Alufluor through the decades

A history of circularity

Our journey began in 1973, when Boliden Kemi planned a phosphoric acid plant in Helsingborg with the goal of repurposing fluorosilicic acid (FSA) rather than neutralising it for sea disposal. Around the same time, AluSuisse had patented a method for converting FSA into aluminium fluoride (AIF3).

Recognising a shared opportunity for resource efficiency, the two companies joined forces and founded Alufluor.

Today, our work continues under joint venture ownership of Yara and Rio Tinto, and our dedication to innovation, quality, and sustainability remains as strong as ever

Look into the timeline of Alufluor to explore our devotion to continuous improvement through the decades, and other historic key milestones

1973
1973
Alufluor was founded as a partnership between Boliden Kemi and Alusuisse.
1997
1997
The by-product AluSpar is developed and introduced to the market. Aluspar is a cost-efficient and sustainable alternative to fluorspar.
1998
1998
ISO 9002 certificate is acquired.
1999
1999
1999 – 2000: Environmental management system according to ISO 14001 is introduced and certificate acquired.
2000
2000
Canadian aluminium manufacturer Alcan acquires AluSuisse.
2004
2004
OHSAS 18001:1999 certification aquired.
2004
2004 – 2006: Energy recovery from fluegases and process gases is installed.
2007
2007
Alcan is acquired by the Anglo-Australian multinational mining giant Rio Tinto.
2008
2008
Kemira is divided into two companies: Kemira and Kemira GrowHow. Alufluor becomes part of Kemira GrowHow, which is in 2008 bought by the Norwegian chemical company, Yara International.
2012
2012
Alufluor invests in a high purity production line and our product Alufluor® HP is introduced to the market.
2015
2015
The company introduces Aluhydrate – a consistent dry aluminium hydroxide. Responsibly sourced from trusted aluminium hydroxide producers.
2015
Received a lower Seveso risk classification after converting burners to natural gas — eliminating the need for LPG storage and significantly improving site safety.
2018
2018
We switch from natural gas to renewable biogas for all production, making us for the first time CO2 negative according to the EU Red ll directive.
2020
2020
Launch of AluKultur, a multi-year corporate culture initative, and developement of our four cornerstones.
  • We care
  • We take responsibility
  • We work together
  • We improve
2021
2021
Launch of the EU Horizon funded iWAYS project <a href="/sustainability/iways/">read more about the project here</a>.
2021
2021 – 2025: Major dust reducing work environment investments.
2024
2024
Completed Life Cycle Analysis for AlF<sub>3</sub>.
2024
Commissioning of the innovative Heat Pipe Condensing Economisers (HPCE) starts.
2024
Adopts the ISO 26000 standard on Social Responsibility by having our sustainability claims verified by an independent third party.
2025
2025
Installation and testing of the iWAYS- project second phase, an expansion of our water treatment plant that is expected to increase our water recovery.
2025
Alufluor is placed in the top 9% of sustainability assessed companies worldwide by EcoVadis.