As Lead Sponsor of the Fluorine Forum 2025, FLUORSID actively contributed to discussions and exchanges among global industry experts. Within this context of dialogue and innovation, Michele Lavanga, Special Projects Director at FLUORSID, presented LIFE SYNFLUOR — the project co-funded by the European Union under the LIFE Programme and developed by FLUORSID in collaboration with Pirelli.
Lavanga outlined the project’s vision and progress, which focuses on enhancing the value of industrial by-products through three key pillars: technological development, production, and industrialisation. At its core lies hexafluorosilicic acid (FSA), a by-product generated during the production of phosphate fertilisers. Its recovery will enable the creation of two high-value materials: synthetic calcium fluoride, a sustainable alternative to natural fluorspar, and precipitated silica, designed for use as a filler in the tyre industry. In this field of application, collaboration with Pirelli plays a central role, as the company will test the performance of the silica on the road, contributing to validating its effectiveness.
“A technological challenge, developed and patented by FLUORSID, that stands as a tangible example of circular economy applied to industrial chemistry,” said Michele Lavanga, underlining the project’s potential. “For the first time, three distinct industrial sectors — fluorine, fertilisers, and tyres — are working together on a shared initiative driven by innovation and aimed at promoting a new sustainable model,” he added.
The presentation was followed by an engaging Q&A session with Michele Lavanga and Luca Pala, R&D Director, who responded to the many questions and requests for details from forum participants. An exchange that confirmed how LIFE SYNFLUOR may represent a turning point for the sector — promoting environmental, social and economic sustainability while opening new opportunities in multiple directions.
