Precious metal powder catalysts are used in the pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals and industrial chemicals industries for such purposes as selective and cost-effective chemical synthesis of pharmaceutical or agricultural active ingredients.
Evonik said that after the completion of the agreement all know-how, technology, and business relationships with catalyst customers will pass from Ravindra Heraeus to Evonik, while the production equipment will remain with the Indian company.
Both entities have also signed long-term agreements concerning precious metal recycling and contract manufacturing. Based on these agreements, Ravindra Heraeus is expected to continue to produce precious metal catalysts for the Indian market and recycle used catalysts at its site in Udaipur on behalf of Evonik.
The catalysts for Evonik’s existing Indian customers are currently imported from Germany. In the future, the products will also be manufactured by Ravindra Heraeus in India.
Wilfried Eul, head of catalysts business line at Evonik, said: “With Heraeus as a capable partner, we can now supply our high-quality precious metal powder catalysts to customers in India from local production and offer them the complete package of services for precious metal management.
“For the customer, this means a short processing time and integration into the local precious metal loop to avoid import duties and lengthy importation processes. This will allow us to step up our participation in India’s above-average growth in pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals.”