About Kandelium

Welcome to the Future of Chemical Solutions

Kandelium leads the field in barium carbonate, strontium carbonate and sodium percarbonate compounds. We hold a strong leading position in markets around the globe, and we are optimally positioned to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

4 locations in Germany, Spain and Mexico
Production sites in Germany and Mexico
Raw material refining plant in Spain
Industry technology leader
Supplies to over 65 countries around the globe
Global leader in barium carbonate, strontium carbonate and sodium percarbonate

Where We Come From

2021

Founding Kandelium

Technical-grade chemical solutions grounded in over 130 years of experience: Kandelium looks back on a strong tradition of innovation, expertise and customer focus. And we are ready for a future that will see us expand and grow.
2020

Winning a New Partner with Latour Capital

The takeover of all company activities in our four locations by Latour Capital lays the groundwork for the founding of Kandelium.
2014

Achieving Milestones in Spain

The company's location in Escúzar is nominated for an Excellence Award because of its use of solar pond alternative energy. The plant also achieves a production milestone: it has now produced 2 million tons of concentrated celestite.
2001

Driving Research in Persalts

The company’s consistent focus on research, development and innovation leads to its establishment of a global research center for persalts.
1997

Gaining an Icon

The innovative flue gas desulfurization unit goes into operation in Bad Hönningen. The striking chimney has since become an architectural landmark - and an iconic sight.
1991

Rebranding as “Solvay”

All company activities based in Bad Hönningen are rebranded under the name “Solvay”. The multinational chemical group Solvay has been the majority stockholder since 1959.
1990

Establishing a New Location in Escúzar, Spain

The celestite mine in Escúzar, Spain is inaugurated to supply the plant in Bad Hönningen with raw materials. Production begins with 30,000 t/year capacity.
1989

Going into Operation in Monterrey, Mexico

The company takes up production in the new strontium carbonate plant in Monterrey, Mexico. The plant is located in the second-largest industrial center in Mexico, near the largest celestite deposit in the world.
1956

Building a Gaseous Carbon Dioxide Pipeline

The company completes construction on a pipeline that transports carbon dioxide underneath the Rhine from Niederbreisig to Hönningen.
1901

Drilling the Mineral Spring “Hönninger Sprudel”

The "Hönninger Sprudel" mineral spring is drilled to serve as a source of carbonic acid for barium carbonate production.
1890

Founding the Company “Chemische Fabrik Walther Feld”

Local chemist Walter Feld establishes the company "Chemische Fabrik Walther Feld & Companie zu Hönningen am Rhein" to produce barium sulfide, barium carbonate, barium hydroxide and barium chloride. He chooses Hönningen because of the location's natural carbon dioxide reserves.

A New Name with a Long History

Our Tradition of Excellence

Technical-grade chemical solutions grounded in over 130 years of experience: Kandelium looks back on a strong tradition of innovation, expertise and customer focus. And we are ready for a future that will see us expand and grow.

A New Beginning

We’ve grown our business, in-depth know-how and close customer relationships for over 130 years. Today, we are bringing our global tradition of excellence into the future under the name Kandelium.

What Will Change?

As an independent company, we are free to concentrate on our core competencies and markets – and on strategically developing our business and employees. Building on our strong position worldwide, our expert teams and our outstanding application-specific technology, we will invest, improve, innovate and grow.

What Will Stay the Same?

Our leading competitive position through advanced technology, first-rate engineering and in-depth knowledge. Our commitment to providing top product quality, cutting-edge innovation and customized solutions that perfectly suit our customers’ needs, providing them with real added value. And our focus on sustainability and corporate responsibility.

Our Growth Strategy

Kandelium is launching an ambitious growth strategy. Our goal is to fully capture market opportunities and follow a breakthrough innovation strategy with our strong R&D team. We will increase our production capacities and expand – both geographically and in terms of markets.

To achieve this, we are building on our strengths: