Innovation and adaptable solutions guide Solvay Novecare's growth
Ernest Solvay's family start-up has grown into one of the most successful chemical solution companies. Beginning with a technological breakthrough in soda ash production, Solvay created a company that now brings innovation to many sectors ranging from personal care to agriculture.
Ernest Solvay's family start-up has grown into one of the most successful chemical solution companies. Beginning with a technological breakthrough in soda ash production, Solvay created a company that now brings innovation to many sectors ranging from personal care to agriculture.
Solvay Novecare, part of the Solvay Group, has its Asian headquarters in Singapore and specialises in advanced formulations for home and personal care, oil and gas, agrochemicals, industrial formulations and coatings. "Solvay Novecare does not just sell products. We develop leading-edge technologies and innovative formulations that provide state-of-the-art industrial solutions as well as answer our customers' unmet needs," says Pierre-Franck Valentin, vice-president and general manager for Asia-Pacific.
"Being close to our customers is key. With 11 industrial sites that are geographically well-balanced to deliver the standard in quality, safety and environmental protection, we are able to respond swiftly to the different needs of our customers across Asia. For example, the way hair care is being approached in Europe is different from Asia. Our strength therein lies in our ability to bring adaptable solutions to them," Valentin says.
In addition to existing research and innovation centres in Singapore and Shanghai and a laboratory in Tokyo, Solvay Novecare's recently opened speciality alkoxylate surfactants plant on Jurong Island will further boost the company's global capacity. In line with its growth strategy in China, Solvay Novecare is also looking to acquire complementary companies.
Solvay places emphasis on developing green solutions to decrease industrial impact on the environment and to produce sustainable chemistry. In fact, Solvay's research and development contributed to 13 products being used in 25 applications and 6,000 parts in the Solar Impulse project, a fully solar-powered aircraft that embarked on a global circumnavigation earlier this year.
"Solvay Novecare aspires to be the leading speciality chemicals provider in Asia-Pacific in terms of innovation, adaptable solutions and sustainability. Our customers can always rely on this commitment," Valentin says.
