Circular economy in Europe: building new synergies

The company, which supplies international customers from the Prahovo Industrial and Chemical Park (ICPP) and also offers partner companies the opportunity to locate to the site with its modern infrastructure, is committed to a modern circular economy.

"For example, we accept used acids from industry, which we can use for our NPK fertilizers without additional pre-treatment," reports Matthias Predojević, Vice President Corporate Development at Elixir. The Group will soon be expanding its portfolio to include the production of technical phosphoric acid. "The new plant will go into operation at the end of the year and numerous partners are already waiting for it," says Predojević.

Further promoting sustainable processes and advancing the topic of the circular economy is at the top of the agenda for modern companies. "Many welcome the opportunity to establish corresponding collaborations and thus create synergies for their company itself, but also for the environment and climate," says Predojević.

Matthias Predojevic, Vice President Corporate Development, General Manager Elixir GD & Industrial ChemPark Prahovo

"For example, we accept waste acids from industry, which we can use for our NPK fertilizers without additional pre-treatment."

New production plant

The 75 and 85% technical phosphoric acid (_H3PO4) from the new production plant will be available for sale from January 2023. Kristian Vorkapić, Sales Director Chemicals at Elixir, explains the technical data: "The phosphoric acid can be used for all technical applications, is standardized for the quality on the market and is available at an attractive price-performance ratio. Thanks to the optimal connections, deliveries from our plant are also possible at short notice."

Demand for the product is high, says Vorkapić. "We are therefore pleased to be able to meet this demand with our high-quality technical phosphoric acid. We are also open to specific customer requests: our plant is designed to be so flexible that various quality requirements can be implemented."

Customers and partners include industrial companies that use technical phosphoric acid in their production processes, but of course also commercial companies that serve a large customer platform. "In the context of the circular economy, companies appreciate the fact that they can put their used acids to good use with us and don't have to dispose of them at great expense," explains Predojević. The cooperation with Elixir ensures that they make a contribution to the green agenda.

Elixir handles the transport and recycling of the used acids, which are used 100% in the production of mineral fertilizers. "Of course, the same companies also need supplies of technical phosphoric acid for their production. This will also be available from us from the beginning of 2023. In this way, we are contributing to sustainable production within the circular economy."

Locational advantage

Another advantage is the geographical location of the ICPP, which offers optimal logistics conditions: The company's own port - the Prahovo Industrial and Chemical Park is located directly on the Danube—has 700 m of operating quay as well as seven berths for riverboats. To the north, the Danube offers access to the countries of the Danube basin - all the way to Germany. The ICPP also has its own rail network with several terminals and is connected to the Serbian rail system and the international rail network. "Of course, there are also connections to the most important European road and transport hubs. This enables us to guarantee efficient delivery at short notice, in some cases even within 24 hours," explains the Vice President.

The Elixir Group 's constant striving for the highest quality is reflected in various certifications: with certification in general management in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001:2015, DIN EN ISO 14001:2015, the globally accepted and applied standard for environmental management systems, and DIN EN ISO 45001:2018 in the area of occupational health and safety, the Serbian company is a recognized and valued partner for industry and trade. Continuous internal and external audits ensure that all processes are carried out in accordance with international standards. At the same time, Elixir is constantly investing in research and development—to ensure continued high-performance production and to be able to offer customers innovative solutions in the future.

Kristian Vorkapić, Sales Director Chemicals, Elixir Group

"Our phosphoric acid can be used for all technical applications, is standardized for quality on the market and is available at an attractive price-performance ratio."

Living sustainability

According to Vorkapić, the new plant that the Elixir Group has built at the ICPP is designed to produce 40,000 tons of technical phosphoric acid per year. "The production unit will go into trial operation at the end of the year so that we can adapt flexibly to demand at the beginning of the new year and respond to individual customer requirements." Predojević has received consistently positive feedback in discussions with partner companies and potential new customers. "Many people are talking about sustainability in practice and about working together in the shortest possible way, which is considered highly desirable, especially in the current challenging global market. We are all returning to our strengths within Europe and we are pleased to be able to make a contribution to this."