Solvay's reputation for innovation is largely due to the efforts of its Research and Technology division. This division has developed many innovative products and processes which not only open new markets, but also help us to preserve our precious natural resources.
 
 

Most vehicles now use HD-PE for their fuel tanks and at the end of their service life, these tanks need to be disposed of. The Recafuta process regenerates PE which can be used at levels of up to 40% in new fuel tanks, thus creating a new source of PE for the automotive industry. The process also removes any fuel residues and anti-corrosive coatings from the plastic.

Vinyloop® is another prime example. This unique process allows all sorts of PVC compounds to be totally recycled into pellets which can often be used again for their original purpose, such is the quality of the end product. Developed jointly with an external partner, Vinyloopr is a closed loop process in which the solvent used to dissolve the PVC is also recycled for re-use. The process generates very little waste material and helps to preserve the environment by reducing the need to produce new PVC. The Vinyloopr process can be used for the treatment of synthetic leather, tarpaulins, cables, floor coverings, blister packs and car dashboards.