Solvay decarbonizes cyclopentanone unit with biomethane

In France, Solvay has begun a process of decarbonizing the cyclopentanone unit of its Melle plant in France. Through an agreement with an agricultural cooperative for the next fifteen years, the entire cyclopentanone production already relies solely on biomethane gas, a green source of energy.

The cooperative built a facility to convert waste biomass into18 GWh of renewable natural gas (RNG) per year, which Solvay has committed to purchase for its Melle plant.

Solvay commercializes two grades of cyclopentanone – one for the fragrance market and one ultra-high purity version for the electronics market, both manufactured at its Melle plant. Cyclopentanone is also used in the electronics market as a solvent during several steps in the manufacturing process of semiconductors.