The story of the Solvay group began on 15 April 1861, when Ernest Solvay patented a revolutionary ammonia-soda process for producing sodium carbonate. - also known as soda ash - using common salt, ammonia, carbon dioxide (CO2) and lime.
Ernest Solvay, born in 1838, was a man with a passionate interest in science, research and innovation and a defender of progressive social ideals.
Together with his brother Alfred, he founded the company Solvay & Cie on December 24, 1863 to implement the new process for the industrial production of sodium carbonate.
The first Solvay soda factory started operating in Couillet, Belgium in 1865. It used salt from rock salt mines; the lime and CO2 were produced by the calcination of limestone in limekilns. The ammonia was recovered from the production process for re-use.
Solvay has grown to become a global Group active in Chemistry, with two Sectors of activity today:
Solvay decided in 2009 to refocus its activities in order to accelerate the implementation of its sustainable and profitable growth strategy - which ld to the sale of its entire pharmaceutical business.
Products evolution
Ernest Solvay
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