DL-methionine demand rise prompts new plant

The plant complex, with a projected annual production capacity of 150,000 metric tonnes, is expected to come on stream in 2019. The Evonik committees have now approved the basic engineering.

Increased DL-methionine demand prompts decision

The decision is based on the continuing increase in the demand for sustainable animal nutrition. “We have supported the strong market growth of DL-methionine over the years by timely and needs-driven expansion of our production capacities, and we plan to continue doing this,” says Klaus Engel, Chairman of the Executive Board of Evonik.

The new complex will be erected next to Evonik’s existing methionine plant on Jurong Island, Singapore, which was commissioned in late 2014. Singapore was once again selected as the site because the company can service the Asian growth market particularly well from there. The specialty chemicals group is already producing DL-methionine at world-scale plants in Antwerp (Belgium), Wesseling/Cologne (Germany), Mobile (Alabama, USA), and Singapore.

DL-methionine: for eco-friendly nutrition

DL-methionine is an essential amino acid that must be supplied in feed. As a feed additive it contributes toward efficient, healthy, and eco-friendly nutrition of agricultural livestock, particularly poultry and pigs. Population growth and rising standards of living are leading in many regions of the world to an increase in meat consumption, which in turn increases demand for methionine. The addition of this and other amino acids to animal feeds allows the raw protein content to be significantly reduced. This reduces the burden on the environment by reducing resource consumption, the greenhouse effect, and the potential for eutrophication and acidification.

Evonik markets DL-methionine under the MetAMINO® brand name.