Evonik, LIKAT, and Ruhr University develop catalyst system to use CO2 as raw material for chemical production
The Breakdown
Evonik, in collaboration with the Leibniz Institute for Catalysis and Ruhr University Bochum, has unveiled a novel catalyst system that enables the direct utilization of CO2—paired with green hydrogen—as a primary feedstock for ester production and related specialty chemicals. This breakthrough bypasses fossil sources and toxic intermediates such as carbon monoxide, directly aligning chemical manufacturing with sustainability imperatives and reshaping long-standing production methods in polymers, fragrances, and industrial intermediates. The commercial and strategic implications for specialty chemicals and polymers value chains are significant as the sector moves toward decarbonization and circular models.
Analyst View
Market demand will increasingly be shaped by customers’ quest for lower-carbon alternatives—whether for compliance, reputation, or to meet their own scope 3 targets. This technology’s ability to provide “drop-in” sustainable esters directly meets these needs, positioning early adopters for premium market segments and favorable supply chain positioning. With the prevalence of sustainability-linked procurement and the commercial importance of demonstrable ESG progress, the window for differentiation is open but tightening.
Growth projections in segments such as acrylic glass, fragrances, and polymer precursors may accelerate as regulatory and consumer pressure mount. However, demand outlook is balanced by the scalability of this process, the availability and cost of green hydrogen, and the readiness of the application-specific value chains to absorb and specify sustainably-sourced inputs. The collaborative development model—academic research moving seamlessly into industrial practice—underscores how competitive advantage will increasingly be driven by ecosystem innovation rather than internal R&D alone.
Competitive pressure is set to intensify as incumbent and challenger producers target defossilization of critical input streams. As value chains realign, operational agility and digital traceability will be vital for identifying and capturing value in fast-evolving regulatory and certification environments.
Navigating the Signals
B2B leaders in specialty chemicals and polymers must critically assess the pace at which their own supply chains and customer industries are moving from fossil-based to CO2– and hydrogen-based inputs. Disruption will be determined not only by technical feasibility but by market receptivity and infrastructure readiness—for example, are distribution and channel partners prepared to market, deliver, and support sustainably-sourced esters at scale?
Strategic questions to surface include: Is the value proposition of sustainable esters compelling enough at anticipated cost premiums, and are key accounts ready to commit? How will regulatory shifts—especially those transforming CO2 from a waste product to a sanctioned raw material—affect approval cycles, certifications, and labeling? How might government incentives or standards accelerate (or complicate) time to market? Proactive scenario modeling and structured voice-of-customer feedback will be necessary to chart a forward path in this redefined landscape.
What’s Next?
Breakthrough Marketing Technology can partner with your teams to reduce uncertainty and accelerate strategic clarity:
- Map emerging value chain influences, including new entrants, distribution models, and regulatory drivers
- Quantify customer and channel readiness for sustainable esters, uncovering early adopter segments and pricing power triggers
- Benchmark competitive innovation pipelines to anticipate timing and scope of market shifts, rather than reacting after the fact
Our proven methodologies harness structured insight to inform investment, partnership, and market entry moves specific to this era of chemical defossilization. Early, data-driven action will separate leaders from laggards as the market’s sustainability clock advances.
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