Solvay will invest €6 million at its site in Rheinberg, Germany, to expand sodium bicarbonate capacity. Startup is planned by the end of 2018. Actual capacity figures were not disclosed.

“The addition of capacity in Rheinberg complements the existing capacity in Torrelavega, Spain, and creates a new platform to further grow our business in flue gas treatment,” said Olivier Champault, head of Solvay’s bicarbonate and derivatives business.

The Belgian company said the new capacity will enable it to supply customers with its sodium bicarbonate-based formulation Solvair SB 0/3. Launched in 2015, Solvair pollution control formulations improve air quality by eliminating acid gases such as hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfur oxides (SOx).

The Rheinberg project is being co-funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.