In 2022, Evonik announced plans to build a methyl mercaptan production facility in Mobile, Alabama, as part of its Methionine Asset Strategy to supply DL-methionine at a global level. This backwards integration was a key component of the company’s objectives to strengthen the supply chain and add momentum to the organisation’s sustainability strategy.
More than two years since the news, Feedinfo caught up with Evonik’s Dirk Hoehler, Senior Vice President and Head of Essential Nutrition, Product Line and Paulo Teixeira, Regional Vice President and Head of the Americas Region, Animal Nutrition, to discuss the progress of the production facility. They also explored the business’ methionine strategy, the current state and market potential of rumen-protected methionine and how these developments align with Evonik’s broader goals for growth and sustainability.
[Feedinfo] Evonik first announced plans to construct a production plant for methyl mercaptan in Mobile, Alabama, early 2022. Could you please inform us about the progress of the project?
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[Paulo Teixeira] Backward integration into methyl mercaptan production ensures that all key intermediates for methionine manufacturing are available on-site, a critical element of Evonik’s DL-methionine (MetAMINO®) strategy. With successful integration already achieved at our Singapore and Antwerp hubs, the ongoing progress at our Mobile site in Alabama marks another significant step in strengthening global supply chain resilience while also reducing MetAMINO®’s carbon footprint. |
Paulo Teixeira, Regional Vice President and Head of the Americas Region, Animal Nutrition, Evonik |
Despite the strides we’ve taken, large-scale projects in the U.S. still face challenges, such as extended manufacturing and delivery times. However, we’re happy to share that despite these challenges, progress is being made; construction is proceeding well, and the project is issued for commissioning in Q2 of 2025.
[Feedinfo] What strategic role will the new methyl mercaptan plant play in Evonik’s global production setup for methionine?
[Paulo Teixeira] The backward integration into methyl mercaptan production in the US will mean we can produce all necessary intermediates for DL-methionine production ourselves, rather than source from third parties – making Evonik independent of external supply chains. It also allows for flexibility for further plant optimisation to increase future methionine capacity.
This backward integration will contribute to a reliable and cost-efficient supply of MetAMINO® to the North and South American markets, supporting our overarching goal to strengthen supply chain resilience on a global scale.
The investment is also a building block of Evonik’s sustainability strategy: it will reduce the carbon footprint of DL-methionine from Mobile by seven percent. This translates into more than 25,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalents saved each year.
[Feedinfo] Evonik resumed production of Mepron in Mobile after a period of weaker demand during the pandemic. What are your views on the state of the rumen-protected methionine market in the U.S. and worldwide?
[Paulo Teixeira] The patented rumen-protected methionine, Mepron®, has primarily been developed for dairy cows, although beef, goats, and sheep also benefit from increased production efficiency. Today, the market for rumen-protected methionine is experiencing significant growth, both in the US and worldwide – largely due to the rising demand to improve animal performance and welfare, optimise costs and reduce nitrogen emissions from the dairy and beef industries. We anticipate global demand for rumen-protected amino acids continuing to grow over the next few years.
At our production site in Mobile, Alabama, we primarily produce Mepron® for the U.S. market, but it is also exported to other parts of the world. Together with our European production site, we are able to offer steady supply to our customers across global markets – with room for expansion in the coming years.
[Feedinfo] Can you tell us more about Evonik's methionine strategy?
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[Dirk Hoehler] Our Methionine Asset Strategy positions our three world-class production sites to supply DL-methionine on a global scale. In Antwerp, Belgium, we can reliably reach our European, Middle East, and African customers, for Asia we have our Singapore production plants, and the Alabama site is well positioned for the North and South American markets. As well as continuous ‘debottlenecking’, we’re significantly reducing our carbon footprint and laying the groundwork for even greater reductions in the future. |
Dirk Hoehler, Senior Vice President and Head of Essential Nutrition, Product Line, Evonik |
As part of the strategy, we recently completed an expansion of our MetAMINO® production facilities on Jurong Island in Singapore, increasing capacity to 340,000 metric tons per year. The site is now the largest of its kind in our network. It has attracted significant praise from the local market and has strengthened Evonik’s ties with the region’s stakeholders.
These three sites bring our global production capacity to a substantial 705,000 metric tons per year, ensuring supply security and cost efficiency for our customers, while reinforcing Evonik’s position as a leading DL-methionine supplier to the global animal feed industry.
[Feedinfo] Do you see methionine still as a growth business and what is its role in long term?
[Dirk Hoehler] Absolutely, methionine remains a growth business with a crucial role in animal production over the long term. Meat consumption is still rising in many parts of the world, and producers of animal protein face increasing pressure to meet several key objectives: producing cost-effectively, being environmentally responsible, and ensuring animal welfare. Consequently, we expect the methionine market, including rumen-protected products, to expand in the coming years.
Essential amino acids, including methionine, play a significant part in improving production efficiency. By optimising feed composition, this essential amino acid enables livestock producers to boost animal growth and deliver higher yields — translating into better business.
[Feedinfo] How important are sustainability aspects in your methionine business?
[Paulo Teixeira] Sustainability is fundamental to every business decision we make, especially regarding our investments. Given that meat production is recognised as a significant contributor to climate change, there is an urgent need to reduce its environmental impact. In this context, we are committed to developing innovative solutions, such as our low protein concept for animal feeds. Our high-quality essential amino acids and related services are designed to support this initiative.
DL-methionine, as the first limiting amino acid in poultry and typically the third limiting amino acid in swine, is crucial for formulating low protein diets for farm animals. We have conducted life cycle assessments for low protein diets in broilers, laying hens, and swine, demonstrating a substantial reduction in nitrogen emissions. Our approach not only enhances animal nutrition but also contributes to a more sustainable future for the livestock industry.
[Feedinfo] Early in 2023, Evonik announced the decision to run its animal nutrition business with two different operational models: one for its amino acid portfolio, one for its specialties. What has changed for Evonik’s methionine strategy as a result?
[Dirk Hoehler] The decision to adopt two operational models was driven by an increased focus on efficiency, cost-leadership, and further improving customer experience. The amino acid operating model is a go-to-market approach, characterised by a lean sales organisation with strong digital competence and processes to benefit our customers. The move to operate separately increased our focus on optimising the production setup for the manufacture of MetAMINO®, which will contribute to an annual cost saving of €200 million by 2025.
This required a reorganisation of our team and the integration of new skills and processes. Additionally, we are prioritising investments aimed at optimising our methionine production setup.
Our specialty nutrition business, which includes functional feed additives like probiotics and organic acids, targets system solutions for both poultry and swine, as well as ruminants. This segment now also encompasses analytical services for amino acids, such as AMINONIR®. We aim to drive stronger growth through innovation and strategic partnerships.
These actions not only contribute to our competitiveness in the short term but also reinforce our leading position in animal health and nutrition solutions for the long term.
[Feedinfo] Where are you in terms of implementation and what are the next milestones?
[Dirk Hoehler] We have made significant progress in our implementation efforts, particularly with organisational changes, such as restructuring our sales organisation. Additionally, we have increased our focus on collaboration and partnership, as previously mentioned.
These transformations are already yielding positive effects. Our current program is set to run until 2026, and we’re optimistic about the outcomes.
Looking ahead, we are excited to celebrate a notable milestone later this month — 50 years of methionine production in Antwerp. This anniversary underscores our long-standing commitment to excellence in this field and sets the stage for continued growth and innovation.
