Solvay's idea of sustainable chemistry is to combine a modern and innovative chemistry with a reduced environmental footprint.
A few highlights:
Waste recovery
At Green River - US, the production of sodium bicarbonate (125,000 tons/year) from solid waste enables production of SOLVAIR® Select 300, specifically designed for the treatment of flue gases.
Energy storage efficiency
A new range of SOLEF® polymers designed for lithium-ion batteries significantly increases the energy density (by 30 to 40%) of the batteries as well as their life span.
Electric cars
Within Rhodia, solutions for electric cars are also an integral part of the Group’s sustainable portfolio. Another major driver is Rhodia’s silica line of products that are used in low energy tires, automotive catalysis and low-energy lighting.
Renewable energy
The construction of an installation of hydrofluoric acid, designed for the electronics industry, and in particular for the production of photovoltaic panels.
Lithium-ion batteries
The new SOLEF® generation for lithium-ion batteries increases their energy density and life span. Solvay’s F1EC electrolyte additive extends the life cycle and increases the safety and capacity of lithium-ion batteries.
Photovoltaic and semiconductor industries
The development by Solvay with Air Liquide of on-site fluorine gas production units that greatly reduce the use of greenhouse gases in the photovoltaic and semiconductor industries.
Neutralizing acid fumes
Thanks to the sodium-bicarbonate Neutrec® Solvay technology, 350,000 less tons per year of CO2 are released.
Recovering rare earth materials
Recycling units for rare earth materials are already operational in two plants in France, Saint-Fons (Rhône-Alpes) and La Rochelle (Charente Maritime). They recycle the six different rare earths – lanthanum, cerium, terbium, yttrium, europium and gadolinium – contained in the fluorescent powders while preserving all their functional properties. After recycling and reformulation, the rare earths are returned to the low-energy light bulbs producers and reused in the new bulbs.
More Solvay solutions in sustainable chemistry and energy efficiency
