In response to increasing demand for products along the polyamide chain, Evonik (Essen / Germany; www.evonik.com) plans what it terms a “significant” expansion of capacity for laurolactam at its Marl / Germany plant. The additional output – no capacity figures have been disclosed – is expected to be on stream in the fourth quarter of this year. Laurolactam is the starting material for polyamide 12, which Evonik also produces at Marl.

“We’re recording persistently high demand for our polyamide business,” said Joachim Leluschko, head of the High Performance Polymers business line. He said the move will see the chemical group consolidate its “globally leading position” for PA 12, which it markets as engineering polymer under the “Vestamid” trade name and as a powder under the name “Vestosint.” The Evonik business line supplies all key markets, with a global sales network and sales service centres in Europe, the Americas and Asia.