Evonik divests betaines business as part of its sustainability transformation
This acquisition supports their goal of diversifying raw material sources and expanding in the growing Southeast Asian personal care sector.
INDONESIA – Evonik has completed the divestment of its betaines business in Bekasi, Indonesia, marking a significant step in its strategic transformation into a leading provider of sustainable specialty chemicals.
This transaction, finalized on October 31, 2025, involved the complete transfer of the PT Evonik Sumi Asih joint venture, including management, operations, assets, and approximately 60 employees, to the South Korean company Aekyung Chemical Co., Ltd.
Evonik’s decision to divest aligns with its strategic focus on shifting the portfolio of its Care Solutions business line toward sustainable specialty chemicals.
The Bekasi site, located about 20 kilometers east of Jakarta, has been a crucial manufacturing hub for betaines and esters, serving major markets across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Ute Schick, head of the Care Solutions business line, said, “Our site in Bekasi has played a key role in expanding our life sciences businesses across the Asia-Pacific region.”
“As our focus shifts toward sustainable specialties – such as our investments in biosurfactants, this divestment aligns with our strategic direction.”
Betaines are amphoteric surfactants commonly used in personal care products such as shampoos, conditioners, and skin care formulations, as well as various other consumer applications.
The company has invested heavily in biosurfactants and other high-growth areas, particularly cosmetic active ingredients that address the growing global demand for eco-friendly, high-performance personal care solutions.
Over the past 15 years, Evonik has emphasized bridging sustainability with product performance, tailored specifically for the personal care and cleaning markets.
This Indonesian betaines business sale follows previous divestments, including the U.S. betaines business in Hopewell, Virginia, in 2022, the UK betaines site in Milton Keynes in 2020, and the consolidation of its European betaine operations in Essen, Germany.
Despite these divestments, Evonik continues to maintain its betaines production businesses in Europe and Latin America.
For Aekyung Chemical, acquiring the Bekasi site provides an opportunity to strengthen its presence in the Asian surfactants market with a well-located manufacturing facility capable of producing around 25,000 tons annually.
The sale is a clear indication of Evonik’s intent to reallocate resources and accelerate investments in sustainable specialty chemicals, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and sustainability in the personal care industry while enabling Aekyung Chemical to bolster its competitive position in the Asian market.
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