Chlorine

Industry
Review
2007-2008
An energy
intensive industry
with a good story
to tell
Contents
Introduction 1
Industrial paradigm shift driven by climate change
Sustainability 2
Doing all we can to improve
Legislative developments 10
Balanced and workable legislation
Information & education 14
Building credibility through transparency
Science 15
Effective advocacy with sound scientific insight
Industry overview 18
Chlorine production reaches new high
Chlorine production plants 22
Euro Chlor 24
Membership 26
Full members 27

Cover: The power of lightning, electricity, is the same power used in the chlor-alkali electrolysis. It cannot be
substituted and represents up to 60% of the variable cost of production. That fact makes chlor-alkali an
Energy Intensive Industry.
Introduction

Industrial Our subsequent disappointment was shared by all industry. The proposals were
largely indeterminate and left almost all substantial issues open for further dis-
paradigm cussion. This reflects the overall difficulty in reconciling the opposing factions
in the debate. Even now, 8 months later, we are advised not to expect the clar-
shift driven by ity we seek after the Council and Parliamentary debates as this would prejudice
the negotiations on Global Agreements to be finalised late 2009 in Copenhagen.
climate change
Putting this to one side there is a fundamental message here that tends to be
2007 ended with record overshadowed – that the climate change package must bring change to our
industrial model. A paradigm shift in the way we approach our production must
chlorine production be made to happen in order for the CO2 emission target to be met. Carbon foot-
and with heightened prints must be reduced. Energy efficiencies must be improved and act as a cata-
lyst for innovation and technological advancement. A new industry era has
anticipation of what the begun! This is important. To ignore it opens us to criticism from our opponents
Commission’s climate (and our allies) that our pleas to safeguard our competitiveness and the prosper-
ity it brings are based on the status quo which is fundamentally unacceptable.
change policies, finally
due for publication in I am happy to say that we are able to refute such accusations.
January 2008, would
As an energy intensive industry we have a good story to tell. Our energy
bring. The two points consumption has already dropped from over 3.6 MWh per tonne of chlorine in
are linked. Would our 2001 to about 3.3 MWh in 2007, and many member companies are below 3.0.
Various technological improvements were promoted at our Technology
industry, which consumes Conference held earlier in the year in Lyon so we can go further.
36 TWh of electricity
per year be given a A number of Euro Chlor members have corporate sustainability targets which
include energy reduction. One member company has a target to reduce energy
sympathetic treatment in consumption by 25% over the 10 year period ending 2015. This is highly com-
the ETS review or would mendable and I would encourage all members to follow suit.

we be left to suffer the On the political front we have good arguments to present to show why we are
severe cost burden of deserving of performance based carbon allocations to prevent the effects of
carbon leakage. Key of these is that chlorine derivatives like PVC and
carbon after 2012 with polyurethanes enable others to reduce energy consumption in the field of
the consequent impact insulation in buildings and in light weight transportation. This means that
on our competitiveness? across the value chain we are at least carbon neutral!

Our position is clear, legitimate and credible. Given a free allocation of CO2
allowances calculated against a benchmark which accounts for achievable energy
efficiencies we can compete in world markets, be profitable and contribute to
Alistair J Steel energy saving technologies and above all help drive the paradigm shift.
Executive Director
31 July 2008 This is our message to the legislators – go and tell them!!

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 Sustainability

Doing all we can

to improve

"Progress towards our 2010 Unified strategic approach

sustainability goals has All of the Western European chlorine manufacturing members
of Euro Chlor agreed in 2001 an industry-wide strategy that
diminished. There is no clear focused on six voluntary commitments. These were first devel-
reason to explain this as those oped to ensure a united industry approach and commitment to
address key sustainability concerns:
companies in the upper
quartile of performers have • Include environmental, social and economic factors in all
been able to maintain their strategic business decisions;
• Optimize energy efficiency in chlorine production;
position. As an organisation • Reduce water usage through recycling;
we must ask ourselves if we • Continuously reduce polluting emissions to water, air and land;
• Use more hydrogen generated by the industry as a raw material
are doing everything we can or fuel;
to improve. If we’re not, we’re • Give high priority to safe transportation of chlorine.
waisting an opportunity to In parallel, data was collected for 2001-02 and with this informa-
create value". Alistair J. Steel tion, 14 performance indicators and improvement goals were
agreed among producers and announced by Euro Chlor in
January 2003. Then the following year, a 15th indicator was
added that required members to gain EMAS and/or ISO 14001
Environmental Accreditation for their plants.

The original 14 indicators come under the following main areas:

economic aspects of production, environmental protection,
safety and social progress. Each year, producers are required to
report their progress to Euro Chlor, which combines feedback to
report to the association’s Management Committee prior to
annual publication of the industry’s performance.

In this section, we report on performance indicators and

progress in 2007 towards goals in 2010. Whilst the programme
continues to be a powerful force for change, not all the indica-
tors show the same degree of progress. See each individual
parameter for more details.

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Economic contribution Background: High-quality hydrogen is co-produced with
Energy use chlorine and caustic soda during the electrolysis of
Target: By 2010, reduce industry-wide energy consump- brine. This can be used as a raw material or fuel.
tion by 5% in terms of kWh/tonne of chlorine produced
compared with the 2001 base year.

Update: Except for a slight increase in 2005, the average

energy consumption shows a constant and fast decreasing
trend, and reached in 2007 a value of 3,363 kWh/t of chlor- Energy consumption
ine produced. The 3,450 kWh/t chlorine target was already 3,700
Goal:
reached last year, four years ahead of schedule.
5% reduction
by 2010
KWh/tonne of chlorine

3,600
Background: Since electricity is an indispensable raw
material of the chlorine production process, the basic
consumption – corresponding to the electrochemical 3,500
reaction – cannot be significantly reduced. However,
converting one technology into a more efficient one
may save a certain amount of energy. To a lesser extent, 3,400
reducing ancillary energy use does too.

The energy indicator is weight-averaged across all pro- 3,300

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ducers and based on steam and electricity. Energy is
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mainly used for electrolysis (transformers, rectifiers Actual Target
and cells) and also for illumination and motor power
(pumps, compressors, centrifuges, etc.). Steam is used
mainly for caustic soda concentration to 50% and for Hydrogen utilisation
minor utility purposes. 100
90 Goal:
Hydrogen use 95% use
80 of hydrogen
Target: Increase recycling and re-use of hydrogen gas
Hydrogen used (%)

70 until 2010
from 80% (2001) to 95% by 2010.
60

Update: In 2007, the percentage of hydrogen use 50

decreased to 86.7%, compared with 89.1% in 2006. 40
Several companies improved their utilisation rate. 30
Others however did not, and this has had a negative 20
influence on the consolidated result. 10
0
Comment: Some additional efforts are necessary in
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order to achieve 2010’s goal. Actual Target

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 Sustainability

Manufacturing technology Comment: Even if the long-term trend for contractors

Target: The percentage of chlorine produced by mercury shows some slight reduction, the figures are still much
cells, diaphragm cells, membrane cells and other tech- too high compared with the target. For employees, the
nologies will be communicated on a yearly basis. values have stayed level for 5 years and there is a marked
need for additional effort by a number of companies in
Update: For the first time, the membrane capacity order to achieve significant improvement.
(45.6%) has taken the lead in production technologies
with the mercury process now ranking second (37.7%). Background: A lost time injury (LTI) results in at least
The diaphragm process accounted for 13.6% in 2007. one day of absence from work. It is reported as the
The shift of technologies is in line with the Chlor Alkali number of LTI per million working hours. The figures
sector’s voluntary agreement to phase out all installed from companies reporting on a three day period of
mercury chlor-alkali capacity by 2020. absence are converted to an equivalent of one day using
a Cefic correlation.
Economic development
Target: Euro Chlor has decided to report monthly, quarterly
Lost-time injuries companies and contractors
or annually data on European production of chlorine and
indicators (number of incidents for 1 million
caustic soda. This includes utilisation rates, caustic stocks,
working hours)
capacity and technology by plants and applications.
18
Companies
Update: In 2007, Euro Chlor continued to publish on its 16 Goal: 85% reduction by 2010
Number of lost-time injuries

website and distribute to the media figures for monthly

14 Contractors
chlorine production and caustic soda stocks.
12 Goal: 90% reduction by 2010

The Industry Review includes every year a map of 10

Europe showing location of all plants and a table indi- 8
cating the location, ownership, technologies and cap- 6
acity of each plant (see p. 22-23).
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Safety & social progress 0
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Lost-time injuries
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Target: To reduce lost-time injuries (LTI) to 1.3 per mil- Companies Contractors Target
lion working hours for all workers - both company
employees and contractors working on production sites.
Process incidents and losses
Update: The 2007 figures for employees remain at the Target: A 75% reduction in the number of process inci-
same level as in 2006, with an LTI rate per million work- dents from 67 (2001) to 15.
ing hours of 8.33 which is still too high. For contractors,
the rate decreased to an LTI rate per million working Update: There were 14 incidents in 2007, slightly down
hours of 9.33 (compared with 10.50 in 2006). on the 16 of 2005 and 2006.

