- By 2026, Solvay's Qingdao and Gunsan plants will use ISCC+ certified waste sand.
- Over 50% of Solvay's regional HDS capacity will become circular.
- The tire industry aims for 40%+ circular materials by 2030.
- Solvay's Livorno site already uses rice husk ash for silica production.
Global Circularity Efforts
Solvay is advancing its circular silica strategy by converting its highly dispersible silica (HDS) production in Asia to use circular raw materials. By 2026, the company's plants in Qingdao, China, and Gunsan, South Korea, will adopt ISCC+ certified waste sand. This transition is expected to make over half of Solvay’s regional HDS capacity circular, aligning with the tire industry's goal of achieving over 40% circular raw materials by 2030.
Technological Advancements
Solvay is replacing virgin raw materials with industrial waste, developing technologies to reduce resource consumption. This approach offers tire manufacturers a cost-effective, high-volume, drop-in circular Zeosil® silica that requires no reformulation. The strategy builds on the successful conversion of Solvay’s Livorno, Italy, site, which utilizes rice husk ash.
Sustainability Roadmap
This initiative is part of Solvay Silica’s broader sustainability roadmap, which includes implementing low-emission technologies like electric furnaces to reduce the carbon footprint of silica production worldwide. Solvay is pioneering circular silica solutions beyond rice husk ash across multiple global regions.
Supply Chain Impact
The transition to circular materials fosters stronger, more sustainable supply chains through new partnerships and sourcing methods throughout the value chain. This coordinated, global approach to circular sourcing reflects Solvay's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the chemical industry.
