9 Nov 2026
Fenghai project will convert part of existing 40ktpa silica capacity to higher-value hydrophobic grades
Lianyungang, China – Fenghai (Lianyungang) Rice Biotechnology is planning a Yuan51.9 million (€7 million) upgrade to its rice-husk-derived silica production facility in Jiangsu province.
The project will convert 5,550 tonnes/year of existing silica capacity to hydrophobic silica, according to an environmental impact assessment submitted to the Lianyungang environmental authorities on 24 Sept.
The modification will involve the installation of additional treatment and drying equipment at the company's existing 40ktpa silica production line in Lianyungang Economic Development Zone.
The project will not increase the plant's overall silica capacity or change its main production process.
Fenghai is developing a wider project designed to produce 80ktpa of rice-husk-derived silica and 14ktpa of activated carbon, according to Lianyungang municipal project records.
The development is being implemented in two phases, each comprising 40ktpa of silica and 7ktpa of activated carbon capacity.
The first 40ktpa silica production line entered trial operation in December 2025 and completed environmental acceptance in May this year.
According to the environmental documentation, the second phase is scheduled for completion in May 2029.
The latest modification is intended to diversify the facility's product range into higher-value silica grades.
The company has not specified whether the new hydrophobic silica will be supplied to tire manufacturers.
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