Solvay starts tire silicas production in South Korea

Brussels – Solvay has started production of highly dispersible silica (HDS) at its new plant in Gunsan, South Korea, meeting strong and growing regional demand for energy saving tires.

The 80 kilotonnes per annum (ktpa) plant in producing Solvay's most advanced grades of HDS, according to a 3 Nov announcement by the Belgian company.

The tire reinforcement additives, said Solvay, include its Zeosil Premium and Efficium products for car and truck tire compounds. These, it claims, can reduces vehicle fuel consumption by up to 7%.

Solvay's silica business operates 10 sites across Europe, North and South America and Asia.

The Gunsan site is being upgraded with new silica production technologies. It will over time replace Solvay’s Korea operation in Incheon, which is in an area designated for urban development.

"Solvay's new site with its latest technology standards, further strengthens our supply security to our customers and our contribution to cleaner mobility," claimed An Nuyttens, president of Solvay's Silica Global business unit.

"Our global market reach and innovation capabilities close to and with our customers allow us to grow our silica applications in energy saving tires for both cars and trucks," she added.