Evonik strengthens European methionine supply with new methanol pipeline

GERMANY – Evonik has strengthened its European methionine production network by commissioning a new methanol pipeline linking Lülsdorf and Wesseling, a move designed to secure long-term raw material supply, reduce carbon emissions and support future adoption of green methanol for livestock nutrition production.

The new pipeline, which became operational in June 2026, was developed in partnership with Lülsdorf Functional Solutions, Röhm GmbH and pipeline infrastructure specialist SYNEQT Pipelines. 

The project forms part of Evonik’s long-term raw material strategy for its Animal Nutrition business, and leverages shared regional storage and logistics infrastructure to improve supply reliability.

Methanol imported through Lülsdorf will now be transported directly to Evonik’s Wesseling facility via the dedicated pipeline, ensuring a more competitive and dependable supply for both Evonik and Röhm.

The company said the new infrastructure also significantly lowers the environmental footprint of its operations.

“This joint solution helps us in three ways. It secures the long-term methanol supply for our Wesseling site, it reduces Scope 3 emissions, and it opens the opportunity to buy green methanol in the future,” said Norbert Steier, head of Production and Technology for Evonik’s Animal Nutrition business line.

Evonik invested a high-single-digit-million-euro amount in the project.

The company noted that it will now use natural gas-based methanol, which has a carbon footprint around 70% lower than the crude oil-based methanol previously used at the site.

Methanol is a critical raw material in the production of methylmercaptopropionaldehyde (MMP), an intermediate manufactured at Wesseling. 

MMP is then supplied to Evonik’s Antwerp production facility in Belgium, where it is converted into MetAMINO®, the company’s DL-methionine feed additive used in livestock nutrition.

Methionine is an essential amino acid widely used in poultry, swine and aquaculture diets to improve feed efficiency, animal growth and protein utilisation while reducing nitrogen emissions from livestock production.

The investment strengthens Evonik’s strategy of securing reliable raw material supplies across its three global methionine production hubs, helping ensure uninterrupted supply for animal feed customers worldwide.

The latest infrastructure investment follows Evonik’s continued expansion of its livestock nutrition portfolio through scientific innovation.

Ecobiol® PRO targets gut health and antibiotic reduction in poultry

Earlier this year, the company introduced Ecobiol® PRO, a next-generation probiotic designed to improve gut health, nutrient utilisation and overall performance in poultry production. 

The product reflects Evonik’s broader strategy of combining feed additives with advanced nutritional solutions that help producers improve efficiency while supporting more sustainable animal agriculture.

Together, the pipeline project and recent product innovations reinforce Evonik’s focus on strengthening both the resilience and sustainability of its animal nutrition business.

The company said its science-based approach continues to support healthier and more efficient livestock production while helping meet growing global demand for affordable, high-quality animal protein through secure supply chains and lower-carbon manufacturing.

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