Evonik is taking another step in its sustainability transformation with the sale of its betaines business in Bekasi, Indonesia. The deal with Aekyung Chemical Co., Ltd., a leading South Korean chemical company, was finalized on Oct. 31, 2025, by Evonik and its joint venture partner, PT Sumi Asih.
The transaction includes 100%of the PT Evonik Sumi Asih joint venture, transferring management, operations, assets and approximately 60 employees to the new owner. According to Evonik, betaines are used in personal care products like shampoos, hair conditioners and skin care formulations — and the Bekasi site, located about 20 km east of Jakarta, is well-positioned to serve major markets in Southeast Asia.
Shift Toward Sustainable Specialties
"Our Bekasi site has been instrumental in growing our life sciences businesses throughout the Asia-Pacific region," commented Ute Schick, head of the care solutions business line. "As our focus shifts toward sustainable specialties, such as our investments in biosurfactants, this divestment aligns with our strategic direction."
According to the company, this move is part of Evonik's long-term strategy to enhance its portfolio with tailored, eco-friendly solutions for the personal care and cleaning industries. By adjusting the Care Solutions portfolio, Evonik creates more opportunities to invest in high-growth areas like cosmetic active ingredients and other sustainable specialties.
Strategic Realignments
The sale of the Bekasi site is the latest in a series of strategic adjustments to Evonik's global betaine operations. It follows the divestment of its betaines business in Hopewell, Virginia (USA) in August 2022 and its site in Milton Keynes (UK) in August 2020. Evonik will continue to operate its betaines businesses in Europe and Latin America.
