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Western European consumptionAs is illustrated in the graph below, consumption trends in Western Europe have been in steady decline. This is partly due to the legislated phase-out of 1,1,1-trichloroethane as a suspected stratospheric ozone-depleting chemical. ECSA members had all stopped producing 1,1,1-trichloroethane based solvents by the end of 1995, although some production for chemical intermediate use and permitted solvent uses continues. It should be noted that solvent sales reported here are those of virgin solvent sales by ECSA members and do not take into account imported solvent or recycled solvent. Additionally, some substitution to alternative solvent or cleaning systems has occurred, as in the electronics industry.
A considerable amount of the reduced consumption, nevertheless, is due not to reduced use but improved use management, such as better emission control and increased use of solvent recycling systems and waste management. One hundred kilograms of clothes dry-cleaned two decades ago would have consumed 10 kg of perchloroethylene. Today, modern equipment performs the same job with less than one kg. ECSA has always supported enhanced stewardship activity as well as conservation and good workplace practice. ECSA can only report authoritatively on members' production and sales activity. Data in the above graph reflects virgin solvent sales by ECSA members and excludes imports and recycled material. |
