Evonik has commissioned a new plant for the biotechnological production of Biolys® in the Brazilian town of Castro in the state of Paraná. It will have annual production capacity of around 80,000 metric tons. Biolys® is a source of the amino acid L-lysine and is used as a feed additive in modern animal nutrition.

“With this investment we are strengthening our market position in feed-grade amino acids and are taking advantage of the opportunities to grow in the emerging markets of Latin America,” said Klaus Engel, chairman of the Executive Board of Evonik Industries AG, commenting on the start of operations.

“This new plant will meet the rising demand we have seen for Biolys® in Latin America, and particularly in Brazil, for a number of years,” explained Reiner Beste, chairman of the Board of Management of Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH. “By producing locally, we are moving closer to our customers in Brazil and can offer even greater security of supply.” This will be supported by the outstanding logistical connections of the Castro site and an extensive network of warehouses in the region.

Evonik produces Biolys® on site of the U.S.-based company Cargill, from which it procures site and logistics services as well as locally produced raw materials. Agricultural products from the region are used as the main raw material for the fermentation.

The new plant will create around 100 jobs.

Learn more about Evonik.