The “Ferric Chloride” project, developed at the Saline di Volterra (PI) plant, represents a virtuous model of circular economy. Thanks to a highly efficient and sustainable industrial process, Altair Chemical uses spent hydrochloric acid from steel pickling as a secondary raw material to produce high-quality ferric and ferrous chloride. This solution enables the recovery and valorisation of industrial residues, turning them into an essential product for drinking water and wastewater treatment.
The innovation behind this project stems from a collaboration with the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Pisa and a close partnership with a steel mill located just 80 km from the Saline plant. This short supply chain model significantly reduces transportation and emissions, further improving the sustainability of the production process. Moreover, the use of spent acid allows for up to 25% reduction in ferrous raw material requirements, reducing the environmental impact of the entire supply chain.
The ferric chloride obtained through this process complies with the UNI EN 888:2023 standard and has a high purity level, making it suitable not only for wastewater treatment but also for the drinking-grade treatment of water intended for human consumption. This aspect confirms the effectiveness of the circular model being adopted, which turns industrial waste into a valuable resource for society.
For this innovative project, Altair Chemical, the chlor-alkali division of Esseco Industrial, was awarded ranking among the Top 10 Italian Companies in the Circular Economy category of the Sustainable Development Award at Ecomondo 2024. This recognition confirms the company’s commitment to combining innovation and environmental stewardship, positioning it as a benchmark in water treatment and environmental impact reduction.
Altair Chemical’s approach is based on the belief that innovation and collaboration with research institutions and universities are fundamental to the sector’s sustainability. For some time, the company has pursued a path aimed at reducing the environmental impact of its production through innovative technological and plant-based solutions, with a specific focus on circular economy.
The award received at Ecomondo 2024 validates the path taken by Altair Chemical, which continues to demonstrate how industrial efficiency, technological innovation, and environmental protection can be successfully integrated, paving the way for increasingly sustainable and circular production models.
