Solvay joins the ThermoPlastic composites Research Center (TPRC) as Tier 1 member

Alpharetta, GA, November 19 2019 --- Solvay has joined the ThermoPlastic Composites Research Center (TPRC), the world-leading research, development and innovation center for thermoplastic composites (TPC) focused on enabling the use of this technology in large volume applications and eliminating technological barriers towards its widespread adoption.

Solvay is investing heavily in TPC technology development and process industrialization and recognizes the TPRC as a leading innovative R&D platform. Solvay joined as a Tier 1 member, which grants Solvay access to the research generated and the ability to steer on fundamental development activities, which are complementary to Solvay’s internal research such as forming and overmolding, cost-effective manufacture of large structures, material performance and sustainability. Solvay’s recently opened Product Development Center in Alpharetta USA and Customer Engagement Center in Brussels BE will work closely with the TPRC as we start engaging in joint collaboration projects.

“Solvay’s research and innovation experts will work hand in hand with the TPRC on selected projects where we see joint benefits. Solvay and the TPRC are both committed to increasing the adoption of TPC by the aerospace and automotive industries and our membership will strengthen our ability to contribute to industry developments”, said Dr Jim Pratte, Senior Research Fellow for Solvay Composite Materials Global Business Unit.

“The addition to our membership of Solvay, one of the leading suppliers of specialty thermoplastic polymers and thermoplastic composite materials will allow the TPRC to broaden its focus beyond aerospace into automotive applications where there is an overlap of processing technology and materials particularly when we look at the rapidly developing urban air mobility market segment”, said Harald Heerink, General Manager at the TPRC

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Solvay is an advanced materials and specialty chemicals company, committed to developing chemistry that addresses key societal challenges. Solvay innovates and partners with customers worldwide in many diverse end-markets. Its products are used in planes, cars, batteries, smart and medical devices, as well as in mineral and oil and gas extraction, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Its lightweighting materials promote cleaner mobility, its formulations optimize the use of resources, and its performance chemicals improve air and water quality. Solvay is headquartered in Brussels with around 24,500 employees in 62 countries. Net sales were €10.3 billion in 2018, with 90% from activities where Solvay ranks among the world’s top 3 leaders, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 22%. Solvay SA (SOLB.BE) is listed on Euronext Brussels and Paris Bloomberg: SOLB.BB - Reuters: SOLB.BR), and in the United States its shares (SOLVY) are traded through a level-1 ADR program. (Financial figures take into account the planned divestment of Polyamides).

The ThermoPlastic composites Research Center (TPRC) is a consortium of industrial and academic members active in the thermoplastic composites industry. By bringing together all the actors in the value chain, the TPRC effectively identifies, analyzes and overcomes the technological barriers that hinder the large-scale application of thermoplastic composites. The involvement of the value chain as a whole prevents point solutions and accelerates innovation. The TPRC believes in thermoplastic composites as the material for lightweight manufacturing in large volumes. The primary aim of the TPRC is to enable a more widespread use of thermoplastic composites by eliminating technological barriers.