Solvay begins operations at 2 rare earth recycling plants in France

Solvay is officially opening two rare earth recycling units in France today. The plants obtain rare earths from end-of-life equipment such as low-energy light bulbs, batteries or magnets.

Solvay decided to focus initially on low-energy light bulbs because the recovery channels already exist. These light bulbs are rich in six different rare earths – lanthanum, cerium, terbium, yttrium, europium and gadolinium.