Chemicals Sector
penetrate new markets – essentially in Asia. Solvay has lofty ambitions for the fast growing market of ‘wet’ chemicals – which are high purity liquid products for the electronics industry, in particular for semiconductors, flat panels and photovoltaic cells. A key achievement in 2009 was the launch of a photovoltaic grade hydrofluoric acid.
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Also launched in 2009 was a new specialty product for lithium-ion batteries. The redox features of this electrolyte additive prevent battery overcharging. Results are promising and this new product complements Solvay’s existing range on this new market.
The Organic Cluster In the course of 2009, SBU Molecular Solutions reorganized its heavily loss-making Peptisyntha (peptides production) activity. This subsidiary, together with Girindus, the oligonucleotides producer in which Solvay has a majority holding, were strengthened last year with the arrival of new senior managers with recognized experience in these areas, who were tasked with relaunching this activity. The development of the Organic cluster is supported by this strategy of synergic growth in peptides and oligonucleotides. The SBU will use its expertise in the synthesis and manipulation of ‘tides’ and its excellent position as a supplier of active pharmaceutical ingredients to build strong, resilient positions in bio-science based activities.
Solvay Annual Report 2009