Solvay and IUCN Launch RHINO Biodiversity Program at Rosignano Site in Italy

Solvay and the International Union for Conservation of Nature launched a new RHINO biodiversity program at Solvay's Rosignano site in Italy, expanding their collaboration after work at Dombasle in France. The B2B Marketplace reported the launch on October 22, 2026.

Solvay's Rosignano RHINO Program

Solvay is the first chemical company to pilot and implement the IUCN RHINO framework, which stands for Rapid, High-Integrity Nature-positive Outcomes. The company is working with IUCN to understand how its operations interact with nature, prioritize actions where they can have the greatest impact, and contribute to global biodiversity goals through science-based, measurable approaches.

The new program builds on work at Solvay's Dombasle site in France, where over the past year the two organizations completed a comprehensive biodiversity assessment and, using the RHINO methodology, identified priority species and habitats. That work produced a science-based roadmap through 2030 covering biodiversity monitoring, habitat restoration, ecological corridor development, invasive species management, and measures to reduce impacts on local ecosystems.

At Rosignano, Solvay and IUCN carried out an initial review across five interconnected operational areas: the industrial site, Santa Luce Lake, the Cecina River basin, the Ponteginori solution mining area, and the San Carlo quarry, which supplies natural limestone for soda ash production. The review identified opportunities to strengthen biodiversity outcomes across the landscape. Over the next 18 months, detailed ecological assessments will establish biodiversity baselines and identify priority conservation actions, with IUCN providing scientific advice and review.

"In Dombasle, we developed a science-based roadmap for biodiversity action. In Rosignano, we're building on those lessons in one of our most diverse and complex landscapes," said Jean-Charles Djelalian, Chief Sustainability Officer at Solvay. "This is about moving from commitment to implementation, and demonstrating that industry can be part of the solution."

Susanne Pedersen, Director of IUCN's Centre for Science and Knowledge, said: "The biodiversity crisis requires action at scale. Through the IUCN RHINO approach, we are helping companies identify where they can have the greatest positive impact for species and ecosystems."

A particular focus will be placed on Santa Luce Lake, a former industrial reservoir that has evolved into a Natura 2000 protected area and State Nature Reserve. The site hosts around 200 bird species. Building on decades of work with conservation partner LIPU and other local stakeholders, the roadmap will seek to strengthen habitat management, ecological connectivity, and ecosystem resilience.

The Rosignano program contributes to Solvay's commitment to dedicate 30% of its permeable land located near biodiversity-sensitive areas to conservation and restoration with measurable positive impacts by 2030, while supporting the objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Solvay's Recent Partnerships

According to akta.pro company records, Solvay signed a non-binding letter of intent with Viridis Mining and Minerals in June 2026 to secure mixed rare earth carbonate feedstock from Brazil for its La Rochelle separation facility, targeting 30% of European magnet-grade rare earth supply by 2030 with a final investment decision expected in the second half of 2026 and volumes from 2028. In May 2026, the European Patent Office upheld Solvay's soda ash recycling patent EP 3 971 138 B1 after an opposition by WE Soda Ltd, providing unitary patent enforcement across 18 European countries. The same records show a three-year collaboration with Pantys, applying social credits to measure and scale improvements in people's daily lives, building on a pilot to use social-impact metrics in Solvay's sustainability program.

Earlier Solvay Announcements

On October 13, 2026, Solvay launched Solsys Care Max, a laundry performance solution for detergent formulators targeting cold and quick wash programs, B2B Marketplace reported. On October 19, 2026, Solvay reported preliminary third-quarter 2026 underlying net sales of EUR 1.03 billion and underlying EBITDA of EUR 173 million, and guided 2026 underlying EBITDA to EUR 720-740 million and free cash flow to shareholders to EUR 120-150 million, according to The future of trading. On September 25, 2026, Citigroup cut its stake in Solvay below the 3% voting-rights threshold, triggering a regulatory disclosure, The future of trading reported.

Solvay's 2027 Biodiversity Targets

By the end of 2027, Solvay aims to establish science-based biodiversity objectives, monitoring indicators, and a long-term action plan to guide implementation through 2030 and beyond at Rosignano.