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 Comment: The 2010 target has been achieved in 2007. Producers in Europe transported 618,000 tonnes of
Efforts will be continued to confirm and possibly further chlorine, with about 70% being shipped by rail and the
improve this performance. remainder by road.

Background: Incidents are classified as events involving The transport of chlorine (excluding pipelines) repre-
a fire, explosion or the release of chlorine, hydrochloric sented 6% of 2007 production (as in the previous year).
acid, sulphuric acid, sodium hypochlorite (bleach) or The average distance chlorine was transported by rail
caustic soda, which cause a fatality, serious injury or was 450 km; by road, 190 km.
property damage exceeding € 100,000. Losses include
any of the above chemical spills in air, water or land, Transportation of chlorine
which impact human health or the environment,
1,500
property or result in evacuation. Goal: zero incidents by 2010
Chlorine transported (kilotonnes)

Process incidents
80 1,000
Goal: >75% reduction by 2010
70

60
Number of incidents

500
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10 Total without pipeline Rail Road
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Actual Target PVC recycling industry almost doubles

recycling in 2007
The European PVC industry recycled 149,000 tonnes of this
Transportation
chlorine-based plastic in 2007, almost twice the 2006 amount,
Targets: Zero “transport incidents” involving the bulk
which, at 83,000 tonnes, was already more than double the
movement of chlorine by 2010. The tonnage of chlorine
2005 figure, according to the latest Vinyl 2010 Progress
transported as a percentage of the total chlorine pro- Report. Vinyl 2010 is a coalition of PVC industry groups: the
duced will be reported annually as well as the mode of European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers (ECVM), the
transport involved. European Plastics Converters (EuPC), the European Stabiliser
Producers Association (ESPA) and the European Council for
Update: Two transportation incidents have been reported Plasticisers and Intermediates (ECPI). Vinyl 2010 says that
in 2007; only one occurred in 2006. The same quantity progress towards targets set in 2000 shows that this
of chlorine was transported in 2007 compared to 2006. particular approach to self-regulation is working.

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 Sustainability

Background: A “chlorine transport incident” is one Environmental protection

which either involves death or injury, a spill/leak of COC emissions
more than 5 kg, substantial property damage, public Target: Emissions of 22 chlorinated organic com-
disruption of more than one hour or the intervention of pounds (COCs) to be reduced in 2010 by 75% to water
emergency services or media coverage. and by 50% to air against the 2001 base year.

The amount of chlorine transported in Europe by rail Update: At end 2007, COC emissions from manufactur-
and road has halved during the past decade. Chlorine ing plants confirmed globally the results of 2006; for the
movement has been decoupled from production water compartment, the value stayed at the level of 69%
through supplier/customer relocations and more use of reduction, but for air the performance slightly
local pipelines. Rail transport dominates; road trans- decreased from 50 to 48% a year earlier.
port for bulk supply is used only in the United Kingdom
and, to a limited extent, in France, Portugal and Spain. Background: The COCs were selected from various
international regulatory priority lists for emissions
Responsible Care ®

reductions and comprise the following substances:

Target: All chlorine-producing members of Euro Chlor
1,1,1-trichloroethane; 1,1,2-trichloroethane; 1,2-dichloro-
to sign up to the “Responsible Care” initiatives by 2010.
benzene; 1,2-dichloroethane; 1,4-dichlorobenzene;
2-chlorophenol; 3-chlorophenol; 4-chlorophenol; car-
Update: The number of chlor-alkali producing members
bon tetrachloride; chlorine; chlorobenzene; chloroform;
of Euro Chlor has fluctuated since the programme
dichloromethane; dioxins & furans (as TEQ); hexa-
began as a result of restructuring, company mergers or
chlorobenzene; hexachlorobutadiene; hexachlorocyclo-
withdrawal from the association. As of 31 December
hexane; pentachlorophenol; tetrachloroethylene;
2007, 35 out of 38 full members had joined national
trichlorobenzene; trichloroethylene and vinyl chloride.
Responsible Care initiatives.

In 2005, pentachlorobenzene was added to the list of

Background: Responsible Care is the chemical indus-
the substances to be monitored, in line with the
try’s global voluntary initiative by which companies,
requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive.
through national associations, work together to continu-
ously improve their health, safety and environmental
To provide a longer-term perspective of the sector’s
performance and to communicate with stakeholders
commitment to reducing emissions, the data shown
about their products and processes.
spans the period 1985-2007.
Responsible Care was conceived in Canada and
launched in 1985 to address public concerns about
chemical manufacture, distribution and use.

The number of national chemical industry associations

embracing the Responsible Care ethic has grown con-
siderably from 6 to 52 countries since 1992.

6 / Chlorine Industry Review 2007-2008

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 Plant emissions to air
60

50 A global concern
1,000 tonnes/year

40 Addressing sustainability issues is not only important for

Euro Chlor, but also to other national or regional chlor-alkali
30 business organisations around the world.
20
In 2007, the World Chlorine Council published “Sustainability
10 Commitments and Actions”. It describes how the global
2010 Target
chlor-alkali industry contributes to sustainable development,
0 both by providing essential products and by continuously
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87

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01

03

05

07

working to improve its social, economic and environmental

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performance. It also addresses key future challenges.

Plant emissions to water WCC’s long-term vision is that the continued global produc-
10 tion and use of chlorine chemistry is sustainable and that
9 there is public recognition of the industry’s benefits and con-
8 tributions. Overall WCC is focused on engaging producers
1,000 tonnes/year

7 worldwide to achieve its 2007-2010 goals which focus on:

6
5 • improving the performance and sustainability
4 of the chlor-alkali industry
3 • promoting responsible stewardship practices
2 • addressing safety, health, environmental
1 2010 Target and public policy issues, and
0 • effectively communicating the benefits of chlorine
chemistry to society.
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WCC represents producers accounting for about 90% of

worldwide chlor-alkali production. It links 23 chlorine and
Mercury emissions chlorinated products industry associations in Europe, Asia,
Target: Although all other programme deadlines are for North and South America. “Sustainability Commitments and
2010, the industry decided to maintain an earlier 1998 Actions” can be downloaded from www.worldchlorine.org.
commitment to achieve an emission target of 1 g Hg/t
chlorine capacity on a national basis by end 2007, with
no plant being above 1.5 g Hg/t chlorine capacity.

The industry elected to keep the earlier date, since from

October 2007 all EU chlor-alkali plants whether mem-
brane, mercury or diaphragms require an operating per-
mit under the Integrated Pollution Prevention and
Control (IPPC) Directive.

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 Sustainability

Update: Overall European emissions in 2007 amounted Environmental accreditation

to 0.97 g Hg/tonne chlorine capacity compared with Target: All full members to gain EMAS and/or ISO 14001
1.055 g Hg/t in 2006. The average mercury emissions for Environmental Accreditation for their plants by 2010.
Western European countries decreased also to 0.95 g/t
capacity. Update: During 2007, one production site gained ISO
14001 accreditation and another without ISO 14001
Comment: Even with small oscillations, the overall level was closed down. One company did not renew its
of emissions continues its decreasing trend, mainly due EMAS accreditation. In total, 54 sites have an ISO
to the improvements of the worse plants, as more 14001 Environmental Accreditation, of which 11 are
production units are stabilised at their best realistic also EMAS accredited.
performances.
Background: EMAS (The Eco-Management and Audit
European mercury emissions Scheme) is the EU voluntary instrument which
3 acknowledges organisations that improve their environ-
mental performance on a continuous basis. EMAS
g mercury/t chlorine capacity

2,5 registered organisations are legally compliant, run an

2 environmental management system and report on their
environmental performance through publication of an
1,5 independently verified environmental statement.
1
ISO 14001 is an international quality assurance standard
0,5 to evaluate an organisation's environmental manage-
ment systems and encourage continuous improvement.
0
It helps organisations minimise negative environmental
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00
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impacts (to air, water or land) and comply with applicable

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Air Water Products laws/regulations and other environmentally-oriented

requirements. It is often the case that ISO 14001 is used
as a part of the EMAS registration process.
Product knowledge
Target: There is no specific goal for 2010. This is
because the industry agreed to provide full eco-toxico-
logical and environmental data on 29 chlorinated sub-
stances under the International Council of Chemical
Associations (ICCA)/OECD initiative on High Production
Volume (HPV) chemicals.

