Solvay targets 20% emissions cut at silica production site

Brussels – Solvay SA is investing in an electric furnace at its silica production plant in Collonges, France, as part of its decarbonisation strategy.

Scheduled for operation in 2025, the new furnace is expected to reduce CO2 emissions at the site by 20%, said Solvay in a 2 Oct release.

The initiative, it said, is aligned with Solvay’s 'one planet' strategy, under which the Belgian group envisages achieving carbon-neutrality by 2050.

Solvay manufactures highly dispersible silica at the site, nearly Lyon, for market applications including tires and battery separators.

With the investment, the company is "securing the long-term sustainability and competitiveness" of the facility, said An Nuyttens, president of Solvay’s silica business.

Solvay manufactures silica products across production facilities in France, Italy, Poland, the US, Brazil, Korea and China.