Solvay inaugurates "Europe’s first" bio-silica facility in Italy

Livorno, Italy – Solvay has inaugurated what it has described as "Europe's first" bio-circular silica facility at its plant in Livorno, as part of the group’s environmental push to meet the European Green Deal objectives.

The new unit produces highly dispersible silica (HDS) using bio-based sodium silicate derived from rice husk ash.

The process reduces CO2 emissions by 35% per tonne of silica compared to traditional methods and creates a 'local circular value chain,' said Solvay 28 Jan.

Solvay disclosed its plans to add bio-based HDS production in Livorno in early 2023, with production scheduled for late 2024.

At the time, Solvay said the aim of the undisclosed investment was to “gradually replace” its existing Zeosil HDS for rubber reinforcement with the bio-based alternative.

“By acting now, Solvay is helping tire manufacturers prepare for future EU requirements and meet their own sustainability goals,” said CEO Philippe Kehren, during the inauguration.

Also commenting on the development, Jana Striezel, head of purchasing at Continental Tires said Solvay had managed to “transform an agricultural byproduct into a high-performance material on an industrial scale.”

“We are looking forward to integrating more and more rice husk ash silica as a recycled material in our tire production and are very satisfied with its performance,” she said.

The Italian unit is part of Solvay’s global circular silica strategy, which aims to convert other silica production sites worldwide to use ISCC+ certified raw material by 2026.

Livorno is the first site to use rice husk ash, while other sites will leverage other local industrial waste streams.

According to Solvay, the company’s circular silica can help tire manufacturers achieve up to 15% recycled or renewable materials in their tire composition.

Solvay’s statement did not provide capacity details.