Solvay Investing in Bio-based Silica in Italy, Plans North American Expansion

By Pierre Bertrand

Solvay SA on Tuesday said that it is investing in its plant in Livorno, Italy to launch its first production unit of plant-derived silica, and has plans to expand the process in North America.

Involving the use of sodium silicate derived from rice husk ash, a byproduct of agriculture rather than from sand, circular highly dispersible silica enables tire manufacturers to reduce their carbon footprint and increase their use of sustainable raw materials, Solvay said.

It will help Solvay reduce by 50% its carbon-dioxide emissions per metric ton of silica in Livorno when combined with renewable energy, the company said.

Production of the bio-silica in Livorno is expected to start by the end of 2024, the Belgian chemicals company said without specifying financial details.

It is working with Continental AG in bringing circular highly dispersible silica to market, the company said.

Solvay plans to build a new plant in the U.S. over the coming years to expand its circular highly dispersible silica capacity, and is looking into applying the manufacturing process at existing plants in Asia and South America, it said.

Write to Pierre Bertrand at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 17, 2023 07:03 ET (12:03 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2023 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.