Solvay hikes hydrogen peroxide prices

Hydrogen peroxide is widely used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries as a reagent for chemical syntheses.

In a statement, Solvay said that the price of its 100 per cent hydrogen peroxide will increase by 5 cents a pound in the US and C$150 per metric tonne in Canada.

"This price increase is required to support the investment needed to ensure a reliable supply of hydrogen peroxide for the market's growing demand,"​ said Richard Wylot, who is in charge of the hydrogen peroxide business at Solvay.

"Hydrogen peroxide demand has increased steadily at a rate of over 3.5 per cent each year since 2001, creating tremendous pressure on existing infrastructure,"​ he added.

This has been compounded by high energy, transportation and insurance costs, and so prices for hydrogen peroxide have had to increase 'in order to secure further investment in necessary production and transportation infrastructure', according to Wylot.

Solvay also put up the prices for its hydrogen peroxide range in March 2003.

Hydrogen peroxide and its derivatives are powerful oxidising agents that are environmentally attractive, yet capable of oxidising a wide range of organic compounds. It is widely used in epoxidation and hydroxylation reactions, as well as in oxidative cleavage reactions and for oxidising ketones, aldehydes, alcohols, organic nitrogen and organic sulphur compounds.

In addition to its uses in chemical synthesis, hydrogen peroxide is also used as a disinfecting agent. It has been adapted for use as a vapour for sterilising processing machinery and in aseptic packaging to prolong shelf-life.

Earlier this year, Solvay doubled the output of hydrogen peroxide at its Solvay Interox industrial pilot plant in Povoa, Portugal, using a new high-yield process. The Belgium-based company also recently entered into an agreement with BASF, whereby it would become the German chemicals giant's partner for the supply of hydrogen peroxide for the production of propylene oxide.