Germany’s Green Chemistry Leap: Verbio’s Ethenolysis Plant in Bitterfeld Takes Shape

Verbio is leading Germany's green chemical revolution in Bitterfeld. On May 7, 2025, the company made a pivotal step toward transforming the nation's chemical backbone the construction of the world's first large-scale ethenolysis plant at its Bitterfeld site. With the initial distillation column standing in November 2024, the plant is well on its way to start producing renewable specialty chemicals in 2026.

Verbio's First Big Win in Bitterfeld

• November 22, 2024: Assembling the first distillation column a towering, two-part shell welded together on-site, marked a major structural milestone
• That column plays a critical role, separating rapeseed methyl ester (biodiesel) before it enters the metathesis process

By 2026, Bitterfeld will produce about 60,000 tons annually of renewable chemicals, mainly 32,000 tons of 9 DAME and 17,000 tons of 1 decene, alongside other chemicals for later development. These molecules are targeted for critical uses:

• Detergents
• Cleaning products
• High-performance engine oils
• Plastics, and others.

Why Ethenolysis Is a Game-Changer

The Nobel Prize–winning olefin metathesis technology powers the Bitterfeld factory. The feed is certified, sustainably cultivated rapeseed oil, which is first turned into biodiesel and then into specialty chemicals with the help of XiMo catalysts, created and produced by Verbio's subsidiary.

"After fifteen weeks of preparation and construction, the first milestone of the new Verbio plant has been achieved. With the so-called “wedding” of the distillation column, its shell construction was completed. Due to its size, the column was manufactured in two parts on site and assembled and welded with the final hub on November 22, 2024."- Dr. Andreas Kohl, Head of Specialty Chemicals & Catalysts at Verbio

This on-site construction shows quick progress, including foundations for buildings, steel frames, tank farms, and floor slabs already in progress.

Meeting Germany's Chemical Industry Climate Targets

Germany's chemical industry is under enormous pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decrease reliance on imported petroleum. Verbio's plant will assist:

• Substitute fossil feedstocks with renewable biomass molecules
• Offer an industrial-scale solution to chemical industry decarbonization targets
• Provide a GMO-free, bio-based alternative made in Germany

“Products and processes such as those from Verbio are particularly interesting, especially for the chemical industry, which usually has a large ecological footprint. With our innovative technologies, Verbio is helping to replace fossil raw materials in the chemical industry with renewable biomass molecules. With our renewable specialty chemicals, we are making a contribution to making it easier for chemical companies to achieve their climate goals. We are already seeing great demand in the chemical industry worldwide, and we are in discussion with several potential interested parties.” - Dr. Andreas Kohl

A Strategic Diversification Effort

Verbio is not resting on fuel-based products alone the Bitterfeld ethanolysis plant is at the heart of its wider strategy of green product growth.

• To manufacture methyl 9-decenoate (9-DAME) and 1-decene to penetrate the detergent, lubricant, and plastics markets
• Developing future lines into pharmaceuticals and cosmetics
• Investing consistently in R&D and renewable product diversification

"Our portfolio of green products manufactured from biomass from renewable sources is becoming ever broader. Investing in research and development is the right thing to do, and increasing product diversification will give us several footholds outside the transport sector. Accordingly, this is an important guarantee of Verbio’s growth and stability, as well as benefiting climate protection."- Claus Sauter, Verbio SE CEO

Career Opportunities for the Climate-Conscious Workforce

The ethenolysis project is also generating new on-site career opportunities. Verbio has begun actively hiring chemists, plant operators, and technical personnel for the Bitterfeld location. The new positions facilitate the plant ramp-up towards steady green chemical production.

Future Plans for Bitterfeld and Beyond

Germany will possess an industrial-scale renewable chemicals plant spearheaded by a Germany-headquartered feedstock and Nobel-recognised chemistry by 2026. From there, Verbio plans to:

• Scale production above 60,000 t/year
• Penetrate specialty chemicals for the pharma and cosmetics markets
• Use XiMo catalysts for future manufacturing and licensing
• Establish itself as a world exporter of green chemical solutions

Verbio is turning Bitterfeld into a hub of manufacturing sustainability. By compounding Germany-grown biomass with Nobel Prize–winning technology, the company is paving a path for the country’s decarbonised, chemical-independent future as one particle at a time.