Solvay Unveils Innovative Rare Earths Line in France to Empower Europe’s Sustainable Future

(IN BRIEF) Solvay has inaugurated its new rare earths production line at the La Rochelle facility in France, marking the beginning of commercial production for permanent magnets and aligning with Europe’s Critical Raw Materials Act. This strategic move, part of Solvay’s extensive 75-year expertise, aims to support electric vehicle motors, renewable energy, advanced electronics, and defense systems. The enhanced facility, the largest of its kind outside of China, now benefits from advanced technological capabilities that not only improve production efficiency but also contribute to environmental sustainability by targeting a 40% reduction in CO2 emissions and halving water consumption by 2030. By collaborating with diverse suppliers and emerging mining and recycling partners, Solvay is on track to meet 30% of European rare earth demand by 2030, thereby reinforcing the continent’s strategic autonomy. Solvay’s leadership emphasizes the importance of forging strong partnerships and a sustainable supply chain to boost growth in the rare earth sector while ensuring the company remains the preferred choice in Europe and beyond.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRUSSELS, 9-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Solvay has officially launched its new production line for rare earth materials used in permanent magnets at its La Rochelle facility in France, a landmark development that bolsters Europe’s strategic ambitions under the Critical Raw Materials Act. This inaugural step in commercial production marks a decisive move towards strengthening European sovereignty in the rare earth sector, while further establishing Solvay as a global leader in rare earths separation, recycling, purification, and formulation. The expansion transforms an already prominent facility—the largest plant outside of China capable of separating all rare earth materials—into a state-of-the-art hub that supports the production of components essential for electric vehicle motors, renewable energy systems, advanced electronics, and defense technology.

With this investment, Solvay harnesses its 75-year legacy of expertise and pioneering process leadership to drive green technological advancements and contribute substantially to Europe’s goal of self-reliance in critical raw materials. By sourcing rare earths and recycled inputs from a diverse network of suppliers and mining partners, the facility is poised to meet the ambitious target of satisfying 30% of European demand by 2030. In a clear signal of its commitment to sustainable practices, Solvay is partnering with emerging mining and recycling enterprises to build a robust, reliable, and eco-friendly supply chain essential for Europe’s competitiveness and industrial independence.

Philippe Kehren, CEO of Solvay, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “At Solvay, we call for strong partnerships and collaboration with authorities, suppliers, and customers to create a competitive and robust value chain for rare earths in Europe. Our expertise, supported by the right partners, will drive the growth and success of the rare earths sector. We have ambitious plans to foster a reliable value chain for high-performance permanent magnets. It is crucial to embark on this journey and embrace the opportunity Solvay offers to enhance Europe’s leadership in sustainable technologies.” Adding to this, An Nuyttens, President of Solvay’s Special Chem business, highlighted the environmental benefits of the project, noting, “While expanding the site’s capacity, we are reinventing our process by leveraging our unique know-how in rare earths separation, reducing CO2 emissions by 40% and halving water consumption by 2030. Our commitment to innovation and sustainability strengthens our leadership and competitiveness in the rare earths industry, making us the preferred choice for our customers in Europe and beyond.”

About Solvay
Solvay, a pioneering chemical company with a legacy rooted in founder Ernest Solvay’s pivotal innovations in the soda ash process, is dedicated to delivering essential solutions globally through its workforce of over 9,000 employees. Since 1863, Solvay harnesses the power of chemistry to create innovative, sustainable solutions that answer the world’s most essential needs such as purifying the air we breathe and the water we drink, preserving our food supplies, protecting our health and well-being, creating eco-friendly clothing, making the tires of our cars more sustainable and cleaning and protecting our homes. Solvay’s unwavering commitment drives the transition to a carbon-neutral future by 2050, underscoring its dedication to sustainability and a fair and just transition. As a world-leading company with €4.7 billion in net sales in 2024, Solvay is listed on Euronext Brussels and Paris (SOLB). For more information about Solvay, please visit solvay.com or follow Solvay on Linkedin.

About Solvay La Rochelle
Founded in 1948, Solvay’s La Rochelle plant specializes in rare earth-based formulations and has recently expanded its capacity to lead European rare earths production. Located on a 40-hectare site in the Chef de Baie industrial zone by the seafront, the facility employs over 300 people. The plant now includes a production line for permanent magnets, essential for electric vehicle motors, renewable energy, advanced electronics, and defense applications. It also manufactures rare earth-based formulation products for catalysis, automotive pollution control, polishing, and electronics markets.

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SOURCE: Solvay