Solvay Inaugurates Europe‘s First Bio-Circular Silica Facility in Italy

Solvay has inaugurated what it describes as "Europe's first" bio-circular silica facility at its Livorno, Italy plant, as part of the group's environmental push to meet European Green Deal objectives
. The new unit produces highly dispersible silica (HDS) using bio-based sodium silicate derived from rice husk ash - an agricultural byproduct. The process reduces CO₂ emissions by 35% per tonne of silica compared to traditional methods

. Solvay CEO Philippe Kehren stated: "By acting now, Solvay is helping tire manufacturers prepare for future EU requirements and meet their own sustainability goals."-
The Livorno facility is the first site to use rice husk ash, while other sites will leverage local industrial waste streams-

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Key takeaway for customers: Solvay's circular silica can help tire manufacturers achieve up to 15% recycled or renewable materials in tire composition
. This demonstrates the accelerating industry shift toward sustainable silica sourcing - a trend that is reshaping the entire silica supply chain.

Source: European Rubber Journal, January 29, 2026