Update: The remaining four HPV chemicals on the list

are either handled under the REACH programme (so to
be registered before December 1st, 2010) or no longer
commercially available and supported.

8 / Chlorine Industry Review 2007-2008

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Chlorine and caustic soda – key chemical building blocks
Adhesives Carpets Dyestuffs Hairdryers Plastics
Advanced composites CDs and DVDs Electronics Herbicides Refrigerants
Air bags Ceramics Explosives Inks Roller blades
Antibiotics Computers Fertilisers Insulation Roofing
Antifreeze Cosmetics Fibre-glass Intravenous drips Safety belts
Bleach Credit cards Flame-proofing Lighting Vitamins
Blood bags Detergents Footballs Lubricants Window frames ...
Brake fluids Disinfectants Fungicides Paints ... and much more.
Bullet-resistant glass Drilling fluids Gaskets Paper
Bumpers Drinking water Golf bags Perfumes
Car seats Dry cleaning Greenhouses Pharmaceuticals

Chlorinated solvents: Risk management Comment: Open dialogue and listening to societal concerns
will be a key factor if the sector is to obtain operational feed-
With the implementation of the REACH chemicals legislation,
back and recognition for the initiative.
the European Chlorinated Solvent Association (ECSA) has
updated risk management strategies for producers to ensure
Update: A Stakeholder & End-User Perceptions Survey was
long-term sustainable use and optimal end-of-life manage-
carried out by a consultant in May and is currently under ana-
ment for chlorinated solvents.
lysis by ECSA Management.
ECSA members have approved a programme that sets out
short and long-term sustainability objectives and which defines
3. Value chain engagement
key performance indicators:
Objective: By end 2008, ECSA members will develop education
programmes in partnership with trade associations repre-
1. Sustainability actions
senting end-users and recyclers.
Objective: By 2009, ECSA commits itself to analysing and priori-
tising emissions arising from chlorinated solvent applications
Comment: The buy-in and active involvement of distributors
and to defining sustainability improvement actions.
and representative organisations of downstream users will be
essential to the success of the programme. There are more
Comment: To drive long-term industry and product sustain-
than 100 distributors and many thousands of end-users of the
ability, industry needs to identify challenges for each application
three main chlorinated solvents – trichloroethylene, methylene
where emissions can occur; demonstrate continuous improve-
chloride and perchloroethylene.
ment and resolve energy and raw material issues.

Update: Lists of contacts from ‘downstream organisations’

Update: An exhaustive list of applications has been created
have been created and dialogue has been opened with several
with an evaluation of the type and volume of emissions.
of them.
2. Stakeholder engagement
Objective: By end 2009, ECSA commits to developing active
dialogue with priority stakeholders and to addressing subse-
quent concerns.
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 Legislative developments

Balanced and
workable legislation

The most important and Energy costs critical

critical role of Euro Chlor The chlor-alkali sector is a very energy intensive industry.
Electricity costs account for approx. 50% of production costs.
is to provide advocacy Chlorine and caustic soda are essential products for the entire
leadership on efforts to chemical industry. Roughly 50% of total turnover of the chem-
ical industry depends on chlorine and caustic soda.
positively influence proposed
regulations in the areas of The international consultancy bureau Prochemics conducted a
energy, environment, health study for Euro Chlor on “The Impact of Electricity Price on the
Competitiveness of the European Chlor-Alkali Industry”. It con-
and competitiveness. We cluded that electricity prices in Europe are higher than those of
need to work together with our main competitors: Russia, China and the Middle East. The
reasons are the additional cost of climate change measures in
the EU and international the European Union (which do not apply in other important
authorities on a common industrial areas) and the malfunctioning of the liberalised elec-
tricity market in Europe. The near-doubling of electricity prices
objective to achieve efficient, in Europe as a result of climate change measures envisioned by
balanced and workable the EU – from 45€/MWh to about 70 €/MWh – will impact the
legislation. Industry should profitability of the industry, affect its ability to compete in the
open markets and its ability to conduct the necessary invest-
also constantly strive ments to survive in the long term.
to minimise potential
The chlor-alkali industry is not a direct emitter of CO2. However,
threats to the industry’s we will be indirectly affected by planned EU climate measures
competitiveness in global via the pass-through cost of CO2 in the price of electricity used
markets e.g. shortcomings in the electrolysis process.

in the EU’s energy policy. The chlor-alkali industry clearly is an “energy intensive industry”
(EII). Similar industrial sectors where there are direct CO2 emis-
sions in the process benefit from free CO2-emission allowances
in the proposed European Emission Trading Scheme (ETS).
Euro Chlor, together with Cefic, established a dossier, which was
submitted to the European Commission, documenting why the
chlor-alkali industry should be recognized as an “exposed” sector.
It demonstrates that the prices of main derivatives (such as PVC
and caustic soda) are subject to global pricing mechanisms and
therefore additional costs for carbon in chlorine production
cannot be passed through to the chlor-alkali industry.

10 / Chlorine Industry Review 2007-2008

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This extra cost will threaten the sector’s competitive Since the Commission draft EQS Directive was
global markets position and cause a loss of market published in July 2006, the European Parliament and the
share, lead to delocalisation of new investments and Council have been conducting reviews of the proposal.
thus expose the sector to “carbon leakage”. Euro Chlor has been monitoring this and advocating
positions on mercury and the 11 chlorinated chemicals.
Euro Chlor has subsequently developed two amend- The Parliament proposed a large number of amend-
ments to the Directive: firstly, the chlor-alkali industry ments to the regulation, in particular in order to add
should be included in the scope of the Directive; sec- more chemicals to the priority list and to upgrade some
ondly, it should be allocated free emission allowances substances to PHS. The chemical industry however
to compensate for the cost of carbon integrated in elec- objected as the Parliament did not follow the identifica-
tricity prices. The allocation of these allowances should tion and classification procedure foreseen in the Water
be based on rigorous energy performance related Framework Directive of 2000. Among the substances
benchmarks – in other words: “no free ride”. Euro Chlor classified as PHS were carbon tetrachloride,
is currently working with other industries within Cefic to perchloroethylene (PER) and trichloroethylene (TRI).
define a methodology for this benchmarking. This is Euro Chlor objected to this classification as they did not
expected by the end of 2008. meet the established PHS classification criteria.
Advocacy has however paid off: although the legislation
As an alternative to free allocation of allowances the is still in progress, the EP has withdrawn its proposal to
federation is however open to recycling auction rev- reclassify our three solvents.
enues by national authorities for electricity-intensive
installations (not Euro Chlor’s preferred solution). The Directive on EQS was voted in the EP on June 18th,
2008. Basically, all the elements of the initial Euro Chlor
It is of crucial importance that the chlor-alkali industry is positions have been retained in the Directive. The EQS
recognised in the future Directive and that the appropri- for all substances relevant to Euro Chlor remain
ate mitigating measures are taken in order to ensure the unchanged. Furthermore, the concept that Member
chlor-alkali industry has a future in Europe and carbon States may establish “mixing zones” around emission
leakage is avoided. Many derivatives of the chlor-alkali points to water makes the legislation more workable.
industry (PVC, polyurethanes) are used to save energy in Finally, there is also an improved approach of the
sectors such as transport, building insulation etc. “emission cessation” concept.

Water policy
The Directive on Environmental Quality Standards
(EQS) and Pollution Control sets limits for concentra-
tions of substances in surface water for 33 priority sub-
stances (PS), of which some are identified as priority
hazardous substances (PHS).

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 Legislative developments

Mercury export ban and storage IPPC Directive

st
On May 21 , the European Parliament adopted the From October 2007, all EU industrial facilities require
Regulation banning exports of mercury and mercury an operating permit under the Integrated Pollution
compounds from the EU with effect from March 2011. Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive. This obviously
Euro Chlor welcomes the final outcome of the applies to chlor-alkali plants whether mercury, mem-
Regulation. When the export ban of mercury enters brane or diaphragm. Member States have the compe-
into force on March 15th, 2011, excess mercury no tences to grant the permit conditions. The European
longer used by the chlor-alkali plants will have to be Commission (DG Env.) is currently investigating the
stored. The Regulation now makes it possible to per- implementation of the IPPC Directive by the Member
manently store liquid mercury in underground salt States. We have been informed that this survey has
mines or hard rock formation with same level of safety. been also organised for chlor-alkali plants using mercury
This is considered to be the safest solution and it is technology.
also in line with Euro Chlor’s voluntary agreement on
the safe storage of excess mercury. The mercury will be Through its members, Euro Chlor will co-operate with
stored in hermetically sealed steel containers and as the competent authorities in the concerned Member
there is no humidity in the storage place there is no States to provide relevant information and justification
risk of corrosion. on plant permit conditions.

