Solvay to boost production in Brazil using ethanol as raw material

Solvay S.A., a Belgian chemical company, said it will boost production in Brazil, with ethanol as the raw material for its products, following its acquisition of Rhodia, Brazilian financial daily Valor Econômico quoted the latter’s chief executive Jean-Pierre Clamadieu as saying. “Brazilian ethanol is the most competitive renewable raw material and will be a key element in the petrochemical chain, which will require us to develop our production in Brazil,” he said. “Brazilian production is very efficient, more than in Europe or North America.” The company plans to focus on improving its access to ethanol through partnerships with ethanol producers, in addition to expanding production at factories that use the product. According to Clamadieu, the company will expand its production capacity through acquisitions and the expansion of existing facilities. (July 11, 2011)