Solvay is continuously striving for excellence. Even if we’ve perfected a breakthrough process, it doesn’t mean we stop improving. We keep looking for new ways to invent, improve, and reinvent, so we can deliver more sustainable, competitive products.
In 1863, Ernest Solvay, our founder, invented a radically new process to produce soda ash. This new technology worked so well that, by 1900, it produced 95% of the world’s soda ash.
Process technology creates core value for Solvay. That is why process innovation is crucial to our future performance.
We pioneer process innovation by combining our deep understanding of customers’ needs with our strong technology expertise. By reinventing our manufacturing processes, we make them more sustainable and help customers reduce their environmental footprint while staying competitive. Process innovation is what sets us apart and enables more sustainable industries.
This is how we live our purpose, making progress possible for generations as an Essential Chemistry company.
2025 key figures
New circular silica for tires
Solvay derives its bio-circular silica process from rice husk ash. This will help tire makers meet sustainability goals. It can reduce the sector’s carbon footprint while boosting the use of renewable materials.
This method lowers CO2 emissions by 35% per metric ton of precipitated silica produced. It uses a less energy-intensive method and maintains performance.
e.Solvay breakthrough technology
Our e.Solvay process represents the next era for the industry. Through this innovative approach, we aim to cut CO2 emissions by 50% in soda ash production.
It will also reduce energy, water and salt consumption by 20% and limestone usage by 30%. In addition, it will markedly decrease limestone residues. The piloting phase of this technology has now moved into a new stage at our Soda Ash R&I facilities.
Essential to the everyday
Solvay’s products are quietly powerful. Invisible yet vital, they’re at the heart of everyday life. They use chemistry to meet the world’s most urgent needs in new and more sustainable ways.
They support businesses and individuals through applications ranging from mobility and energy to healthcare, electronics, and consumer goods. Our solutions help preserve food, purify air and water, support the digital revolution, and make mobility and energy cleaner.
We’re improving processes for chemicals like soda ash, peroxides, and silica, essential to batteries, energy, tires, and electronics.
Our products support sustainability, strengthen long-term business success, and, above all, advance our planet and its people.
Making greater impact
Guided by our For Generations roadmap, we are working toward carbon neutrality by 2050. We aim to reduce our impact on the planet, protect biodiversity, and save resources. Social welfare and caring for our people and communities remain our priority.
We are investing in both process innovation and energy transition to minimize our carbon footprint. Since our founding, we have advanced the market, and we will keep doing so. We harness the strength of chemistry to help create a more sustainable future.
Sustainability
To learn more about our care for people and the planet, explore our Sustainability pillars.
