Evonik acquires Novachem, Argentina-based maker of sustainable cosmetic active ingredients, expanding its personal care portfolio offerings; deal aligns with Evonik’s transformation into a leading actives provider and sustainable specialties partner

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July 3, 2023 (press release) –

Jana Flommersfeld
Head of Market Communications
Care Solutions
Dr. Jürgen Krauter
Head of Market Communications
  • Strengthens System Solutions portfolio for personal care market in Americas and globally
  • A next step in the transformation of Care Solutions into a leading actives provider
  • Reinforces path to become the preferred sustainable specialties partner

Evonik has acquired Novachem, an Argentinian sustainable cosmetic actives innovator. Novachem offers a strong, innovative portfolio of biotechnological, natural and sustainable cosmetic active ingredients with scientifically proven claims that will boost Evonik’s portfolio of System Solutions. The company is based in Buenos Aires in Argentina and has 20 employees. Signing and closing took place on 30 June 2023, subject to official approval by the authorities.

Novachem will be integrated into Evonik’s Care Solutions business line within the life sciences division Nutrition & Care. By leveraging Novachem’s innovation strategy, accessibility to biodiversity and strong skin and hair care portfolio, Evonik will boost its Systems Solutions portfolio and take a further step in the transformation of the Care Solutions business towards becoming a leading actives provider.

“We are excited to welcome Novachem to our Evonik family. By leveraging our complementary knowhow and access to markets in the Americas and worldwide, we will be a step closer to achieving our goal of becoming the preferred sustainable specialties partner,” said Yann d'Hervé, head of Evonik's Care Solutions business line.

Guided by a vision that puts sustainability, innovation and collaboration at its core, Nutrition & Care aims to increase its share of System Solutions from 20 percent today to more than 50 percent by 2030. System Solutions are multi-component offerings across products, technologies and services that are tailored to a unique customer need and often have proven sustainability benefits.

“Latin America is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. The acquisition of Novachem will enable us to bring even more innovative and sustainable solutions to our customers in the personal care market,” said Hendrik Schönfelder, regional president Central & South America Region at Evonik.

Novachem develops biotechnological, natural, and sustainable active ingredients for skin and hair care applications. Since its inception in 2007, the company has applied science and technology to create innovative eco-certified actives from live microorganisms that meet the trends of the cosmetics market.

The acquisition of Novachem is the next logical step for the Care Solutions business line as it transforms into the preferred sustainable specialties partner for the personal care industry. Recent acquisitions include the sustainable botanicals pioneer Botanica (2021), the cosmetic delivery company Infinitec Activos (2021), the biotech company innoHealth (2020), Wilshire Technologies (2020) and ALKION Biopharma (2016). By leveraging the synergies between these strong and complementary technology platforms, Evonik is enhancing its entire product portfolio, opening new markets, accelerating growth and creating significant value.

Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The company is active in more than 100 countries around the world and generated sales of €18.5 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €2.49 billion in 2022. Evonik goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable, and sustainable solutions for customers. About 34,000 employees work together for a common purpose: We want to improve life today and tomorrow.

The focus of the business of the Nutrition & Care division is on health and quality of life. It develops differentiated solutions for active pharmaceutical ingredients, medical devices, nutrition for humans and animals, personal care, cosmetics, and household cleaning. In these resilient end markets, the division generated sales of €4.24 billion in 2022 with about 5,700 employees.  

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.

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