In many ways Solvay products help conserve and protect food before it reaches the consumer, and a variety of Solvay ingredients are used in food for dietary reasons, emulsification or for flavour enhancement.

Foods often travel long distances to reach their markets, they have to be stored and often processed. In this chain of activities Solvay products play two distinct roles. Firstly in the periods that materials are refrigerated during transport, storage and, finally, in the market display cabinet. Secondly in the protection and disinfection of processing premises and packaging materials.

Refrigeration
Solvay fluor refrigerant gases play an important role in the food chain, from production to market, by keeping food chilled and cooled. These products serve a dual role in refrigeration – they perform as refrigerant fluids in the cooling circuit, and as insulants they enhance the insulating power of the foam-filled cabinets.

Disinfection
The food and beverage processing industries rely on Solvay products to ensure microbiological control during processing and filling. For example, dairies and breweries depend on automatic in situ cleaning equipment that uses Solvay peracetic acid disinfectants, whilst high purity hydrogen peroxide is used for aseptic sterilisation of lightweight paperboard and plastic packaging prior to filling. Peracetic acid disinfection of horticultural storages areas and surfaces reduces food loss due to fungi, viruses and algae.

Food and Feed additives
Solvay provides a range of additives to food and beverage manufacturers that allows easier preparation of food but also gives improvements in flavour, colour and quality. Some additives give a better dietary balance, whilst others preserve and maintain the firmness of food in packaged goods. For example, calcium chloride and sodium bicarbonate are the raising powder for doughs and, in beverages, guarantee a constant liquid standard for the brewer.

Agriculture
Solvay organic products are used in agrochemical industry.