The new Epicerol™ technology produces epichlorohydrin, a raw material for polyester resins, from glycerol, a by-product from biodiesel production from rapeseed.
Thus, the new technology improves the overall lifecycle balances both of polyester resins and of biodiesel.
More efficient than the technology previously used to produce epichlorohydrin, the process reduces chlorinated residues eightfold and water consumption tenfold.
S o l v ay has applied for 22 patents for the Epicerol new technology.
Amongst the main uses of epichlorohydrin is the production of epoxy resins used in cars, boats and planes, wind power plants, water- purification products, and paper strengthening.
This process has received several environmental awards in France, UK and Canada.
