Solvay and Veolia, through their joint subsidiary Resolest, have officially inaugurated a new advanced recycling unit at the Rosières-aux-Salines site in Meurthe-et-Moselle, France. The new facility significantly expands the site’s processing capacity for industrial flue gas (Industrial flue gas generally consists of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and a range of pollutants, including sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter) treatment residues, marking a key milestone in the companies’ ongoing push toward a more circular and sustainable industrial model.
The Rosières-aux-Salines site, operational for more than two decades, specializes in the recovery of salt from residues produced by flue gas treatment using sodium bicarbonate. These recovered salts are purified into brine and reused in Solvay’s sodium carbonate production process at its Dombasle plant, creating a closed-loop system that reduces waste and conserves natural raw materials. The newly inaugurated unit enhances Resolest’s annual processing capacity by up to 50%, enabling the facility to recover significantly more residues each year.
The expansion supports Solvay and Veolia’s shared mission to build regional circular economy networks that transform industrial waste into valuable raw materials. The project reflects the momentum generated in 2024 and aligns with broader efforts to innovate within the environmental sector.
The inauguration event was held with strong support from regional and national leaders, including Senator Jean-François Husson; Thibault Bazin, Member of Parliament; Philippe Jonquet, Mayor of Rosières-aux-Salines; David Fischer, President of the Syndicat Sel et Vermois and Mayor of Dombasle-sur-Meurthe; as well as executives from Solvay and Veolia. Key figures in attendance included Jean-Michel Frada, Director of Resolest; Étienne Galan, President of Solvay Soda Ash & Derivatives; and Jean-François Nogrette, Director of Veolia France Zone and Special Waste Europe.
“For more than 20 years, Resolest has been a pioneer in recovering materials from residues once considered non-recoverable. This expansion strengthens our capacity to produce reusable industrial salts and actively preserve natural resources,” said Frada.
Étienne Galan highlighted Solvay’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “We believe in the circular economy’s potential to shape a more sustainable future. This development, made possible with Veolia, demonstrates our commitment to turning environmental challenges into opportunities.”
Nogrette emphasized the broader significance of the initiative: “The circular industry we are building daily with partners like Solvay is more than an environmental solution—it’s a source of innovation, value creation, and regional competitiveness. Veolia is fully committed to deploying its expertise to drive this transformation.”
The project represents a notable step forward in advancing industrial ecology and reinforces the strategic partnership between Solvay and Veolia in promoting resource-efficient solutions.
