A vast range of Solvay's products is used in hundreds of different markets and applications. The description of the following three industry sectors gives only a brief sketch of the efficient and environmentally sensitive role that Solvay`s chemicals can play in the processing of these products.

Metallurgy
Solvay's products are instrumental in the efficient processing of many metals, from extraction to processing, finishing and post use recycling. A number of different chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide, are used to separate the metal from its ore; to purify the metal; to reduce discharges and smelting temperatures by hundreds of degrees; and to increase reaction speeds. Fluor products are used for surface finishing and galvanising, and other products for degreasing, drying and precision cleaning.

Tanning and textiles
Solvay's sodium bicarbonate is used to neutralise the acids resulting from the treatment of skins. Hydrogen peroxide bleaches, removes hairs and allows the protein extracted to be recovered for use in animal feed. It is also used in the treatment of all textile fibres, giving them a stable and dazzling whiteness, whilst preserving the fibres and creating no effluent problems.

Paints, coatings and inks
Solvay's addition of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) into paint formulations significantly improves surface quality and enhances colour. Paints used in factories, schoolrooms and public transport must have better than average weathering and wear properties, and must stand up to abrasive washing and scrubbing. With this additive, paint manufacturers are able to produce a wide variety of modern decorative coatings with easy handling, excellent optical and mechanical properties, and consistently high quality standards.
The inclusion of PCC in fine crystalline forms in inks improves their flow performance, ensuring high productivity and added colour intensity of the printed image.