Evonik Unveils Sustainable Material Solutions for the Sports Industry.

Synthetic polyamide is commonly used in the production of textiles, sportswear, carpets, kitchen utensils, and the automotive industry due to its characteristics like high durability and strength. VESTAMID® Terra provides exceptional material properties as well as environmental benefits, which has made Evonik’s bio-based polyamide a preferred material for VAUDE’s sports equipment. VAUDE, a family-owned company belonging to southern Germany, decided to develop the buckles of its new collection of bags and backpacks using the bio-based synthetic material by Evonik.

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Evonik serves as one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The company is operational in over 100 countries around the globe. In 2018, the enterprise generated sales of €13.3 billion along with the operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €2.15 billion from its continuing operations.

The excellent impact resistance provided by VESTAMID® Terra (PA 610) in cold temperatures makes the material ideal for producing all-weather buckles and other durable elements in equipment required for demanding activities like mountaineering or other leisure activities. The low water absorption tendency of the product will help the buckles become less brittle when used in the sports equipment of VAUDE, further reducing the risk of tearing. All these characteristics play a vital role in improving product safety. Moreover, VESTAMID® Terra has low density, which ensures the production of lighter sports equipment with a natural feel, thus providing customer satisfaction.

VAUDE has decided to expand the successful use of VESTAMID® Terra to company’s other ranges of products in the future. The unique, innovative high-performance fibres produced by Evonik can be processed in all textile applications, creating a new era for sustainable products’ generation. Textile fibres, which are made from Evonik’s bio-polyamides, are lightweight, stretchable, and breathable. The fabrics have low moisture absorption and dry quickly.

VESTAMID® Terra is composed of up to 100% seeds of the castor bean plant. Since castor bean plants happen to survive prolonged drought, they are usually cultivated in regions that are arid and have no other agricultural use. Because of this, the sustainability concept of the high-performance polymer produced by the company goes beyond environmental benefit as it not only reduces the harmful impact of polymers on the environment but also involves a process that does not have a negative impact on the human food chain.

The products manufactured by Evonik reflect the company’s commitment towards people and nature. The innovative techniques and enhanced solutions deployed by the company is helping it to meet the increased demand for sustainable products without compromising on its quality. The bio-based plastics of Evonik have opened up new opportunities for other companies to manufacture their products using sustainable materials, further promoting a circular economy.