In a significant development for the U.S. manufacturing sector, Solvay and Noveon Magnetics have announced a partnership to supply light and heavy rare earth materials, specifically rare earth oxides. This agreement, set to commence in 2026, is poised to enhance the domestic supply chain for rare earth permanent magnets, which are critical components in various high-tech applications.

The partnership will see Solvay providing Noveon with essential oxides, including Neodymium-Praseodymium (NdPr), Dysprosium (Dy), and Terbium (Tb). These materials will be sourced from various channels, including the recycling of end-of-life (EOL) products, which aligns with growing sustainability efforts in the industry. Noveon, an American manufacturer of rare earth magnets, aims to leverage this supply to meet the increasing demand from key customers across multiple sectors.

Scott Dunn, CEO of Noveon Magnetics, emphasized the importance of this agreement in strengthening the U.S. magnet supply chain, particularly at a time when domestic production capabilities are under pressure. “This agreement strengthens our ability to deliver reliable, American-made magnet solutions to industries that depend on them most,” Dunn stated, highlighting the critical nature of the partnership.

The collaboration is timely, as there is a notable rise in demand for domestically produced rare earth magnets. The U.S. has been facing challenges related to global supply chain risks and long lead times for new domestic production capacities. By combining Solvay’s chemical expertise with Noveon’s manufacturing capabilities, the partnership aims to provide a reliable and immediate solution to these challenges.

An Nuyttens, President of Solvay Special Chem, remarked on the strategic nature of the agreement, stating that it allows Solvay to contribute its knowledge in supplying essential resources for high-performance applications. This partnership not only aims to bolster the supply of rare earth materials but also reflects Solvay’s commitment to sustainable practices in the industry.

As the demand for rare earth magnets continues to grow, this partnership between Solvay and Noveon could play a pivotal role in ensuring a stable and sustainable supply chain for these critical materials in the U.S. market.