Solvay opens bio-circular silica plant in Italy

Solvay has inaugurated a bio-circular silica facility at its plant in Livorno, Italy, producing highly dispersible silica using bio-based sodium silicate derived from rice husk ash, an agricultural byproduct. The company said the process reduces CO2 emissions by 35% per tonne of silica compared to traditional methods and creates a local circular value chain.

Highly dispersible silica is used in tyre manufacturing to reduce rolling resistance, lowering fuel consumption in conventional vehicles and extending battery range in electric vehicles. Solvay said tyre manufacturers using its circular silica can achieve up to 15% recycled or renewable materials in tyre composition, contributing to an industry target of 40% by 2030.

In a statement, Philippe Kehren, Chief Executive of Solvay, said: “By acting now, Solvay is helping tire manufacturers prepare for future EU requirements and meet their own sustainability goals. Livorno is a tangible example of how we turn circular economy principles into industrial reality.”

Jana Striezel, Head of Purchasing at Continental Tires, said: “Solvay has 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.”

Solvay said it will convert other silica production sites worldwide to use ISCC Plus certified raw materials by 2026, with each site leveraging local industrial waste streams.

Source: Solvay