Tronox Site in Thann, France, Inaugurates Sulfuric Acid Recycling Unit

Tronox’s site in Thann, France is the only site in the country that produces titanium dioxide and is the world leader for its applications in environmental catalysis. As such, the site plays a critical role in establishing standards for the reduction of atmospheric pollutants. It is also positioning itself as a strategic player for the world’s energy transition.

For these reasons, May 28 was an important day at the site: employees and stakeholders inaugurated an innovative industrial unit that allows the internal recycling of sulfuric acid from effluents generated by the production of titanium dioxide. The acid effluents will be purified to recycle sulfuric acid at the start of the production line.

After sharing an overview of the company, the Thann site, and the various products and their applications with a small audience, including senators and other local officials, Russ Austin, Senior Vice President Operations; Emmanuel Sibileau, Thann Site Director; Jean-François Pasquier, Vice President Commercial – Specialty Products; and Franck Navet, Project Manager, introduced the project team. Members of the team presented the new recycling unit to the guests, and then attendees enjoyed a guided visit of the plant its new recycling unit.

The inauguration marks another significant date in the history of the site, which has been in production for more than 200 years. Recycling sulfuric acid is a very important step in the circular economy and the cycle of sulfur, but it also contributes to the Thann site’s sustainability improvement. This innovative acid-recycling unit enables the Thann site to reduce its CO₂ emissions by 3,000 tons/year; save 10% on sulfur purchases (equivalent to 2,000 tons/year); and decrease the amount of red gypsum deposit by 13,000 tons/year.

This 5-million-euro project received 500,000€ support from the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME). Commissioned in March 2021, this project enables a truly circular economy that is fully in line with the sustainable development approach of the Thann plant, and Tronox as a whole. Future investments could allow the site to ramp up its acid-effluent recycling efforts and share best practices with other Tronox sites around the world.

For now, Tronox and the Thann site, specifically, remain proud of the project to install, commission, and implement the new recycling unit. Every phase was completed without safety issues during a period where the COVID-19 situation had to be carefully managed.