Chemical firm Solvay has inaugurated what it says is the first European bio-circular silica facility at its plant in Livorno, Italy, marking a major milestone in Europe’s industrial transformation toward sustainability. The new unit produces highly dispersible silica (HDS) for tyres, using bio-based sodium silicate derived from rice husk ash, an agricultural byproduct.
This breakthrough process reduces CO2 emissions by 35% per tonne of silica compared to traditional methods and creates a local circular value chain that benefits the agricultural sector, industry and communities, the firm says.
This investment positions Solvay as a partner in achieving the European Green Deal objectives and the upcoming Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), while reinforcing Italy’s role as a hub for green innovation.
“By acting now, Solvay is helping tire manufacturers prepare for future EU requirements and meet their own sustainability goals,” said Philippe Kehren, CEO of Solvay. “Livorno is a tangible example of how we turn circular economy principles into industrial reality, enabling progress for generations.”
“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 and are very satisfied with its performance. We are keen on innovative, renewable and recycled materials because they support our ambitious sustainability roadmap,” said Jana Striezel, Head of Purchasing at Continental Tires.
This inauguration is part of Solvay’s global circular silica strategy, which will convert other silica production sites worldwide to use ISCC Plus certified raw material by 2026. Livorno remains unique as the first site to use rice husk ash, while other sites will leverage other local industrial waste streams.
By adopting Solvay’s circular silica, tyre manufacturers can already achieve up to 15% recycled or renewable materials in their tire composition, contributing significantly to their target of 40% by 2030.
The facility strengthens Solvay’s leadership in silica for energy-efficient tyres, a key enabler of lower rolling resistance and reduced fuel consumption / extended battery range. It also underscores Italy’s strategic role in Solvay’s global sustainability roadmap, alongside major investments in green hydrogen and circular soda ash solutions.