Making chlorine, just like any other manufacturing process, has an impact on the environment that is measured and minimized by the modern technologies being used at production facilities.
The best available techniques
ANE’s members have already incorporated the Best Available Techniques (BATs) into their production processes in order to reduce these emissions in line with the recommendations of the Industrial Emissions Directive of the European Union about prevention and control of pollution, as well as with the Implementing Decision of the European Commission, in which BATs’ conclusions for the chlor-alkali production in Europe are set.
On December 11, 2017, the deadline for companies to adapt their production systems to BAT expired.
The Chlorine Pacts
In 1999, ANE signed the Chlorine Agreements and played a key role in promoting them. The object of these agreements is preventing accidents and helping the authorities in the event of an accident in the transportation of chlorine by road or rail.
Responsible Care Program
Furthermore, ANE’s members also participate in the Responsible Care program, which is a voluntary action set up by the chemical industry to improve safety, health and environment protection, the products processes throughout the supply chain as well as the socially responsible behaviour of the companies.
Since 2011, they also participate in the Euro Chlor Sustainability Programme (association of chlorine production companies in Europe). The current program, which covers the period 2011-2020, aims to consolidate this sector as one of the most committed to the sustainable development of the industry and to the environmental protection.
The VinylPlus Agreement
VinylPlus was launched in June 2011. It is a wide voluntary agreement of the European PVC industry on the sustainable production and use of PVC.
VinylPlus is built around five commitments aimed to meet the sustainability challenges in the PVC industry: controlled-loop management, organochlorine emissions, sustainable additives, sustainable energy use and sustainability awareness. These challenges are based on the conditions included at “The Natural Step” system.
PVC is the world’s second most widely used plastic material and it is applied in various fields such as medicine, construction, sports, etc.
For more information visit www.vinylplus.eu