Solvay expands its R&I center in China to meet fast-growing local demands

Solvay announces the expansion of its China Research & Innovation (R&I) Center, with the inauguration of a new research building in the Solvay Shanghai Technology Park.

Solvay’s Shanghai Technology Park in China.

To fulfil the booming demand for innovative and sustainable solutions in China, the company has invested more than RMB 4 billion in its Chinese R&I hub since 2005.

The new R&I building includes several state-of-the-art laboratories, a pioneering pilot hall dedicated to advanced materials applications and purpose-built spaces for industrial applications and consumer goods research.

The new innovation platform guides Solvay’s transformative journey towards digital evolution. It serves critical sectors like green hydrogen, electronics and semiconductors, and features an automation & robotics lab.

Established in 1997, Solvay’s China R&I Center has grown into the Group’s third largest research hub in the world. In the past five years, the center filed 89 patent applications and published 84 papers on international scientific magazines, of which 15 pieces made to the covers.

In addition to the new research building inaugurated, Solvay has recently launched its Material Application & Development Lab in Shanghai. This strategic move caters to the growing demand for tailored high-performance material solutions.

“With a stronger research force in China, we will accelerate innovations that drive circular economy solutions and a sustainable future in response to the global megatrends and the ever-changing local needs,” said Ilham Kadri, CEO.