By January 1st, 2010 the Commission will propose stor- Expected in 2009 is a review by the Commission,
age acceptance criteria for metallic mercury. Euro Chlor Member States and stakeholders of the BREF (BAT
has informed the Commission about its willingness to Reference document, Best Available Technology) for
provide its expertise in support of this process. chlor-alkali production. Euro Chlor will actively con-
Euro Chlor’s commitment to reporting data to the tribute to this review.
Commission and Member States’ competent author-
ities on e.g. best estimates of the amount of mercury The Solvents Emissions Directive affecting several
still in use and the amount of mercury waste sent to applications of chlorinated solvents will be merged into
storage facilities has been included in the Regulation. the recast of the IPPC.

Euro Chlor continues in implementing a voluntary

agreement on phasing out mercury cell technology. Solvents restriction
During 2007-08, three mercury-based chlor-alkali plants A loophole in the Solvent Emissions Directive that
were replaced with non-mercury technology. European excluded metal-cleaning end users of less than a tonne
producers however still have slightly less than 9,000 per year of trichloroethylene from compliance has been
tonnes of liquid metallic mercury used by 39 electrolysis closed. ECSA (European Chlorinated Solvent Association)
plants in 14 countries. These units account today for made a presentation on progress at an EU Risk Reduction
less than 38% of European chlorine capacity. Strategy Meeting and was commended for its efforts by
several Member States. After 2010, trichloroethylene will
only be supplied for metal-cleaning if users have totally-
enclosed equipment.

12 / Chlorine Industry Review 2007-2008

12
In February 2008, the Commission made a very restrict- In 2007, the POPs Review Committee (POPRC) took
ive and unacceptable proposal to restrict use of methy- into consideration a number of candidate chemicals
lene chloride (dichloromethane) in paint strippers solely under the Stockholm Convention (UNEP). The World
for industrial applications. It is currently under discus- Chlorine Council finally succeeded in having risk infor-
sion at the Parliament and the Council. ECSA continues mation included in the PeCB risk profile report. One
to oppose it vehemently. remaining key point for industry is the failure to address
‘the likelihood of significant adverse effects’ criterion.
The voice of experts from developing countries will
POPs carry potentially greater force than had been experi-
Euro Chlor and the World Chlorine Council (WCC) have enced at earlier stages in the review process – this will
been involved in the process of evaluating substances as be taken into account in WCC’s advocacy actions.
new POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) under the global Additionally, POPRC will appoint in their October meet-
UNEP Stockholm Convention and the regional UN ing new representatives, which offers an opportunity to
Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). Through communicate our position at an early stage to the new
the technical bodies of both conventions, WCC provided members. The Conference of the Parties will make a
product information on nominated chlorinated final decision by June 2009.
substances, notably pentachlorobenzene (PeCB) and
hexachlorobutadiene.

Evaluation by UNECE of seven new substances –

including hexachlorobutadiene, pentachlorobenzene
and short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) – is
more advanced. There are three management options
for SCCPs: total ban, total ban with an exception of
application in conveyor belts for mines and in dam
sealants (as proposed in a precautionary manner by
Parcom Decision 95/1), or limited ban for metalworking
fluids and leather fat liquors (as the Directive resulting
from the EU Risk Assessment).

When discussing management options under UNECE,

industry succeeded in obtaining more realistic and
balanced proposals, more consistent with the BAT/BEP
Guidelines (Best Available Technique/Best Environmental
Practices) that were agreed on a global scale under the
Stockholm Convention. The proposals are still expected
to be reinforced and end up in final recommendations for
decision making by the EB (Executive Body) in December
2008. Euro Chlor, in close co-operation with WCC, will fol-
low this matter very closely.
13
13
 Information & education

Building credibility
through transparency

The Chlor-Alkali sector has Listen, look and respond

always based its reputation The European chlor-alkali sector’s approach is coupled with a
willingness to listen, and when necessary, take voluntary meas-
management on its policy of ures to address concerns. It is inevitable that chlorine will be
providing systematically timely associated with emerging and future issues, precisely because it
is such a major building block of the broader chemical industry.
and reliable information. Euro Accordingly, the provision of sound scientific information con-
Chlor endeavours to continue tinues to be an essential element of Euro Chlor work.
its policy of open and
Euro Chlor continues to expand its library of Science Dossiers,
transparent communication elaborated by reputable university departments and scientists.
with stakeholders at European These Dossiers aim to provide the scientific community with
reliable information on a broad range of chlorine related issues.
and international level to The scope is wide: from dioxins in the environment to
contribute to balanced and biodegradability of chlorinated compounds. The Swedish
Environmental Institute IVL is now preparing the next issue, on
workable legislation. The origin and fate of mercury species in the environment. Recent
Science Dossiers have been published on CD-ROM and can be
consulted on the Euro Chlor website. The series of Focus on
Chlorine Science (FOCS) leaflets will be expanded by a publica-
tion on Chlorine and Asthma, summarising the conclusions of
the scientific Workshop, which Euro Chlor and the American
Chemical Council organised in 2007. The FOCS series aims to
clarify and consolidate scientific research in chlorine chemistry,
facilitating the knowledge gathering of scientists, regulators and
key decision makers.

Scientists’ & public interest

In May 2008, Warsaw hosted 1600 scientists from government,
academia and industry at the Annual Congress organised by the
European branch of the Society of Environmental Toxicology &
Chemistry (SETAC), of which Euro Chlor is a sustaining mem-
ber. Euro Chlor had a booth and attracted much attention with
the distribution of chlorine scientific material.

The Euro Chlor Annual Science Newsletter, published in

February 2008, summarises all the scientific communications
and publications we have produced over the past year. It is dis-
tributed to a very large audience, including regulators.
14 / Chlorine Industry Review 2007-2008
14
Science

Effective advocacy
with sound scientific
insight
Euro Chlor continues REACH launched
to use its scientific Within the general framework of the REACH legislation on the
environmental safety and health effects of 30,000 chemicals,
expertise to advocate Euro Chlor has been working with its member companies
sound, science-based on the preparation of the preregistration phase, which begun
June 1st, 2008. For most of the concerned chemicals, preliminary
regulatory decision-making. agreements have been signed which express the intention to
Key science-related activities form Consortia. This work is followed up by the preparation of
in 2007-2008 have been built the registration of 17 business-critical chlorine related chemicals,
which should be accomplished before December 2010.
on the major dossiers Discussions have mainly been driven by the need for the har-
of recent years, including monisation and simplification of the registration process.
Information from previous risk assessments (at EU and OECD
the launch of the REACH levels) and biocides registration dossiers will be used. This
pre-consortia, improving risk material has to be updated and streamlined according to the
REACH format.
assessment methodology
for POPs, compiling EU Furthermore, Euro Chlor focused on a number of procedures to
registration dossiers for be fine-tuned and to be discussed together with all the members
of the Consortia. Full agreements will then formalise the
chlorine-based biocides, Consortia’s activities. Finally, all non-members that have con-
investigating possible tacted Euro Chlor to join the REACH work will be admitted to
the Consortia.
links between chlorinated
swimming pools and
childhood asthma and Minimising costs
Varying from one Consortium to another, the re-use of data pre-
updating recommendations viously compiled on a number of chemicals will drastically
on minimising workplace reduce the overall cost of the registration. However, additional
exposure to mercury. costs are generated by the administration and the management
performed by the Lead companies, who agreed to manage the
REACH dossiers. Costs will be equally shared. Should additional
testing be required, the cost will be equally shared but will take
into account the tonnage bands requirements.

