Solvay Expands Diphenols Product Range and Capacity and Extends Footprint in India to Develop Food-Grade Antioxidants

LYON, France, July 12, 2016 –  Solvay, worldwide leader in Diphenols and derivatives, has recently announced a capacity extension project for hydroquinone (HQ), catechol (PC) and para-methoxyphenol (MEHQ or PMP) at its Zhenjiang site, China.

From this innovative and environmentally friendly new capacity, Solvay will continue to serve the market growth in India and Asia. This expansion is scheduled to be operational in 2018.

“From this hydroquinone and catechol competitive platform, Solvay intends to grow in butyl hydroxyl anisole (BHA) and tertio butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) Diphenol derivatives used as food and feed antioxidants” revealed Jacques Guglielmi, Asia VP & General Manager at Solvay Aroma Performance.

For this purpose, Solvay has already invested and successfully started up a new high quality BHA production in France since November 2015 and will start a new technology TBHQ production in India in July 2016.

Based on its strong and sustainable worldwide Diphenols & derivatives expertise, Solvay also recently started a new Vanillin plant in China, fully FSSC 22000 food certified along the integrated production from Catechol to Vanillin. “Solvay is determined to reinforce its position in India by bringing the highest level of food safety for the benefit of Indian consumers,” affirmed Mukesh Malhotra, Solvay’s India Country Manager.

India is a strategic market where Solvay will continue to consider every next growth opportunity.

An international chemical and advanced materials company, Solvay assists its customers in innovating, developing and delivering high-value, sustainable products and solutions which consume less energy and reduce CO2 emissions, optimize the use of resources and improve the quality of life. Solvay serves diversified global end markets, including automotive and aerospace, consumer goods and healthcare, energy and environment, electricity and electronics, building and construction as well as industrial applications. Solvay is headquartered in Brussels with about 30,900 employees spread across 53 countries. It generated pro forma net sales of € 12.4 bn in 2015, with 90% made from activities where it ranks among the world’s top 3 players. Solvay SA (SOLB.BE) is listed on Euronext in Brussels and Paris (Bloomberg: SOLB:BB - Reuters: SOLB.BR).