Solvay Travel Carbon Fund

In today’s climate-conscious world, every journey counts—and not just in kilometers. At Solvay, we are changing the environmental cost of business travel into a positive force. Our Travel Carbon Fund is a bold initiative. It turns carbon footprints into real, local benefits.

Launched in 2023, this fund shows our commitment to reducing Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions. These are the indirect emissions that happen in our value chain, including travel. In 2024 alone, the fund raised €262,000, which is now fueling three innovative sustainability projects across the globe. The following examples show how we’re making every trip matter.

Solvay’s Travel Carbon Fund is not just a sustainability project. A global promise exists to change emissions into opportunities. The fund supports projects in forests, water systems, and coastal ecosystems. This shows how responsible business travel can create real change.

Every flight, every meeting, every mile—when done mindfully—can help build a greener, more resilient world.

At our Linne-Herten site in the Netherlands, a vision of biodiversity and well-being is taking shape. With support from the Travel Carbon Fund, the site is developing a “tiny forest” planted with over 2,000 native trees and shrubs.

The forest improves local biodiversity. The design will include a pond, outdoor workspaces, and a canteen area. This will create a special place where nature and work can exist together.

The project is deeply rooted in community engagement, with employees and local schoolchildren participating in the planting process. By creating a healthy home for birds, insects, and small animals, the forest helps reduce carbon. It also encourages people to care for the environment.

In Qingdao, China, our Silica site is addressing water scarcity and emissions through an innovative water recovery project. The site saves 14,000 cubic meters of water each year. This is like six Olympic-sized swimming pools. They do this by capturing and reusing condensation water from their production process.

This initiative also reduces 0.175 kilotons of CO₂ emissions each year by lowering energy demands for water treatment. With a small investment of €40,000, the project provides important environmental and operational benefits. It also helps reduce pressure on the Yellow River and supports local ecosystems.

In Map Ta Phut, Thailand, we are working to restore mangrove forests. These forests are important because they protect coastlines, support wildlife, and absorb carbon. Located near Solvay’s industrial sites, the project is a collaboration with local communities, government agencies, and environmental organizations.

Beyond planting trees, the initiative includes educational workshops, volunteer programs, and eco-tourism activities that raise awareness and generate sustainable livelihoods. By protecting marine habitats and enhancing climate resilience, the project exemplifies how environmental restoration can also drive social and economic progress.