15
15
 Science

Biocides workshop bringing together a large number of experts on

In parallel, Euro Chlor and member company scientists the matter. Good networking among scientists in differ-
invested significant time and effort in meeting the ent related fields (pool managers, specialists in the
deadline of July 2007 for the registration of chlorine, analysis of water and air in swimming pools, epidemi-
sodium hypochlorite and calcium hypochlorite under ologists, asthma specialists and regulatory people)
the Biocidal Products Directive. facilitated a consensus view on the actual knowledge sta-
tus and the needs for further research. Full results will be
Additional dossiers for some specific uses of the three published in Environmental Health Perspectives.
chemicals are to be submitted before October 2008. According to experts, the current evidence of an associ-
ation between childhood swimming and new onset
As far as risk assessments are concerned, the final con- asthma is suggestive but not conclusive.
clusion on chlorine includes no need for further testing
and no need for further risk reduction measures other Important gaps in exposure assessment and the charac-
than already applied. The Scientific Committee on terisation of asthma need to be filled before establishing
Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER) agreed with a clear association. This is why WCC and its member fed-
the risk assessment report on chlorine, which concluded erations including Euro Chlor set up a fund of approxi-
that all uses are safe. For the sodium hypochlorite mately € 100,000 to conduct extensive research on this
environmental assessment, the Committee believes issue, notably on improving analytical methodologies for
that the risk assessment conclusion should be better swimming pools and additional epidemiological investi-
supported, at least in some specific use scenarios. This gations. The principle is that WCC joins and reinforces
relates to the potential impact of halo acetic acids existing research in order to obtain more comprehen-
formed as by-products in certain applications. sive and coherent results. In addition to this, pro-
cedures to optimise pool operations should be followed
Euro Chlor believes that SCHER’s conclusion is based and improved.
on a misunderstanding of the RAR (Risk Assessment
Report) results, and has explained this in writing to the
SCHER and the Italian rapporteur. It is the opinion of Exposure to mercury and electromagnetic
SCHER that all other conclusions can be endorsed. For fields
caustic soda, SCHER supported the outcome of the tar- The Occupational Health Group consists of company
geted risk assessment and identified a limited need for medical doctors giving advice on the handling of mer-
risk reduction, which is expected to be of minor impact cury, chlorine and its derivatives in production plants.
to industry. Euro Chlor is still reviewing several “Best Practices”
documents which need to be updated. One of these
upgrades is the “Code of Best Practice for Mercury”,
Chlorine and asthma which focuses on hygiene and programmes for good
In recent years, some studies reported a possible link monitoring.
between chlorinated indoor pools and childhood asthma.
In 2007, The World Chlorine Council (WCC) and Euro Euro Chlor is also involved in establishing a Code of
Chlor subsequently organised a comprehensive scientific Practice for occupational electromagnetic fields (EMF)

16 / Chlorine Industry Review 2007-2008

16
in line with the EU Occupational Electromagnetic Fields on how to evaluate PBT/POP substances in an
Directive (2004). This document will propose possible efficient, scientifically credible and transparent way.
design solutions for reducing the EMF strength in new Guidance was developed to assess whether substances
cell rooms, but also some practical help for existing cell fulfil PB&T and/or POP criteria and whether POPs are
rooms. In parallel to this initiative, Euro Chlor is also likely to cause significant adverse effects to human
collaborating with EU institutions on the guidelines for health or wildlife through long-range environmental
the application of the Directive. transport. The full reports will be written as chapters of
a special issue of the IEAM Journal and submission is
We expect to have two Best Practice documents anticipated for end of summer 2008. An executive sum-
finalised in 2008. mary is expected to be ready mid-year. It will be pub-
lished as a booklet and on the SETAC website.
Despite the application of Directive 2004/40/EC on the
protection of workers against electromagnetic fields
being postponed until 2012, Euro Chlor continues to
work with CENELEC (the European Committee for
Electrotechnical Standardization) on the required elec-
trolysis specific measurement standard.

PBT/POP substances
Euro Chlor commissioned a study from the Institute of Chlorinated drinking
Environmental Studies of the Free University of water
Amsterdam, which was accepted for publication in April Chlorine in drinking water regularly arouses controversy when
2008 in IEAM (Integrated Environmental Assessment it comes to safety due to the chlorinated by-products generated
and Management), a peer-reviewed journal. The paper in the chlorination process. A new debate is usually triggered
reviews and illustrates risk assessment methodologies upon the publication of the results of new studies. Two pos-
for PBT/POPs. Key message: although risks of sible health effects come into the picture: cancer and the
PBT/POPs may be higher and more uncertainty is asso- effects on reproduction. The possible correlation between
ciated with their assessment, they can be risk assessed these effects and the presence of chlorine and its by-products
on a scientific basis. A popular version of the paper is not conclusive and thus subject to further research. In the
will be prepared in Euro Chlor’s Focus on Chlorine meantime, many organisations point to the multiple benefits
Science series. of chlorination (The World Health Organisation for example).
As it is very effective against most pathogens and an easy-to-
Euro Chlor, supported by WCC funding, was also active apply technique which has a low exploitation cost, it still con-
initiating and organising a SETAC workshop on stitutes major progress in terms of public health. Additionally,
‘Science-based guidance for the evaluation and identifi- in disaster areas where the necessity of finding non-contam-
inated drinking water is a life or death issue, chlorination is of
cation of PBTs and POPs’ in January 2008 in Pensacola,
crucial importance. For more information on chlorination,
Florida. Over 50 experts from academia, industry and
please consult WCC’s brochure on water chlorination at
government developed a consensus view on guidance
www.worldchlorine.org/publications/

17
17
 Industry overview

Chlorine production
reaches new high

In 2007, European chlorine European chlorine production climbed to a new high in 2007 with
a total of 10.7 million tonnes. This represents a 2.9% increase on
production reached a record the 10.4 million tonnes produced in 2006. Capacity utilisation
high for the fourth successive rates in 2007 averaged 84.5% compared with 82.8% in 2006.
year with 10.7 million tonnes. Germany remained Europe’s largest chlorine producer in 2007,
Demand for chlorine’s accounting for 43.5% of European production, followed by
essential co-product, caustic Belgium/The Netherlands with 14.4%. France dropped to fourth
position with 11.4%, surrendering their third position to the
soda, remained robust. The UK/Austria/Switzerland/Finland/Sweden/Norway with 12.3%.
situation was less favourable These top four regions accounted together for more than 80%
of total 2007 European chlorine production.
for chlorinated solvents where
market demand was down Demand for caustic soda continued strong for the third consecu-
tive year, resulting in overall average monthly stock levels below
again after one year of
the 300,000 tonnes mark.
stabilisation in 2006.
The chlor-alkali sector’s strong performance further confirms
that chlorine and its co-product caustic soda are key chemical
building blocks for a wide range of products and processes.

On the manufacturing front, the chlor-alkali industry continued to

shift away from the mercury cell technology accounting for about
38% of total chlorine production, which represents a 6.1% change
on 2006. The more energy-efficient membrane technology
accounted for just above 45% of 2007 European chlorine capacity.

Capacities & Processes

70

60
% of total capacity

50

40

30

20

10

0
97

98

99

00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07
19

19

19

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

18 / Chlorine Industry Review 2007-2008 Mercury Diaphram Membrane Other

18
European chlorine production in 2007 (kilotonnes)

UK + Austria + Switzerland + Finland Germany 4,653

+ Sweden + Norway 1,319 (43.5%)
(12.3%)

Poland + Czech Republic

+ Hungary + Slovak Republic 809
(7.6%)

Spain + Portugal + Greece 743 Belgium + The Netherlands 1,538

(6.9%) (14.4%)

Italy 418 France 1,221

(3.9%) (11.4%)

Chlorine and caustic soda are produced by electrolysis

using three main technologies – mercury, membrane
7th International Technology Conference –
and diaphragm. The mercury process has been used for
April 2008
more than a century. Ten years ago, it accounted for
more than 60% of European capacity. By the end of The conference set a new attendance record, attracting more
2010, mercury cells are expected to represent less than than 320 delegates. It included 22 technical and 19 technology
presentations and the participation of 35 chlorine-related
35% of the installed capacity.
equipment and service suppliers. The scope of the technology
and services suppliers’ section was expanded to cover more
This gradual shift away from mercury cells stems from a
“industry-specific” needs.
voluntary commitment made by European industry to
close or convert such plants to non-mercury technology by The Euro Chlor sessions updated participants on the associ-
2020 (except for production of a few speciality chemicals). ation’s activities in addition to traditional areas of interest such
as chlorine production safety, transportation and use, health
The long time-frame is essential to allow chlor-alkali and safety at work and the general public and environment.
producers to absorb the estimated a € 3,000 million
investment required to effect the phase-out without Several presentations focused on energy-related issues, due to
damaging the industry's competitive position on global their potential major impact on the sector’s future. Euro Chlor
markets. calls for recognition of the chlor-alkali sector as an Energy
Intensive Industry (EII) – as an indirect emitter and for the
provision of free sectoral, benchmarked CO2 allowances to
preserve competitiveness and prevent carbon leakage.

