Page 167 - CW E-Magazine (22-4-2025)

News from Abroad

CAPACITY EXPANSION

Solvay adds new production line for rare earths

at France facility

Belgium’s Solvay has offi cially
inaugurated its rare earths production
line for permanent magnets at its La
Rochelle facility in France. Permanent
magnets are essential components in
electric vehicle motors, renewable
energy, advanced electronics and
defence systems.

The investment enhances an estab-
lished facility, the biggest plant outside
China capable of separating all rare
earth materials. emerging mining and recycling players Nuyttens, President of Solvay’s Spe-
“to accelerate the establishment of a cial Chem business, added, “While
Solvay said the new line will con- robust, reliable, and sustainable supply expanding the site’s capacity, we are
tribute to Europe’s autonomy in rare chain, crucial for Europe’s competitive- reinventing our process that leverages
earths production and is the fi rst step ness and industrial and technological our unique know-how in rare earths
toward meeting the objective of satisfy- sovereignty.” separation to reduce CO emissions
2
ing 30% of European demand by 2030. by 40% and halve water consumption
Mr. Philippe Kehren, Solvay CEO, by 2030.
The facility will source rare earths said, “Our expertise, supported by the
and recycled materials from a diverse right partners, will drive the growth and Our commitment to innovation and
range of suppliers and mining partners, success of the rare earths sector. sustainability strengthens our leader-
as mandated by EU’s Critical Raw ship and competitiveness in the rare
Materials Act. We have ambitious plans to foster earths industry, making us the preferred
a reliable value chain for high-perfor- choice for our customers in Europe and
Solvay said it is partnering with mance permanent magnets.” Ms. An beyond.”

Safi c-Alcan’s new ‘digital lab’ to inspire new formulation

ideas for personal care industry

Safi c-Alcan, a France-based spe-
ciality chemicals distributor, has
launched ‘The Digital Lab’, a digital
hub designed to inspire and support
formulators and R&D professionals
in the personal care industry.

Now live on the Safi c-Alcan web- It brings together formulation ideas, ing. “The Digital Lab takes things fur-
site, ‘The Digital Lab’ is claimed to product information, and application ther by offering practical inspiration to
offer customers “a user-friendly expe- examples on a single platform. formulators, R&D professionals, and
rience where they can discover ready- technical specialists who are looking
to-use formulations and explore ingre- This launch builds on Safi c-Alcan’s for effi cient, real-world solutions,” the
dient possibilities with ease”. online catalogue for ingredient sourc- company said.

Chemical Weekly April 22, 2025 167

Contents Index to Advertisers Index to Products Advertised