Discover Solvay's Innovative Food-Grade Silica: Sustainable, High-Performance Solutions for the Food Industry

Solvay's food-grade silica business, centered on technological innovation and sustainable development, holds a significant position in the global food additives market. Its products not only meet stringent food safety standards but also drive the industry's transition to a circular economy through bio-based raw materials and low-carbon processes. The following is a detailed explanation from aspects such as product characteristics, application scenarios, certification compliance, sustainable practices, and latest developments:

Solvay's food-grade silica is represented by the Tixosil® series, covering various 细分 models such as T38A and 68B FCC. These products have the following notable characteristics:

The Tixosil® series adsorbs free moisture through a nano-scale porous structure (average particle size of 16 microns) to prevent powder caking. For example, adding 1% T38A to non-dairy cream powder can reduce caking by 80%, while improving powder fluidity and reducing the frequency of cleaning production equipment. This feature makes it widely used in easily caking products such as milk powder, non-dairy creamer, and instant coffee. For instance, adding it to soup mixes can reduce packaging weight differences by 30%.

In addition to anti-caking, Tixosil® also functions as a protein stabilizer, which can form a nano-scale colloidal network in acidic milk drinks to stabilize the protein structure and prevent stratification. In wet noodle production, it shortens the rehydration time by 15% by physically blocking the rearrangement of starch molecules and imparts a smooth taste. Moreover, some models (such as Tixosil Soft Clean™) have become the preferred raw materials for children's toothpaste and sensitive gum care products due to their low abrasion characteristics (Mohs hardness ≤ 4).

Solvay's food-grade silica has a purity of ≥ 99%, complying with FCC (Food Chemicals Codex) and EU E551 standards, with heavy metal content controlled below lead ≤ 2ppm and arsenic ≤ 1ppm. Tixosil 68B FCC has also obtained Kosher and Halal certifications, meeting the needs of global diversified markets.

Solvay has developed high-fluidity silica specifically designed for pet dry food, which can reduce friction between particles and improve the filling accuracy of automatic packaging equipment to ±1%. In aquatic feed, it enhances particle strength as a binder, reducing the 溃散 rate in water by 40% and lowering aquaculture water pollution.

At the end of 2024, Solvay launched bio-circular silica at its Livorno plant in Italy, using rice husk ash to replace traditional silica raw materials. This process not only solves the problem of high transportation costs of rice husks but also reduces CO₂ emissions per ton of silica by 50% through the integration of renewable energy. Currently, this material has entered the sample evaluation stage for pet food and functional foods, with plans for large-scale production in 2025.

Solvay's food-grade silica has obtained multiple authoritative certifications:

Solvay is among the top three enterprises in the global food-grade silica market, especially occupying a significant share in high-end niche areas (such as infant formula milk powder and functional foods). According to data from Future Market Insights, the global specialty silica market size is expected to reach 7.81 billion US dollars in 2025. With technical barriers and sustainable solutions, Solvay's growth rate in food applications is higher than the industry average (5.9% vs 5.4%).

Solvay has established in-depth cooperation with global leading food enterprises:

The Asia-Pacific region is a key growth pole for Solvay's food-grade silica. The new bio-circular silica production line at its Shanghai plant will be put into operation in 2026, which is expected to meet 30% of the demand for high-end food additives in the Chinese market and support the localized production of silicon-carbon anode materials for new energy vehicle batteries.

Solvay participates in the formulation of multiple international standards, including ISO 21587 (Analysis Methods for Food Additive Silica) and EU Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 on Materials and Articles in Contact with Food. Its bio-circular silica has been included in the EU "Green Public Procurement" list, promoting the industry's transition to low-carbon raw materials.

Solvay's food-grade silica business takes high performance, sustainability, and customization as its core competitiveness, not only meeting the functional and safety needs of the food industry but also reshaping the industry ecology through bio-based raw materials and low-carbon processes. As consumer demand for clean labels and sustainable products surges, Solvay's breakthroughs in circular silica will further consolidate its leading position in the global food additives market.