170 years of industrial expertise – A human journey shaping the future
On Saturday, June 14, 2025, Novacarb — a key industrial player in the production of sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate — celebrated the 170th anniversary of its historic site in La Madeleine. A day full of emotion, connection, and discovery. The event brought together employees, former staff, families, partners, and long-time friends. It was a unique opportunity to reflect on our history while reaffirming our commitment to a sustainable future.
A legacy of industry rooted in Lorraine
Founded in 1855 in Laneuveville-devant-Nancy, Novacarb established itself in the heart of a region rich in natural resources — particularly salt, an essential component in the manufacturing of our products. Throughout the 20th century, the plant continuously modernized its facilities and diversified its production to meet the needs of various industries: food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, environment, and detergence.
In 1975, Novacarb joined Rhône-Poulenc Chimie, later became part of the Novacap Group, and in 2021 became one of the key pillars of the Humens Group, a specialist in responsible mineral solutions.
2023 marked a major turning point with two flagship energy transition projects.
- NOVAWOOD is a biomass cogeneration plant built in partnership with Engie Solutions. Commissioned in early 2023, it enables the simultaneous production of heat and green electricity, significantly reducing the site’s greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening the energy security of our operations.
- NOVASTEAM is an energy recovery project developed in partnership with Suez. It aims to use Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) to diversify our energy mix. Scheduled to be operational by 2026, it will bring an end to coal use and ensure the site’s long-term sustainability.
For 170 years, Novacarb has been evolving thanks to the purity of its products, its deep regional roots, and its commitment to innovation.
A day of connection and discovery
On June 14, 2025, we proudly and warmly opened the doors of our plant. Employees and their families, our partners, local officials — everyone was invited to discover behind the scenes of our site through guided tours of the workshops, retaining walls, and settling basins, true witnesses of our industrial expertise.
The day was filled with various activities, including an archive exhibition organized by the Laneuveville-devant-Nancy Historical Association, a photo contest, presentations of scientific experiments, and demonstrations of the many uses of sodium bicarbonate.
An industrial site focused on the future
While this day was an opportunity to celebrate our rich history, it was above all a chance to share our vision for the future. At Novacarb, we firmly believe that a historic industrial site can be a key player in the ecological transition.
Beyond key projects like NOVASTEAM and NOVAWOOD, already launched to drastically reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, we are also committed to continuously improving our industrial processes. Our goal is to produce more efficiently, with lower energy consumption, and in a more environmentally friendly way.
These initiatives fully align with the strategy promoted by the Humens Group: building responsible and sustainable chemistry, focused on future generations.
Thank you to all the teams who drive Novacarb forward every day.
This special anniversary was also a moment of tribute. To all the women and men who have shaped Novacarb’s history, to those who work today for its development, and to all the partners, local communities, and friends who have supported us over the years: thank you.
Together, let's keep this great industrial, human, and committed journey alive.
