in development for several years, driven by Evonik’s packaging experts in the Animal Nutrition division. These efforts are part of a larger strategy aimed at minimizing plastic in all feed ingredient packaging without compromising quality or product safety.
The implementation of the new paper bags has already begun at Evonik’s Antwerp facility. Plans are also underway to roll out the eco-friendly packaging solution at the company’s other major production sites in Singapore and Mobile, USA, thereby extending the environmental and regulatory benefits across its global operations.
Evonik’s move reflects a broader industry trend toward sustainable packaging and demonstrates a practical, scalable approach to balancing product integrity with environmental responsibility.
Evonik pushes the frontiers of chemistry by combining innovative power with advanced technological expertise. Headquartered in Essen, Germany, the global specialty chemicals company operates in over 100 countries. In 2024, it reported sales of €15.2 billion and an adjusted EBITDA of €2.1 billion. Driven by a shared commitment, Evonik’s approximately 32,000 employees work to deliver customized products and solutions that give customers a significant competitive edge—acting as a powerful force for industry and contributing to better quality of life worldwide.
