Solvay invests in the adipic acid production line in Chalampé, France.

Lyon (France), Solvay Polyamide & Intermediates is investing in the adipic acid production line at its industrial plant in Chalampé, France. The intended capital investment aims at reinforcing cost leadership by significantly reducing the site’s energy consumption.

The investment will result in a further improvement of the Adipic Acid manufacturing process contributing to Polyamide & Intermediates’ strategic positioning. It demonstrates the Group’s commitment to operational excellence through energy efficiency programs and carbon footprint reduction initiatives.

“This new process will result in an 8MW reduction of energy consumption per year as well as 11,000-ton reduction in CO2 emissions,” points out Christophe Bertrand, Industrial Director of Polyamide & Intermediates. The intervention, which will require a complete shutdown of the manufacturing process, will take place in the fourth quarter of 2013 and will last about one month.

This project is part of Solvay Group’s initiative to achieve a €100M REBITDA improvement of its polyamide business by 2014. It marks the first major investment in productivity and efficiency, targeting business leadership and profitability as well as Sustainable development in line with the Group Solvay Way target.