Evonik’s Resource Efficiency Segment has unveiled its new Friction and Motion Competence Centre in Darmstadt, Germany.
The Centre acts as a technology platform focusing on development of mid- and long-range innovations for the lubricant market.
“About 15% to 20% of the energy consumed each year is used just to overcome friction,” said Evonik Resource Efficiency managing director, Johannes Ohmer.
So there’s a great need for products that can reduce that energy loss.”
This, combined with the trend towards car-sharing, e-mobility and autonomous vehicles, as well as other emerging technologies, such as robotics and drone transportation, require new solutions for reducing friction losses.
“That’s a challenge we are ready to accept,” said Evonik Friction and Motion Competence Centre director, Günter Schmitt.

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataEvonik envisions significant additional revenues in the intermediate and long term will be derived from the synergy of combining various product and technology competencies within its Resource Efficiency Segment.
“There are many areas within Evonik that can be tapped to generate a stream of lubricant innovations,” said Evonik Oil Additives Business Line SVP and managing director, Ralf Düssel.
“That’s why we established the Friction and Motion Competence Centre and that’s why we have built these dedicated laboratories.”
Rather than limiting their focus exclusively to the potential of lubricant additives, scientists at the Friction and Motion Competence Centre will also examine fluid systems, surface designs and high performance polymers.