19
19
 Industry overview

European chlorine applications in 2007 (10.71million tonnes)

Inorganics 13.2% Isocyanates

Disinfectants, water treatment, & oxygenates 30.9%
paint pigments, silicon chips Upholstery, insulation, footwear,
plastics, pesticides, car parts

Other organics 7.1%

Detergents, ship & bridge paints, lubricants,
wallpaper adhesives, herbicides, insecticides
Solvents 3.4%
Metal degreasing, adhesives,
dry cleaning, plastics
Epichlorohydrin 5.5%
Pesticides, epoxy resins, printed circuits,
sports boats, fishing rods
PVC 33.8% Chloromethanes 6.1%
Pipes, flooring, medical supplies, Silicon rubbers, decaffeinators,
clothing, windows PTFE, paint strippers, cosmetics

In 2007 and at the beginning of 2008, three mercury Solvents market down again
plants were decommissioned in several countries. In The decline of trichloroethylene (TRI) sales continued
Italy, Solvay converted a mercury plant (125,000 after the more stringent carcinogenicity classification for
tonnes/year) in Rosignano to membrane technology trichloroethylene introduced in 2002. The ECSA Member
and Altair did likewise in Volterra. In Germany, Vestolit companies and the Romanian producer Chimcomplex
also converted a mercury plant (176,000 tonnes/year) Borzeşti have indeed agreed, in a spirit of Responsible
in Marl to membrane technology. Care, to ensure safe use in metal degreasing by stopping
supplies of TRI to companies that are not equipped with
During the past six years more than 2,000 tonnes of closed systems after 2010. The absolute sales of TRI can
liquid mercury from decommissioned plants have been no longer be reported according to Cefic statistics rules
recovered and reused, and less than 9,000 tonnes as there are only two producers left in Western Europe:
remain in 39 mercury-based plants in 14 countries. Dow Europe and INEOS Chlor Vinyls.

European sales of perchloroethylene (PER) by ECSA

member companies dropped last year to 52,000 tonnes
(2006: 55,000 tonnes), despite Romania and Bulgaria
having been added to the list of countries reported.
PER remains the solvent of choice for dry-cleaning and
continues to increase its market share as a substitute
for TRI in metal degreasing.

20 / Chlorine Industry Review 2007-2008

20
European caustic soda applications 2007 (10.01 million tonnes)

Miscellaneous 17% Soaps 3%

Neutralisation, gas scrubbing, Shampoos, cosmetics
pharmaceuticals, rubber recycling
Mineral oils 2%
Greases, fuel additives
Water treatment 4%
Flocculation, pH control Bleach 4%
Textiles, disinfectants
Food industries 3% Phosphates 2%
Fruit and vegetable peelings, Detergents
ice cream, thickeners, wrappings
Pulp, paper, cellulose 12% Other inorganics 13%
Adhesives, heat transfer printing, Paints, glass, ceramics, fuel cells,
newspaper books perfumes
Rayon 3%
Bedspreads, surgical dressings
Organics 30%
Aluminium and metals 7% Artificial arteries, parachutes,
Greenhouses, car panels, steel hardening pen tips, hosiery, telephones

Dichloromethane (DCM) sales decreased slightly in

2007 to 130,000 tonnes compared with 134,000 tonnes
Mercury in the environment
in 2006. It is still the most widely-used of the chlorinated
solvents, (especially in the pharmaceutical industry), Mercury is emitted by both anthropogenic and natural
but the delocalisation of some pharmaceutical plants to sources. Through Ice Core Analysis in the previous 270 year
long ice core-history we can attribute 52% of mercury
Asia has impacted sales.
emissions to anthropogenic inputs. Mercury is a global air
pollutant; it follows wind currents around the world. The
explosion of the Indonesian volcano Krakatau in 1883 and the
massive eruption of Mount St.-Helens volcano (Washington
State, U.S.A.) in 1980 were responsible for significant mercury
emission peaks in the glacial ice-core records.

Combustion - main source of anthropogenic mercury

Around 67% of global mercury emissions of human origin
can be attributed to coal-fired power stations and the inciner-
ation of waste materials. Emissions occurring in the produc-
tion of steel, cement, non ferrous metals and pig iron account
for 13 per cent of this figure. Added to this is an additional
10 per cent from the production of gold. Cremation is a not
insignificant source of mercury emission, owing to the volatil-
isation of amalgam dental fillings. Today mercury based chlor-
alkali electrolysis accounts for less than one percent of the
total global emissions of mercury from all natural and man-
made sources.
(Source: Schuster, Krabbenhoft) 21
21
 Chlorine production plants January 2008

North-East
Atlantic
56 9

55 74
57
75

North
Sea
40 82
Baltic
24
28
85 52 32
51 29
54 35 30
34 25 59
3 23
5 21 60
19 4 22
17 26 58
31 7
6
33 87
10 20

36
18 27 37 63
39
89 77
1
16 92
68 43 88
72 11/13
50
67 45
12/14 91
65
62
70 49 90

61 66 71 41
69
42

64
48 38
44
Mediterranean

22 / Chlorine Industry Review 2007-2008

22
 Country * Company Site Process Capacity Country * Company Site Process Capacity
(000 tonnes) (000 tonnes)

Austria 1 Donau Chemie Brückl M 65 Italy 43 Caffaro Torviscosa Hg 68

Belgium 3 SolVin Antwerp Hg, M 474 44 Syndial Assemini/Cagliari M 153
4 SolVin Jemeppe M 176 45 Syndial Porto Marghera Hg 200
5 Tessenderlo Chemie Tessenderlo Hg, M 400 48 Eredi Zarelli Picinisco Hg 6
Bulgaria 90 Polimeri Devnya D 124 49 Solvay Rosignano M 150
Czech Rep. 6 Spolana Neratovice Hg 135 50 Tessenderlo Chemie Pieve Vergonte Hg 42
7 Spolchemie Usti Hg 61 Netherlands 51 AkzoNobel Botlek M 633
Finland 8 AkzoNobel Oulu Hg 43 52 AkzoNobel Delfzijl M 108
9 Finnish 54 SABIC GE Plastics Bergen op Zoom M 89
Chemicals Joutseno M 75 Norway 55 Borregaard Sarpsborg M 45
France 10 PPC Thann Hg 72 56 Elkem Bremanger M 10
11 Rhodia Pont de Claix D 155 57 INEOS ChlorVinyls Rafnes M 260
12 Arkema Fos D, M 270 Poland 58 PCC Rokita Brzeg Dolny Hg 125
13 Arkema Jarrie Hg 170 59 ZACHEM Bydgoszcz D 60
14 Arkema Lavera Hg, D 341 60 Anwil Wloclawek M 214
16 MSSA Pomblières Na 42 87 Tarnow Tarnow Hg 43
17 Prod. Chim. Portugal 61 Solvay Povoa M 29
d'Harbonnières Harbonnières Hg 23 62 CUF Químicos
18 Solvay Tavaux Hg, M 375 Industriais Estarreja M 68
19 Tessenderlo Chemie Loos Hg 18 Romania 91 Oltchim Ramnicu Valcea Hg, M 260
Germany 20 BASF Ludwigshafen Hg, M 385 92 ChimComplex Borzesti M 110
21 Bayer Dormagen M, HCl 480 Slovak Rep. 63 Novácke chemické
22 Bayer Leverkusen M, HCl 360 závody Novaky Hg 76
23 Bayer Uerdingen Hg, M 240 Slovenia 88 TKI Hrastnik Hrastnik M 15
24 Bayer Brunsbüttel HCl 210 Spain 64 Ercros Huelva Hg 101
25 Dow Schkopau M 250 65 Ercros Sabinanigo Hg 25
26 Vinnolit Knapsack Hg, M 310 66 Ercros Vilaseca Hg, M 190
27 CABB Gersthofen M 40 67 Electroquímica
28 Dow Stade D, M 1,585 de Hernani Hernani M 15
29 AkzoNobel Ibbenbüren Hg 125 68 ELNOSA Lourizan Hg 34
30 AkzoNobel Bitterfeld M 83 69 Ercros Flix Hg 150
31 Evonik Degussa Lülsdorf Hg 136 70 Química del Cinca Monzon Hg 31
32 INEOS ChlorVinyls Wilhelmshaven Hg 149 71 SolVin Martorell Hg 218
33 LII Europe Frankfurt Hg 167 72 Solvay Torrelavega Hg 63
34 Solvay Rheinberg D, M 200 Sweden 74 AkzoNobel Skoghall M 95
35 Vestolit Marl M 260 75 INEOS ChlorVinyls Stenungsund Hg 120
36 Vinnolit Gendorf Hg 82 Switzerland 77 SF-Chem Pratteln Hg 27
37 Wacker Chemie Burghausen M 50 89 Borregaard Atisholtz M 10
Greece 38 Hellenic Petroleum Thessaloniki Hg 40 UK 82 INEOS ChlorVinyls Runcorn Hg, M 767
Hungary 39 BorsodChem Kazincbarcika Hg, M 301 85 Albion Thetford M 7
Ireland 40 MicroBio Fermoy M 9 TOTAL 13,209
Italy 41 Altair Chimica Volterra Hg 27 Non members 446
42 Solvay Bussi Hg 87 Members 12,766

* Number on map
Process: Hg: Mercury M: Membrane Na: Sodium D: Diaphragm HCI: Electolysis of HCI to Cl2
Company names in italics are not Euro Chlor members. 23
23
 Euro Chlor

Regulatory and HSE focal point

Euro Chlor represents the interests of 97% of chlor-alkali Management Committee (18 June 2008)
producers in the EU-27 and the EFTA regions with the Chairman, Winhold, M Vinnolit
EU institutions and international authorities. It also pro- Co-chairman, Fuhrmann, W AkzoNobel Base Chemicals
vides a focal point for members to share best practices Amling, A Bayer MaterialScience
on health, safety and environment (HSE) matters as well Berges, J EVONIK Industries
as co-ordinate scientific and communications activities Coenen, F Tessenderlo Chemie
to improve understanding of chlorine chemistry. Constant, F Solvay
García Brú, F Ercros
Garrigue, F Rhodia Services
In Europe, 39 producer members of Euro Chlor directly
Lamm, R Dow
employ about 39,000 people at 69 manufacturing loca-
Märkl, R BASF
tions in 20 countries. However, almost 2,000,000 jobs Pelzer, A PCC Rokita
are directly or indirectly related to chlorine and its co- Procházka, M Spolchemie
product caustic soda when downstream activities are Russo, G Syndial
taken into consideration. Tane, C INEOS ChlorVinyls
Träger, M VESTOLIT
Apart from producers, Euro Chlor also has 44 Associate Tual, D Arkema
Members and 45 Technical Correspondents. These
include national chlorine associations and working
groups, suppliers of equipment, materials and services as
well as downstream users and producers outside Europe. Secretariat staff
Steel, Alistair Executive Director
From offices in Brussels, Euro Chlor also provides the Minne, Françoise Senior Assistant
Secretariat for the World Chlorine Council, a global net- Garny, Véronique Science Director
work of national or regional organisations in more than van Wijk, Dolf Science Manager
27 countries. WCC represents producers accounting for Marquardt, Wolfgang Science Manager
more than 90% of worldwide chlor-alkali production. Bertato, Valentina Science Manager
Harcz, Péter Science Manager
Euro Chlor was founded more than 50 years ago as a Norré, Viviane Assistant
Seys, Arseen Deputy Executive Director;
production-oriented technical organisation but was
Environment & Regulatory
restructured in 1989 in order to provide the sector with
Affairs Director
strengthened scientific, advocacy and communications Andersson, Caroline Regulatory Affairs Counsellor
capabilities. Since then, a strong focus has been placed Coppens, Isabelle Assistant
on sound science coupled with continual health, safety Orban, André ECSA & Chlorinated Paraffins
and environmental improvements complemented Manager
by open and transparent communications with key Whippy, Peter Communications Manager
stakeholders. Clotman, Dirk Communications Manager
Debelle, Jean-Pol Technical & Safety Director
Peeters, Chantal Assistant

24 / Chlorine Industry Review 2007-2008

24
Organisation
The 16 Secretariat staff employed at offices in Brussels Committees and working groups
represent nine nationalities (Belgian, English, Dutch, Management
French, German, Hungarian, Italian and Swedish) and · Management Committee
between them speak 10 languages. · Sustainability ad hoc Task Force
· Statistics Committee
Guidance and overall strategic direction is provided by the
Management Committee and 28 committees and working Advocacy & communications
groups provide specialist knowledge and support. · Regulatory Affairs Committee
· EU Advisory Group
· National Chlorine Associations WG
· Chlorine Communicators’ Network
Product groups
· Chlorinated Paraffins Sector Group
· Potassium Group
European Chlorinated Solvent Association
· Management Committee
· Communication & Outreach WG
· General Technical WG
· Occupational & Environmental Health WG
· Product WG
Science
Chlorine Online · Steering Committee
During 2007, Euro Chlor received almost 260 · Environmental WG
chlorine information requests from 50 coun- · Toxicology WG
tries through the federation’s Internet web- · Risk Assessment ad hoc WGs
site, Chlorine Online. The Top 6 “visiting” · Biocides Strategy Group
countries were (per information request), · Biocides Registration Groups
Germany (48), UK (29), USA (21), and · REACH Project Team
Belgium, France and The Netherlands with
Technical & safety
13 each. China, joining the top ranking for the
first time in 2006, virtually disappeared down · General Technical Committee (GTC)
to… one single information request. · Environmental Protection WG
· GEST (Safety) WG
The requests primarily concern health, safety
· Equipment WG
· Transport WG
and the environmental aspects of chlorine
· Health WG
production and use.
· Electromagnetic Fields WG
· Analytical WG

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 Euro Chlor

Full members Angelini A.C.R.A.F. Technical correspondents

AkzoNobel Base Chemicals Arch Chemicals AFC Energy
Altair Chimica Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation AGC Chemicals Europe
Anwil Bochemie Aker Kvaerner Chemetics
Arkema Chemieanlagenbau Chemnitz Alcan PMGE Pechiney Nederland
BASF Chemoform Applitek
Bayer MaterialScience Chlorine Engineers Corporation Asahi Organic Chemicals Industry
Borregaard Industries Chemicals Industries Association (CIA) CAN-TECH
BorsodChem Colgate-Palmolive Europe Carburos Metalicos
CABB De Nora Tecnologie Elettrochimiche Chemtec
Caffaro essenscia Conve & AVS
CUF-Químicos Industriais ExxonMobil Petroleum and Chemical Coogee Chlor Alkali Pty
Donau Chemie Federchimica Assobase Crane Resistoflex
Dow Deutschland GHC Gerling, Holz & Co. Handels Cristal Arabia
Electroquímica de Hernani K+S Descote
Electroquímica del Noroeste Leuna Tenside Electroquímica de Sagua
Ercros LOMBARDA H Eramet
Evonik Industries Lonza Eynard Robin
Finnish Chemicals Hungarian Chemical Industry Association Garlock
Hellenic Petroleum (MAVESZ) GEA Messo
INEOS ChlorVinyls Nankai Chemical Industry Georg Fischer RLS
LII Europe National Petrochemical Company of Iran H2Scan Corporation
MSSA NCP Chlorchem (PTY) Health and Safety Executive
Novácke Chemické Závody Nippon Soda ISGEC
OLTCHIM NOVACID Koruma Klor Alkali
PCC Rokita Polish Chamber of the Chemical Industry Kronos Europe
PPC (PIPC) Lubrizol Advanced Materials Europe
Produits Chimiques d'Harbonnières The Swedish Plastics and Chemicals NedStack Fuel Cell Technology
Química del Cinca Federation (Plast- & Kemiföretagen) Occidental Chemical Belgium
Rhodia Services PPG Industries OPW Fluid Transfer Group Europe
SF-Chem Procter & Gamble Eurocor Phoenix Armaturen-Werke Bregel
Solvay Association of Chemical Industry of the R2
SolVin Czech Republic (SCHP) Reliance Industries
SPOLANA SGCI Chemie Pharma Schweiz RIVM (National Institute for Public Health
Spolchemie Shikoku Chemicals and the Environment)
Syndial Sojitz Europe Sasol Polymers
Tessenderlo Chemie Syndicat des Halogènes & Dérivés (SHD) Senior Flexonics Ermeto
VESTOLIT Syngenta Severn Trent Water
Vinnolit Teijin Aramid SIEM - Supranite
ZACHEM Tosoh Corporation Simon Carves
Uhde Taylorshaw Valves
Associate members ELAIS - Unilever Hellas Technip France
Al Kout Industrial Projects Verband der Chemischen Industrie (VCI) Tronox Pigments (Holland)
Albion Chemical Distribution Vereniging van de Nederlandse Trust Chemical Industries
Asociación Nacional de Electroquímica Chemische Industrie (VNCI) Vichem
(ANE) Waterchem W.L. Gore & Associates
WT Armatur
26 / Chlorine Industry Review 2007-2008
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AkzoNobel Base Chemicals BV Bayer MaterialScience AG CUF-Químicos Industriais SA
P O Box 247 Building K12 Quinta da Indústria
3800 AE Amersfoort Kaiser-Wilhelm-Allee Beduído
THE NETHERLANDS 51368 Leverkusen 3860-680 Estarreja
Switchboard: +31 33 4676767 GERMANY PORTUGAL
General fax: +31 33 4676108 Switchboard: +49 214 30-1 Switchboard: +351 234 810 300
www.akzonobel.com General fax: +49 214 30-96 38810 General fax: +351 234 810 306
www.bayermaterialscience.com www.cuf-qi.pt
Altair Chimica SpA
Via Moie Vecchie, 13 Borregaard Industries Ltd Donau Chemie AG
56047 Saline di Volterra (PI) P O Box 162 Am Heumarkt, 10
ITALY 1701 Sarpsborg 1030 Wien
Switchboard: +39 0588 9811 NORWAY AUSTRIA
General fax: +39 0588 98181 Switchboard: +47 69 11 80 00 Switchboard: +43 1 711 47-0
www.altairchimica.com General fax: +47 69 11 87 70 General fax: +43 1 711 47-5
www.borregaard.com www.donau-chemie.com
Anwil SA
ul. Torúnska, 222 BorsodChem RT Dow Deutschland Anlagengesellschaft
87-805 Wloclawek P O Box 208 mbH
POLAND 3702 Kazincbarcika Werk Stade
Switchboard: +48 54 236 30 91 HUNGARY P O Box 1120
General fax: +48 54 236 97 86 Switchboard: +36 48 511-211 21677 Stade
www.anwil.pl General fax: +36 48 511-511 Switchboard: +49 4146 91 0
www.borsodchem.hu General fax: +49 4146 91 2600
Arkema www.dow.com
420, rue d'Estienne d'Orves, CABB GmbH
92705 Colombes Cedex Am Unisyspark 1 Electroquímica de Hernani SA
FRANCE 65843 Sulzbach am Taunus Avenida de Madrid, 13 - 1°
Switchboard: +33 1 49 00 80 80 GERMANY 20011 San Sebastian
General fax: +33 1 49 00 83 96 Switchboard: +49 69 305 277-72 SPAIN
www.arkema.com General fax: +49 69 305 277-78 Switchboard: +34 943 451 140
www.cabb-chemicals.com General fax: +33 943 453 965
BASF SE
Carl-Bosch-Str. 38 Caffaro Srl Electroquímica del Noroeste SA
67056 Ludwigshafen Piazzale Marinotti 1 P O Box 265
GERMANY 33050 Torviscosa (Ud) 36080 Pontevedra
Switchboard: +49 621 60-0 ITALY SPAIN
General fax: +49 621 60-42525 Switchboard: +39 0431 381 302 Switchboard: +34 986 853 720
www.basf.com General fax: +39 0431 381 379 General fax: +34 986 840 962
www.caffaro.it

