Solvay
2020 Integrated Report

In step with global business trends

IoT / Digitalization

Aquivion® (pictured)

Our Aquivion® innovation is a key material for hydrogen production. It is crucial for electrical storage and conversion devices such as fuel cells, electrolyzers and flow batteries used in conjunction with zero-emission electricity sources.

Smartphones raised in the air at a concert (picture)

Addressable market

>€50bn

Digital technologies are transforming the way we work and the way we consume, generating disruptive new business models. The growing demand for hyper-connectivity, the rapid development of 5G and exponential growth of data are key market drivers. This is resulting in miniaturization, the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), and a need for components that consume less energy. 5G driven by hyper-connectivity requires new high performance polymers with specific magnetic/electrical requirements, creating new opportunities.

+4%

CAGR growth in display capacitiy through 20231

+6%

CAGR growth in semiconductors through 20222

>15%

CAGR growth in IoT sensors through 20233

Challenges for customers

The need for semiconductor minimization, faster connectivity speeds, higher frequencies and low-loss signals and coatings for sensing & monitoring systems, as technology and 5G networks continue their rapid expansion.

Opportunities for Solvay

  • We provide advanced materials for applications to meet the growing demand for hyper-connectivity including miniaturization technologies.
  • We offer solutions for semiconductor industry consumables based on high-purity chemicals used in high-temperature and chemical-resistant materials.
  • Our high-performance polymers are used in new-generation OLED and flexible displays.
IoT/Digitalization (icon)

Spotlight

Solutions for 5G antennas
Xydar® LCP (liquid crystal polymer) is a glass fiber or mineral-filled resin that features excellent flow properties such as outstanding strength at extreme temperatures, inherent flame retardant and resistance to virtually all chemicals. These unique physical properties mean it can be injection molded into thin-wall elements. Due to its low moisture absorption and outstanding flow properties, it is the optimal material choice for 5G antenna substrates and housings.

Sources: 1: Solvay internal research, 2: PwC publication, 2019, 3: BCC Sensors Technologies and Markets – July 2018