Solvay S.A. (Brussels, Belgium) inaugurated its new 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) using bio-based sodium silicate derived from rice husk ash, an agricultural byproduct. 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. By adopting Solvay’s circular silica, tire manufacturers can already achieve up to 15% recycled or renewable materials in their tire composition, contributing significantly to their target of 40% by 2030. “Livorno sets a benchmark for circular innovation in Europe and beyond,” said An Nuyttens, President of Solvay’s Silica business.