Solvay has begun a process of decarbonizing the cyclopentanone unit of its Melle plant in France.
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The entire cyclopentanone production relies solely on biomethane gas, a green source of energy. Now, Solvay has committed to purchase a facility to convert waste biomass into 18 GWh of renewable natural gas per year for its Melle plant.
Solvay has also commercialized two grades of cyclopentanone: one for the fragrance market and one ultra-high purity version for the electronics market, both manufactured at its Melle plant.
In fragrance applications, cyclopentanone is used as a building block mainly in methyl dihydro jasmonate, which provides a floral scent of blooming jasmine flowers. Other aroma compounds derived from cyclopentanone include an entire range of delta-lactones, which offer a variety of creamy and fruity notes.
Guillaume Meunier, flavor and fragrance global market director for Solvay Aroma Performance, said, “Since cyclopentanone is used as a building block for so many fragrance applications, such as jasmine, we are committed to producing it in the most sustainable way. Powering the Melle plant with biomethane gas is a part of our Solvay One Planet initiative, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26% by 2030.”
