Industrias Químicas del Ebro secures €2 million from the PERTE to drive Circular Economy projects
The Spanish Government’s Circular Economy PERTE, an instrument designed to channel European funding under the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, has enabled Industrias Químicas del Ebro (IQE) to implement two projects aimed at promoting the use of by-products and reducing raw material consumption in the manufacture of chemical products. On 26 June, the Spanish Government Commissioner for the Circular Economy, Alejandro Dorado, and the Government Delegate in Aragón, Fernando Beltrán, visited the company’s facilities to gain first-hand insight into the impact of these investments. They were accompanied by IQE’s Managing Director, Eduardo Villarroya. Through two funding calls, IQE has received €2 million from the Circular Economy PERTE, enabling the company to mobilise a total investment of €8.4 million across both projects. The first project has focused on promoting circular economy practices in the aluminium sector, replacing virgin raw materials with industrial by-products and improving the energy efficiency of the processes. The second has aimed to increase the recovery of anhydrous sodium sulphate and reduce water and sodium chloride consumption, as well as the environmental footprint associated with the production of precipitated silica. IQE remains committed to a more sustainable and efficient chemical industry aligned with the principles of the circular economy, promoting innovation and the efficient use of resources throughout the value chain.
IQE Group recognised for its commitment to the Bosque de los Zaragozanos
IQE Group was recognised at the 5th Anniversary Gala of the Bosque de los Zaragozanos for its commitment to this initiative, promoted by Zaragoza City Council and ECODES to help build a greener and more sustainable city. The gala, held at the headquarters of Caja Rural de Aragón, brought together companies, organisations and institutions involved in the project to recognise the collective commitment that has driven its growth and to highlight its environmental, social and community impact across the city. Representing IQE Group, Ester López, Marketing and Communications Director, and Fernando Goñi, Environmental Director, received the distinction recognising IQE Group’s commitment to the Bosque de los Zaragozanos since the project’s inception and its contribution to the development of this initiative, which has already resulted in the planting of more than 4,000 trees and shrubs. This recognition highlights IQE Group’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, a core element of the Group’s strategy that is reflected in its active participation in initiatives that generate a positive impact on both the local area and society.
IQE Group will be present at Expoquimia 2026
From June 2 to 5, 2026, Grupo IQE will be in a new edition of Expoquimia 2026, the leading international event for the Chemical and Process Industries, to be held in Barcelona. With more than 50 years of history, Expoquimia has established itself as a benchmark platform for innovation, sustainability, and industrial efficiency, bringing together companies and professionals from around the world in an environment focused on the future of the sector. At Grupo IQE, we continue to develop sustainable solutions for industry, reinforcing our commitment to innovation, efficiency, and the responsible development of the chemical sector. Expoquimia 2026 will provide an excellent opportunity to further strengthen connections within the industry, share knowledge, and gain insight into the trends shaping the future of the Chemical Industry.
Industrias Químicas del Ebro will participate at Eurocoat 2026.
Industrias Químicas del Ebro will be exhibiting at Eurocoat 2026, which will take place from March 24 to 26, 2026, at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles (Paris, France). Eurocoat is one of the most important European events dedicated to the production and formulation of paints, varnishes, printing inks, sealants, and adhesives. Over three days, more than 200 suppliers, producers, and distributors of coatings, raw materials, equipment, and services from 20 countries gather to present the latest innovations and industry trends. We invite you to visit us at stand F19-G18, where you will be able to learn first-hand about our solutions and latest developments for the sector.
IQE Group strengthens its commitment to energy efficiency with ISO 50001
The IQE Group has obtained ISO 50001 certification for its energy management system. The certification, granted by AENOR and recognized by IQNET, confirms the implementation and maintenance of a system in compliance with the requirements of this international standard. The scope of the certified system covers the design and production of silicates and derivatives, as well as other related chemical products. ISO 50001 provides an international framework for the continuous improvement of energy performance, promoting efficient energy use and the optimization of production processes. Achieving this certification demonstrates the IQE Group’s commitment to energy efficiency and continuous improvement, in line with its responsible development strategy.
Project ZEROSILIBRINE_P
Implementation of a circular model at IQE to valorize the sodium sulfate effluent from precipitated silica, recovering anhydrous sulfate and reducing water and sodium chloride consumption in internal processes, is beneficiary of the 2024 Call for Grants to Promote the Circular Economy in Companies from the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO), within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR), financed by the European Union – NextGeneration EU. The proposed project seeks to recover sodium sulfate using reverse osmosis, evaporation, and crystallization processes. The project is based on previous experiences from the European projects H2020 ZEROBRINE (R&D) and LIFE ZEROSILIBRINE_P (pre-industrial demonstration), where it has been demonstrated that it is feasible to recover this residue by piloting under pre-industrial conditions the key processes of reverse osmosis and crystallization. The project pursues several key objectives: This integrated approach aims to close the loop in by-product recovery, fostering environmental and economic sustainability throughout IQE’s production processes.
Grupo IQE, beneficiary of the PRTR through the REALZE project, a benchmark in sustainability
The REALZE Project, “Innovative circular model for the production of zeolites and high value-added materials through the substitution of raw materials with an alkaline by-product from aluminum manufacturing”, developed at IQE Group, has been awarded funding under the 2022 Call for Grants to Promote Circular Economy in Companies, issued by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO). This funding is part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR), financed by the European Union – NextGenerationEU (Grant No. EXP/EC/2023/00310). Through this project, IQE Group positions itself as a benchmark in sustainability within the chemical industry. Supported by European funds, we continue to develop sustainable and innovative solutions for the circular valorization of by-products from the aluminum industry, reinforcing our commitment to reducing environmental impact and enhancing resource efficiency. With REALZE, we transform a by-product into high-performance materials, advancing circular economy practices and contributing to the decarbonization of the sector.
Silkimya at the Global Polymer Summit 2025
Our subsidiary Silkimya will be present at the Global Polymer Summit in Cleveland (USA), one of the most important international events in the sector.Its presence reinforces the IQE Group’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global reach. Its presence reinforces the IQE Group’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global reach. The Global Polymer Summit 2025 will take place from September 8–11 in Cleveland, Ohio, bringing together industry leaders, researchers, and professionals who are shaping the future of polymer science. Within this framework, Silkimya will be showcasing innovative solutions in precipitated silica, used as a reinforcing filler in elastomers, particularly natural and synthetic rubber.You can find us at Stand #645, where we will be presenting our latest developments. Through this participation, we reaffirm our commitment to transforming inorganic chemistry into solutions that generate a positive impact on everyday life. This gathering also provides an excellent opportunity to share ideas, learn from other industry leaders, and build alliances that foster innovation and sustainable development in the polymer sector. 👉 An opportunity to discover how the IQE Group is driving innovation.
Grupo IQE, sponsor of the charity tournament organized by Infancia Solidaria
We had the privilege of taking part in a padel event filled with emotion, solidarity, and social commitment. Thanks to the admirable work of Infancia Solidaria and the project they lead with such dedication and effort, we shared a tournament where the true spotlight was on their values: solidarity, commitment, responsibility, integrity, and equity. At Grupo IQE, we are deeply grateful to have participated as sponsors of this meaningful event. We believe that when companies align with shared and fair values, they have the power to generate a positive impact on society.