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Solvay Epicerol® Earns Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials Certification

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Bangkok, 1 December 2015 – Solvay subsidiary Advanced Biochemical Thailand Co., Ltd. (ABT) has received certification from the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) for the production of Epicerol®, a bio-based building block for renewable chemicals and resins. 

The certificate covers the manufacture of bio-based epichlorohydrin (ECH), using Solvay’s innova-tive technology, from vegetable glycerol derived from biodiesel and oleochemical production. ABT is the first bio-based chemical operator in Asia to obtain RSB certification. 

“We are extremely proud of this evaluation which is recognised by leading NGOs,” said Bruno Van Parys, ABT Vice-President. “RSB certification validates Epicerol® as the leading bio-based ECH for customers because of its outstanding environmental attributes.” 

Rolf Hogan, Executive Director of RSB said, “We are very pleased that ABT has chosen RSB to demonstrate the sustainability of their ECH process. This demonstrates that RSB is the partner of choice for biomaterials operators that are interested in true sustainability.”

About Epicerol®

Epicerol® is 100% bio-based epichlorohydrin (ECH) produced by an innovative technology from Solvay. Based on renewable glycerol, Epicerol® is the most sustainable ECH in terms of CO2 emis-sions and process environmental performance.

It is a chemical intermediate for a wide range of industries, including epoxy resins for coatings and composites. Advanced Biochemical (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (ABT) has been operating its world-class manufacturing unit using Solvay’s proprietary technology in Thailand since February 2012.

About RSBThe Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) is an independent and global multistakeholder coalition which works to promote the sustainability of biomaterials. RSB’s user-friendly certification scheme is the strongest and most trusted of its kind. It verifies that biomaterials are ethical, sustainable and credibly-sourced. The certification is approved by RSB’s members, including leading NGOs and UN agencies. RSB members work across sectors to set global best practice for sustainable biomaterial production. Choosing RSB-certified biomaterials helps build trust and credibility in the bio-based sector and supports a healthy bio-based community.www.rsb.org

SOLVAY EMERGING BIOCHEMICALS Global Business Unit produces and supplies chlor - alkali derivatives to a wide range of industries and markets, mostly in Asia. Its PVC or polyvinylchloride resins, Siamvic®, are used in a variety of industries including automotive, building & construction, consumer goods, electrical & electronics, healthcare, packaging, plumbing and wire & cable while Caustic Soda or sodium hydroxide, strong base soluble in water, is used in various applications which are part of daily life, such as pulp and paper, aluminum, detergents, fibers, food & feed among others. Epicerol®, biobased epichlorohydrin (ECH), demonstrates environmental performance as feedstock for the production of epoxy resins, increasingly used in applications such as corrosion protective coatings, electronics, automotive, aerospace and wind turbine industries. The GBU operates via the Thai company Vinythai Public Company Ltd., and its subsidiaries in Thailand.

As an international chemical group, SOLVAY assists industries in finding and implementing ever more responsible and value-creating solutions. Solvay generates 90% of its net sales in activities where it is among the world's top three players. It serves many markets, varying from energy and the environment to automotive and aeronautics or electricity and electronics, with one goal: to raise the performance of its clients and improve society's quality of life. The group is headquartered in Brussels, employs about 26,000 people in 52 countries and generated 10.2 billion euros in net sales in 2014. Solvay SA (SOLB.BE) is listed on EURONEXT Brussels and EURONEXT Paris (Bloomberg: SOLB:BB - Reuters: SOLB.BR).