Evonik contributes its expertise in high-performance additives and its strong focus on sustainability and circularity, while Schneider Electric provides advanced solutions in process automation and digitalization. Together, the companies plan to drive innovation and transformation within the recycling and thermoplastic processing sectors.
Jessica Bethune, Vice President of Industrial Automation DACH at Schneider Electric, said: “Digitalization is essential for advancing circularity. Our collaboration with Evonik demonstrates how automation can enhance recycling efficiency and quality, showcasing the power of teamwork in building a sustainable future.”
Patrick Glöckner, Head of the Next Markets Program at Evonik, added: “Our partnership with Schneider Electric highlights how digitalization and chemistry enable circularity in plastics. Combining Schneider Electric’s process automation with our innovative additives takes thermoplastic processing to the next level, aligning it with the principles of a circular economy.”
The first phase of the partnership focuses on the digital transformation of an existing pilot plant at Evonik’s Goldschmidt facility. The plant will adopt an open automation approach, integrating data from various machines into a centralized platform. This system will allow for real-time monitoring and contextual analysis of performance metrics, enabling process optimization, reduction of manual work, and simplification of data handling.
Through this digital framework, the companies aim to use data-driven insights to enhance productivity and product quality. By analyzing and standardizing performance data, the collaboration intends to improve decision-making processes and promote continuous operational improvements.
In the long term, Schneider Electric and Evonik plan to extend their partnership beyond the initial pilot plant. Their objectives include applying laboratory experience to industrial-scale operations, accelerating time to market for new additive developments, improving scalability from pilot facilities to commercial production, and enhancing the overall positioning of their solutions with quantifiable results.
The cooperation extends beyond mechanical recycling to cover the broader field of plastic processing, emphasizing sustainable production and reuse. The initiative demonstrates how combining digital technologies with chemical expertise can significantly advance the recycling industry, aligning operational efficiency with environmental goals.
This collaboration marks a key milestone for both Schneider Electric and Evonik as they continue to promote innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in the global plastics sector through automation and digitalization.
