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Chlorinated solvents market not yet fully recovered from economic climate
Sales of the chlorinated solvents Perchloroethylene and Dichloromethane totalled in 144,000 tonnes last year, an average drop of 7% compared with the previous year (154,000 tonnes). However, the market situation differs for the individual chlorinated solvent: European sales figures of Perchloroethylene (PER) by ECSA member companies last year stabilized at 44,000 tonnes compared to the previous year (2008: 44,000 tonnes). Sales of PER dropped in 2008 compared to the previous year under the influence of the economic situation but stopped the downwards trend in 2009. Dichloromethane (DCM) sales dropped in 2009 to 100,000 tonnes compared to 110,000 tonnes in 2008. A decision of the European Parliament and the Council in 2009 restricted the marketing and use of DCM in paint stripping for consumer use, allowing derogations in professional use. However, the major uses of DCM stay in the pharmaceutical industry, in adhesives and as a process agent. The absolute sales of Trichloroethylene (TRI) can no longer be reported according to Cefic statistics rules that at least 3 companies are participating. Dow Europe is the only producer in Western Europe since 2009. The decline of trichloroethylene (TRI) sales continued after the more stringent carcinogenicity classification (1) for TRI introduced in 2002. Dow Europe, the Romanian producer Chimcomplex Borzeşti and the British importer Banner Chemicals have taken further steps to ensure safe use in metal degreasing by stopping supplies of TRI to companies that are not equipped with closed systems after 2010. (1) TRI is classified as a Category 2 carcinogen, which, under the Solvents Emissions (VOC) Directive requires substitution by an alternative product, unless the cost or quality implications are unacceptable) Western European market for chlorinated solvents 2004-2009 *(Based on ECSA sales data and Eurostat import figures, excluding intra-company transfers and captive use).
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