Further silica capacity increases possible, says Solvay

At this week’s Tire Technology Expo in Germany, Silica supplier Solvay shared that it is considering further capacity increases on top of those implemented in 2011-12, which increased the firm’s global silica capacity by more than 10 per cent. Solvay said the increases were implemented to keep pace with demand for low rolling resistance tyres. The company didn’t share any specific details on upcoming silica product developments, however it confirmed that new innovations can be expected; announcements will be made once customers have been given samples for use in production trials.

For Solvay, this year – the company’s 150th anniversary year – began with the launch of a new corporate identity. Indeed, this was the first time the silica business used the Solvay name at the Tire Technology show; the business was formerly known as Rhodia, and Solvay says the change of name reflects the company’s 2011 acquisition of Rhodia. The new name applies to all global markets except for Brazil.