What Is Prayon and Its Mission?
Headquartered in Belgium, Prayon is a world-leading company active in the phosphate industry. With over 130 years of experience, this company has a real passion for phosphorus chemistry, which is vital to daily life. Prayon’s mission? Enriching daily life through phosphorus chemistry. They deliver innovative phosphate and fluorine solutions across a wide range of sectors—from pet food to chemical, construction, horticulture, personal care, and health industries. Simply put, Prayon is all about improving products and daily life by setting the pace in the world of phosphorus.
Main Benefits and Key Facts About Prayon
Prayon’s commitment to sustainability and innovation shines through in its operations and achievements. Here are some key figures and facts that highlight their impact:
- Founded in 1882, with a heritage spanning more than 130 years
- Employs around 1,200 talented and diverse collaborators
- Production sites located in Belgium, France, the United States, Switzerland, Bulgaria, and Morocco
- Uses a wet process for phosphoric acid production that emits up to 7 times less CO2 than the traditional thermal process
- Focuses on circular economy principles by valorizing by-products and aiming to close the phosphate loop
- Owned by two shareholders: OCP and Société Régionale d’Investissement de Wallonie (SRIW)
Prayon’s Commitment to Sustainability
At the heart of Prayon’s operations lies a strong commitment to sustainability. The company pioneers the design of sustainable production processes that align with circularity principles. Their wet process for phosphoric acid production is a world reference, significantly reducing CO2 emissions compared to traditional methods. But it doesn’t stop there—they strive to protect resources, achieve excellent yields from raw materials, and valorize by-products. The ultimate goal? Closing the loop through phosphate recycling and fostering a circular economy that benefits both the planet and future generations.
Global Presence and Production Facilities
Prayon’s global footprint is impressive, with production sites and R&D centers spread across Europe, North America, and Africa. The headquarters and main production site are in Engis, Belgium, which also hosts a key R&D center. Other important locations include Flémalle and Puurs in Belgium, Les Roches de Condrieu in France, Augusta in Georgia (USA), Bex in Switzerland, Varna in Bulgaria (Technophos JV R&D Center), Jorf Lasfar in Morocco (Emaphos JV), and Herrin and Sesser in Illinois (USA). This extensive network allows Prayon to serve diverse markets efficiently and innovate continuously.
Innovation and Technology at the Core
Technology runs deep in Prayon’s DNA. Since its inception, the company has leveraged cutting-edge technology to make a difference in people’s lives, communities, and the planet. Their approach combines creative solutions, high value-added products, and efficient, sustainable processes. This tech-driven mindset fuels their ability to deliver world-class equipment and innovative technical solutions that set the pace in phosphorus chemistry worldwide.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – by providing nutritious and high-quality food ingredients
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – through advanced production technologies and R&D
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – by promoting circular economy and resource efficiency
- SDG 13: Climate Action – via processes that significantly reduce CO2 emissions
- SDG 15: Life on Land – supporting sustainable agriculture and horticulture
Prayon’s Rich History and Legacy
Prayon’s story began back in 1882 with the S.A. Métallurgique de Prayon. Over the decades, it has grown and evolved, expanding its activities into food and industrial applications, horticulture, construction, and pharmaceuticals. Today, Prayon stands as a beacon of innovation and leadership in phosphorus chemistry, with a legacy built on expertise, sustainability, and a passion for enriching daily life. It’s a company that honors its past while boldly shaping the future.
