40 years building connections: FCC S.A. celebrates its history

On March 5, 2025, FCC S.A. celebrates 40 years of a journey marked by innovation, expansion and excellence. Four decades of commitment to the development of catalytics solutions, fostering South-American refining industry and consolidating itself as reference in the sector. Beyond being a business, FCC S.A. built a story of continuous evolution, driven by strategic partnerships, research and commitment to sustainability. 

Expansion and International Consolidation  

The year of 1992 was a landmark, with the first 100% Brazilian catalysts export to Argentina. This step helped expand activity to South-American markets, including Colombia, Uruguay, Peru, Chile, Peru, Chile, among others, increasing FCC S.A. capacity for providing customized, internationally competitive solutions.  

In 1995, FCC S.A. received the first ISO 9001 certification, securing its productive quality. Later on, its certifications were expanded, incorporating OHSAS 18001 and ISO 14001 to the Integrated Management System (IMS), audited by international entities. 

Later on, in 2002, Oxiteno left the society, and in 2004, Akzo Nobel sold its participation to Albemarle Corporation, one of the chemical field global leaders. This new partnership between Albemarle and Petrobras strengthened the company, and rendered possible strategic investments in research and development. In 2023, Albemarle Corporation announced the opening of its subsidiary Ketjen, which since then represents its participation in FCC S.A. 

Innovation and Technological Development 

FCC S.A. has always been ahead of the sector transformations, seeking continuous innovation. In 2005, it increased its productive capacity in 25% by introducing the Topaz technology, directed to high accessibility catalysts, enabling processing of heavier crude feeds. Further innovative initiatives included:

• Total Catalyst Management (TCM): a system enabling customers stock control through automatic information exchange.
• eCRM: a unique, digital and customized platform for relationship with customers. 
• ProFIT: a Stage-Gate®-based methodology technological innovation program, worldwide acknowledged for its excellence in Innovation Management. 
• FCC EXPERIENCE: a courses and technical capacitation platform.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility 

For FCC S.A., social environmental responsibility is a fundamental cornerstone. Since 2017, its Corporate Volunteering Program promotes solidarity, citizenship and benefits numerous persons. 
 

New Paths 

In the last few years, FCC S.A. intensified researches to provide for the new sector demands as well as those of society. Among the recent landmarks are highlighted: 

• 2019: Launching of Cyclus, the first catalyst produced for the chemical recycling segment, which transforms solid wastes, such as rubber, into reusable raw materials.
• 2020: Introduction of Core Services, a service enabling monitoring and dynamic activity before customers’ FCC units’ variations. 
• 2021: Launching of the Braskem/SENAI agreement for developing research and development of plastics chemical recycling solutions. 
• 2023: ReNewFCCTM: this product was highlighted for processing a 100% renewable raw material at the Riograndense refinery. 
• 2024: Launching of FENIX, a catalyst developed for plastics waste catalytic pyrolysis. .

Challenges for the Future

Celebrating 40 years is much more than remember accomplishments: it is to reaffirm commitment with innovation and excellence. FCC S.A. reaches this landmark strengthened and ready to continue its mission to develop solutions that transform industry and foster sustainability.  

This journey was only possible thanks to the effort of its employees, to the reliability of its customers and partners, and to the innovative spirit that drives each challenge. Let come the next years, full of evolution, achievements and new possibilities! 

FCC S.A.: 40 years connecting innovation, technology and sustainability to future!