Solvay announces the production of a new generation solvent at its Melle site

Solvay announces the production of the new generation solvent Rhodiasolv® IRIS, with excellent eco-friendly properties. Previously manufactured in China, this solvent will now be produced from 2023 onwards at Solvay's Melle site (France).

Melle’s plant © Solvay

Rhodiasolv^® IRIS is efficient, non-flammable, readily biodegradable, low volatile and non-CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic). It is used in many applications such as formulation of phytosanitary products, paint stripping, graffiti and resin clean-up, industrial cleaning and agrochemistry.

Rhodiasolv IRIS^® is in line with the implementation of Solvay One Planet's sustainability roadmap, which notably aims at transitioning the Group’s portfolio towards more sustainable solutions. In particular, Rhodiasolv IRIS^® enables the use of an original manufacturing process that recycles a by-product of its polyamide chain, which was previously burned. This process optimizes the use of petrochemical resources and reduces environmental impact.

It is one of the key products in the Rhodiasolv^® range, which are green solvents serving the transition to a more environmentally friendly agriculture. The production launch at Melle’s site will require an investment of several million euros, with commissioning planned in early 2023.

"This new plant in France is in line with Solvay's mission to act proactively and very closely with customers, bringing opportunities to supply the market with innovative formulations aligned with the sustainability objectives of the agro sector", comments Benoit Abribat, Vice President of Solvay’s Novecare Agricultural Specialties.

Developed in Solvay's research and innovation center in Lyon, Rhodiasolv IRIS^® was awarded the Pierre Potier prize in 2009, the JEC innovation prize in 2010 and received support from the European Commission's LIFE+ program and ADEME, the energy transition agency.