Financial Statements - Solvay

The Organic cluster:
Molecular Solutions
In organic chemistry, two courses of
action were followed during 2008.
First, peptide and oligonucleotide
activities were stepped up, with work
continuing on developing the pipeline
of future molecules. Second, cost
reduction measures were taken to
react to falling sales in this activity:
Girindus sold its Kuensebeck
(Germany) site;
cost reduction measures are
being reviewed at the Peptisyntha
(Belgium) site.
In 2009 the economic crisis is widely
impacting the industry and our main
customers, in particular for peptides
and oligonucleotides.
Innovation
As well as developing new, innovative
projects like the SOLVAIR ® S300
process, the EPICEROL ® process,
the high productivity hydrogen
peroxide process, and the new
F1EC fl uorinated compound, in
2008 the Chemical Sector launched
a cross-SBU initiative entitled
“Seeds for Growth.” This initiative
consists of gathering new ideas
for growth by developing products
or processes in response to the
increased scarcity of available fossil
resources. This unifying theme,
aligned with the Group’s Sustainable
Development thrust, has brought
in over 1 000 ideas. Sixty ideas
grouped around 10 themes have
been selected for further examination
in 2009.
Chemicals Sector
35
Solvay Global Annual Report 2008
Chemicals Sector