Solvay, a global leader in specialty materials and chemicals, has announced a landmark partnership with Cavalinho, its primary road transport provider in Brazil, to drastically reduce the carbon footprint of its logistics operations. The initiative was unveiled on April 1 at Solvay's Paulínia site, the largest chemical complex in Brazil. The solution aims to cut Cavalinho’s fleet transport carbon emissions by 90% by 2030.

The project will deploy biofuel-powered trucks, addressing the challenges posed by Brazil's infrastructure for long-haul electric truck travel. Starting in 2026, the fleet will commence operations with an initial 20 vehicles, each boasting a range of 650 km. By 2030, the fleet will expand to 60 vehicles to achieve the ambitious 90% emission reduction target. This move positions Solvay as one of the first companies in Brazil to adopt biofuel trucks for transportation, supporting its overarching goal of reducing scope 3 emissions by 20% by 2030.

The Paulínia site, which produces over 1.2 million tons of chemicals annually, is central to Solvay's sustainability efforts. The biofuel truck initiative is part of a broader sustainability push in Paulínia, which includes a recent announcement of a climate project to replace two-thirds of the steam produced in its boilers, currently using fossil natural gas, with biomass boilers. Since 2005, the site has already achieved a 95% CO2 reduction, a figure expected to reach 97% by 2027 with the biomass initiative.

"Our dedication to our climate roadmap is evident in our actions. Shifting to biofuel for our shipments in Brazil is a substantial move towards reducing our carbon footprint along the value chain,” said Daniela Manique, President of Solvay Coatis. “As we progress towards carbon neutrality, we remain steadfast in our commitment to sustainability and innovation."

Paulínia's evolution from a sugarcane plantation, established in 1942, to one of Solvay’s largest chemical complexes underscores its commitment to innovation and sustainability. The site houses a Research and Innovation Center that develops renewable, biodegradable, and carbon-neutral products, pioneering green chemistry with products like Bio-Etac and Bio-Amni, which impact the textiles and coatings industries.

The complex also features Latin America’s only integrated polyamide chain, producing materials for the automotive and consumer goods sectors. Additionally, it specializes in adipic acid production with low CO2 emissions, phenol production, and Solvay's sustainable solvent, Augeo.

The partnership with Cavalinho demonstrates Solvay’s commitment to addressing the complex environmental challenges associated with transportation.