Solvay Launches Bio-Circular Silica In Europe

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Solvay is investing at its Livorno site in Italy to launch the company’s first unit of circular highly dispersible silica (HDS), made with bio-based sodium silicate derived from rice husk ash. This silicate process provides a circular solution as it gives a second life to rice husk in a local value chain. Coupled with renewable energy integration at the plant, it will allow Solvay to achieve a 50 percent reduction in CO2 per tonne of silica. Solvay claims that this will make the Livorno site Europe’s best-in-class silica production site in terms of CO2 footprint. The production is expected to start by the end of 2024.

The Group will gradually replace its existing Zeosil portfolio with circular HDS, providing a circular solution for tyres that will contribute both to increasing the use of sustainable raw materials and reducing the tyre industry’s CO2 footprint. This new generation of precipitated silica will also address the needs of home and personal care and the feed and food industries.

According to Solvay, it is the first company to commit to circular HDS production at a European site within a concrete time frame, and is now focused on building the necessary ecosystem to bring it to market. This involves working with stakeholders across the entire value chain, and Continental is a key partner in this journey. Through the implementation of this competitive rice husk ash (RHA) proprietary process in Europe, the company is able to ensure consistent product quality by levelling out the variability of agro feedstocks.

Claus Petschick, Head of Sustainability at Continental Tires, said, “Silica is essential for the high performance of our tyres. And with Solvay’s bio-circular silica, our tyres will at the same time become more sustainable. It reduces the overall carbon footprint and increases the share of renewable materials in our tyres. Rice husk is an agricultural by-product that was not used for tyre production until very recently. Soon they will take us one step closer to our goal of 100 percent sustainable materials in our tyres by 2050 at the latest."

Solvay also has plans to build a new plant in North America over the coming years to expand its HDS capacity which will significantly increase the Group’s footprint in the region, the company states. This new facility will be designed for circular raw materials and be aligned with the company’s carbon neutrality roadmap. The Group is also investigating projects on circular HDS in Asia and South America.

Ilham Kadri, CEO, Solvay, said, “Building on our constant drive for progress and innovation, the launch of our circular HDS in Europe is just the first step in a longer-term project that will enable us to offer a circular solution to tyre manufacturers and other industries across the world as we continue to reinvent progress with our silica offering.”

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    Kumho Tire To Open First European Tyre Plant

    Kumho Tire To Open First European Tyre Plant

    As part of a strategic effort to increase its presence in the region's premium original equipment (OE) market, Kumho Tire has confirmed its plans to establish its first tyre production facility in Europe by 2027.

    The company has shortlisted Poland, Serbia and Portugal as possible locations for the plant, which is projected to need an investment of more than KRW1 trillion (USD 705 million). The decision is closely linked to Kumho’s ambition to strengthen its partnerships with European automakers and was revealed by Kumho Tire CEO during the South Korean premiere of Kumho's new Ecsta Sport tyre line.

    Kumho has recently secured OE supply contracts with major brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volkswagen Group. At the moment, Kumho runs eight tyre production plants in China, Vietnam, South Korea and the US. Its capacity to compete in the premium OE market, however, has come to be perceived as being constrained by the absence of a European production base. Through the benefits of local production, the new facility will improve response to European client requests, save freight costs and shorten delivery times, all of which will strengthen the company's partnerships.

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      Sentury Opens Pre-Enrolment For Associate Dealer Programmes

      Sentury Opens Pre-Enrolment For Associate Dealer Programmes

      Sentury Tire USA has opened pre-enrolment for its two associate dealer programmes (ADPs), the Delinte HYPERDRIVE Associate Dealer Program and the Landsail Elyte Associate Dealer Program, underscoring the company’s commitment to rewarding dedication and partnership to the Landsail and Delinte brands.

      The ADPs, which are customised for each brand and intended to encourage dealers, will formally start on 1 June 2025. Both programmes give dealers access to special benefits, incentives and strong tools to help them expand their businesses. This involves dependable customer service, effective marketing and worthwhile financial incentives to promote dealers' success at every stage.

      Beginning in Q3, dealers may earn up to USD three per tyre through the Delinte HYPERDRIVE Associate Dealer Program. Dealers can receive retroactive benefits for purchases completed in Q2 if they register before 1 June. The awards are available for all Delinte PTR, LTR and the new DV3 LMD AS last-mile delivery tyres. For all Landsail PTR and LTR tyres, independent dealers that sign up for the Landsail Elyte Associate Dealer Program can also earn up to USD three per tyre. For customers who sign up by June 1, the new LMD 100 AS last-mile delivery is also eligible for the benefits and will get the same early bird incentive for Q2 2025.

      No initial order is necessary. Dealers only need to register to begin making money. According to the monthly programme rewards structure, 48 tyre purchases each month are eligible for a reward of USD one per tyre, 120 tyres are eligible for a reward of USD two per tyre and 240 or more tyres are eligible for a reward of USD three per tyre.

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        ENSO Launches EV-Specific UHP Tyre Range For Premium EVs

        ENSO Launches EV-Specific UHP Tyre Range For Premium EVs

        ENSO, a London-based tyre manufacturer engaged in the production of sustainable tyres specially designed for electric vehicles (EVs), has launched its new ENSO Premium range of EV-specific ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyres aimed at drivers of high-performance EVs such as the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.

        Specifically designed for electric passenger vehicles, the ENSO Premium range comes with A/A EU-label ratings for both energy efficiency and wet grip. The tyres are designed to provide safety, increased range and a reduced total cost of ownership. Conventional tyre designs frequently fall short of the special performance needs of electric vehicles, which include greater vehicle weight, regenerative braking and higher torque loads. By lowering tyre wear and rolling resistance, ENSO Premium takes care of these issues.

        The company is an authorised provider of replacement tyres for LEVC's electric taxis and has partnered with Uber to install its tyres in high-mileage metropolitan areas. The company now plans to grow throughout Europe and North America, and with ENSO Premium, it is now offering its services to individual EV owners throughout the United Kingdom. According to ENSO, the range offers advantages including longer tyre life and fewer replacements, lower energy usage, fewer charging stops and lower CO₂ emissions and tyre particle pollution.

        Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, CEO and Co-Founder, ENSO, said, “We’re plugging a long-standing gap in the tyre market by offering EV drivers a purpose-built, affordable, premium EV tyre alternative that matches the innovation of their EV.”

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          Kraton Corporation Announces Price Hike For SBS, SIS And HSBC Products

          Kraton Corporation Announces Price Hike For SBS, SIS And HSBC Products

          Kraton Corporation, a leading global sustainable producer of specialty polymers and high-value bio-based products derived from pine wood pulping co-products, has announced a general price hike in North America for its SBS, SIS and HSBC product lines with effect from 1 May 2025.

          Following a careful analysis of the effects of recently implemented tariffs, related cost increases and a conclusion that the company cannot independently absorb these repercussions, Kraton is adopting these pricing hikes, according to a company statement. The company further said that it will keep an eye on the scene and reassess these measures promptly in the event that conditions and US import tariffs alter.

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