Orkla Materials

Environment and energy-efficient products

Silicon and Microsilica® are examples of Elkem products that contribute positively to the state of the environment. Elkem Solar’s production plant for solar-grade silicon started up at the end of 2008.

Most of Borregaard’s wood-based products, such as speciality cellulose, lignin products, vanillin, yeast products and bio-ethanol, are environmentally sustainable and offer alternatives to products based on non-renewable materials. For instance, Borregaard’s bioethanol generates very low CO2 emissions compared with petrochemical and various other bio-based alternatives.

The business area

Elkem is one of the world leaders in the environment-friendly manufacture of metals and materials. Its main products are energy, silicon, special ferrosilicon alloys for the foundry industry, carbon and microsilica. Elkem also invests heavily in the solar industry. The company has production facilities in Europe, North and South America, Africa and Asia, and an extensive network of sales offices in its main markets.

Borregaard has one of the world’s most advanced biorefi neries and is a leading manufacturer of chemicals, materials and fuel based on renewable biomass. The company also holds attractive positions in the ingredients, fi ne chemicals and energy markets, with production facilities and sales offices in 20 countries.