Sustained economic stagnation and sharpening geopolitical uncertainties are forcing global chemical leaders to implement rigorous cost-cutting frameworks. Evonik’s Executive Board, alongside social partners, has agreed on a worldwide efficiency roadmap spanning all administrative and business units.
Between 2027 and the end of 2029, Evonik will eliminate 3,200 positions globally, with 2,150 of those cuts concentrated in Germany. The company aims to optimize corporate functions through increased digitalization, outsourcing, and potential offshoring models. This move follows the ongoing “Evonik Tailor Made” initiative, which is already cutting roughly 2,800 jobs through the end of 2026.
Structural Exit from the Unprofitable Polyester Segment
Operating under the Custom Solutions segment, Evonik will permanently shut down its global polyester business in 2027. Generating an annual turnover of roughly €150 million, the division has failed to register profitability for years.
The structural exit and production shutdowns will impact the following international assets:
Witten (Germany): The manufacturing site, employing 266 people, will close completely in 2027.
Marl (Germany): 45 positions will be eliminated from the operations.
Shanghai (China): 35 jobs will be cut at the regional production facility.
Corporate Leadership Confronts Market Stagnation
Evonik CEO Christian Kullmann:
The global political situation is uncertain, and economic growth remains weak. At the same time, international competition is becoming increasingly fierce. In this environment, we must become stronger. We hold our destiny in our own hands and intend to seize our opportunities.
Lauren Kjeldsen, Executive Board Member Responsible for Custom Solutions:
Ending the polyester business and shutting down production is a step for which there is no economic alternative. Global competitive pressure and structural disadvantages in Europe meant that none of the alternatives examined would have been economically viable for Evonik in the long term.
