Evonik to cut 3,200 jobs worldwide by 2029

German chemicals group Evonik Industries announced a new restructuring program that will eliminate a total of 3,200 positions globally between 2027 and the end of 2029. About 2,150 of the cuts will affect jobs in its core market of Germany, while the remainder will be spread across its international operations.

The move expands an existing efficiency programme that had already slated the loss of roughly 2,800 posts by the close of 2026. Evonik said the additional reductions are needed to respond to an uncertain global political environment, persistently weak economic growth and intensifying international competition. The company will also discontinue its polyester business, which generated around €150 million in annual revenue, and is planning closures and staff reductions at sites such as Witten, Marl and a production unit in Shanghai.

Chief Executive Christian Kullmann said the actions are aimed at strengthening the group’s cost structure, accelerating digitalisation and improving competitiveness across the entire value chain.