Evonik reported that it made a solid start to the new year. Sales in the first quarter rose 1% to €3.29 billion compared to the prior-year quarter. Adjusted EBITDA declined 3% to €539 million.   “In a weakening global economy, we were able to hold our ground in terms of sales and earnings,” said Christian Kullmann, chairman of the executive board. “With free cash flow, we were even able to post a significant gain. Our portfolio is now more robust in the face of macroeconomic trends than it was i...