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 Euro Chlor

Ercros SA LII Europe GmbH PPC SAS

Avenida Diagonal 595 Industriepark Höchst 95 rue du Général de Gaulle
08014 Barcelona Building C 526 BP 60090
SPAIN 65926 Frankfurt am Main 68802 Thann Cedex
Switchboard: +34 934 393 009 GERMANY FRANCE
General fax: +34 934 308 073 Switchboard: +49 69 305 - 65 83 Switchboard: +33 3 89 38 46 00
www.ercros.es General fax: +49 69 305 - 179 87 General fax: +33 3 89 38 46 01
www.liieurope.com www.ppchemicals.com
Evonik Industries AG
Rellinghauser Straße 1-11 MSSA SAS Produits Chimiques d'Harbonnières
45128 Essen Pomblière Place de l'Eglise
GERMANY 73600 Saint Marcel BP 1
Switchboard: +49 201 177-01 FRANCE 80131 Harbonnières
General fax: +49 201 177-3475 Switchboard: +33 4 79 24 70 70 FRANCE
www.corporate.evonik.com General fax: +33 4 79 24 70 50 Switchboard: +33 3 22 85 76 30
www.metauxspeciaux.fr General fax: +33 3 22 85 76 31
Finnish Chemicals Oy www.spch.fr
P O Box 22 Novácke Chemické Závody, a.s.
54101 Joutseno M. R. Štefánika 1 Química del Cinca, SA
FINLAND 972 71 Nováky Avenida Diagonal 352, entlo.
Switchboard: +358 204 3111 SLOVAK REPUBLIC 08013 Barcelona
General fax: +358 204 310 431 Switchboard: +421 46 568 1111 SPAIN
www.finnishchemicals.com General fax: +421 46 546 1138 Switchboard: +34 934 584 000
www.nchz.sk General fax: +34 934 585 007
Hellenic Petroleum SA www.qcinca.es
Thessaloniki Industrial Installations OLTCHIM SA
P O Box 10044 1 Uzinei Street Rhodia Services
541 10 Thessaloniki 240050 Rm. Valcea 40, rue de la Haie Coq
GREECE ROMANIA 93306 Aubervilliers cedex
Switchboard: +30 2310 750 000 Switchboard: +40 250 701200 FRANCE
General fax: +30 2310 750 001 General fax: +40 250 736188 Switchboard: +33 1 53 56 50 00
www.hellenic-petroleum.gr General fax: +33 1 53 56 54 91
PCC Rokita SA www.rhodia.com
INEOS ChlorVinyls Limited ul. Sienkiewicza 4,
Runcorn Site 56-120 Brzeg Dolny, SF-Chem AG
PO Box 9 POLAND P O Box 1964
Runcorn Switchboard: +48 71 794 2000 4133 Pratteln 1
Cheshire WA7 4JE General fax: +48 71 794 2197 SWITZERLAND
UNITED KINGDOM www.rokita.com.pl Switchboard: +41 61 825 31 11
Switchboard: +44 1928 561111 General fax: +41 61 825 36 36
www.ineoschlor.com www.sf-chem.com

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28
Solvay SA Tessenderlo Chemie NV
Rue du Prince Albert 33 Rue du Trône, 130
1050 Bruxelles 1050 Bruxelles
BELGIUM BELGIUM
Switchboard: +32 2 509 61 11 Switchboard: +32 2 639 18 11
General fax: +32 2 509 66 17 General fax: +32 2 639 17 02
www.solvay.com www.tessenderlo.com

SolVin SA VESTOLIT GmbH & Co. KG

Rue de Ransbeek, 310 Chemiepark Marl
1120 Bruxelles Paul-Baumann-Str. 1
BELGIUM D-45772 Marl
Switchboard: +32 2 264 21 11 GERMANY
General fax: +32 2 264 30 61 Switchboard: +49 2365 49-05
www.solvinpvc.com General fax: +49 2365 49-40 00
www.vestolit.de
SPOLANA, a.s.
ul. Práce 657 Vinnolit GmbH & Co. KG
277 11 Neratovice Carl-Zeiss-Ring 25
CZECH REPUBLIC 85737 Ismaning
Switchboard: +420 315 661 111 GERMANY
General fax: +420 315 682 821 Switchboard: +49 89 96 103-0
www.spolana.cz General fax: +49 89 96 103-103
www.vinnolit.com
Spolchemie, a.s.
Spolek pro chemickou a hutní výrobu, a.s. ZACHEM
Revoluční 86 Zakłady Chemiczne ZACHEM, a.s.
400 32 Ústí nad Labem ul. Wojska Polskiego 65
CZECH REPUBLIC 85-825 Bydgoszcz
Switchboard: +420 477 161 111 POLAND
General fax: +420 477 163 333 Switchboard: +48 52 374 71 00
www.spolchemie.cz General fax: + 48 52 361 02 82
www.zachem.com.pl
Syndial SpA
Piazza Boldrini, 1
20097 San Donato Milanese (Mi)
ITALY
Switchboard: +39 02 520 326 00
General fax: +39 02 520 326 16
www.syndial.it 31 July 2008

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 Euro Chlor provides a focal point for the chlor-alkali
industry’s drive to achieve a sustainable future through
economically and environmentally sound manufacture and
use of its products. Based in Brussels, at the heart of the
European Union, the federation works with national,
European and international authorities to ensure that
legislation affecting the industry is workable,
efficient and effective.

Euro Chlor
Avenue E. van Nieuwenhuyse 4, box 2
B - 1160 Brussels, Belgium
tel: +32 2 676 72 11
fax: +32 2 676 72 41
eurochlor@cefic.be
www.eurochlor.org

© Euro Chlor 08/2008