Thanks to enthusiastic participation of many participants (members or not members, from European countries or from other continents), this seventh edition of the International Chlorine Technology Conference & Exhibition can be considered as a success for the chlorine industry.
European chlorine production totalled 850,525 tonnes in February 2008, an increase of 0.6% compared with the same month last year (845,299 tonnes). February output decreased by 0.8% against the previous month in terms of average daily production (February 2008: 29,328 tonnes; January 2008: 29,577 tonnes).
In January 2008, European chlorine production amounted to 917,215 tonnes, roughly in line (-0.6%) with the same month last year (923,023 tonnes). In terms of average daily production, January output increased by 1.3% over the previous month (January 2008: 29,588 tonnes; December 2007: 29,202 tonnes).
The Slovenian EU Presidency plans a campaign to raise public awareness of chemical risks and to promote the need for effective risk communication. After "a 14-day ‘experiment', in which volunteers will avoid exposure to certain chemicals, their experiences and other results will be recorded and publicised."
The UK PVC industry refuted claims that timber frames are "the best environmental choice". The Wood Window Alliance says that wooden frames can outperform PVC windows on environmental grounds, if the timber comes from properly managed forests and suitable paints and stains are used. However, this claim is not backed up by published research.
Although almost three months away, more than 160 people from 14 countries, including Russia and El Salvador, have signed up for the Euro Chlor 7th International Technology conference & Exhibition 2008 (Lyon, 15-17 April).
A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) affirms that "in order to ensure the microbial safety of drinking-water, disinfection should never be compromised in trying to meet guidelines for any disinfection by-products."
European chlorine production reached 10.61 million tonnes in 2007, which saw also robust demand for chlorine's essential co-product, caustic soda. Chlorine production last year was 2.9% higher than 2006 (10.31 million tonnes) and marked the fourth successive year of strong and steady demand.
Brussels - European chlorine production amounted to 875,902 tonnes in November, an increase of 2.3% on the same month in 2006 (856,111 tonnes). In terms of average daily production (November 2007: 29,197 tonnes; October 2007: 28,918 tonnes), November output increased by 1.0% over the previous month
Brussels, 22 November 2007 - European chlorine production totalled 895,198 tonnes in October 2007, an increase of 3.3% compared with the same month last year (866,757 tonnes). Based on average daily production (October: 28,877 tonnes; September: 28,457 tonnes), October output rose by 1.5% per day compared to the previous month.
Euro Chlor Seventh International Chlorine Technology Conference & Exhibition (Lyon, 15-17 April 2008) will provide a valuable forum for those involved in the health, safety, environmental and technical aspects of chlorine production, transportation and use.
The Exhibition, which runs in parallel to the Conference, gives participants an opportunity to meet representatives from a wide range of suppliers and services to the industry. Following the success of the Euro Chlor seminar in Prague (2005), there will be a special session for technology presentations by member companies on Tuesday, 15 April (09.30 hrs - 18.00 hrs). This will focus on improvements in energy consumption.
Brussels, 17 October 2007 - European chlorine production totalled 2,672,797 tonnes in the third quarter of 2007, a rise of 2.7% compared with the 2006 third quarter (2,601,833 tonnes). For the first nine months of the year, production amounted to 7,928,347 tonnes, an increase of 2.9% on the same period last year (7,705,280 tonnes).
The Association of Petrochemicals Producers in Europe (Appe) has launched an educational initiative to raise awareness among young people of how petrochemistry contributes to the development of modern materials.
European chlor-alkali producers need to work harder to meet sustainability targets or the sector's well-earned reputation could be at risk, warns an industry executive.
In August, European chlorine production amounted to 903,387 tonnes, 1.3% higher than in August 2006 (891,555 tonnes), and 1.3% below the July 2007 figure of 915,617 tonnes. Based on average daily production (August: 29,142 tonnes; July: 29,536 tonnes), August output decreased 1.3% compared to the previous month.
There are signs that Euro Chlor's Seventh International Chlorine Technology Conference & Exhibition in Lyon (15-17 April, 2008) is set for success. So far, 15 companies are interested in exhibiting and a similar number in making presentations at a special technology session.
Brussels, 24 August 2007 - European chlorine production in July totalled 941,688 tonnes, 3.8% higher than July 2006 (880,958 tonnes). Production last month increased 8.8% when compared with the previous month (841.033 tonnes). Based on average daily production (July: 29,506; June 28,034), July output increased 5.3% compared to the previous month.
Chlorine's value in international relief efforts is again making headlines. In northeastern Sudan, the UN has distributed chlorine tablets to disinfect water for 500,000 people to combat a cholera outbreak that has killed 50 people.
Using chlorine chemistry to produce high purity silicon for integrated circuits and solar cells saves North American consumers €11,460 million ($15,500 million) each year, according to a 2006 economic benefits study by American business consultancy, Global Insight.
It sounds almost too good to be true: a cheap and simple, chlorinated drug, dichloroacetate (DCA), "kills almost all cancers by switching off their ‘immortality,'" reports New Scientist.
For the first time in 10 years, more Parisians are drinking tap than bottled water, according to a recent survey by Eau de Paris. Almost half (48%) of the French capital's residents consume both types of water, but 36% rely exclusively on tap water compared with 16% drinking only bottled water.
A UK hospital is using a chlorine-based antibacterial full body wash for all patients following an outbreak of diarrhea-causing Clostridium difficile that reportedly affected more than 500 people.
Brussels, 16 July 2007 - European chlorine production totalled 5,260,099 tonnes in the first six months of 2007, up by 3.5% on the same period last year (5,081,746 tonnes).
Brussels, June 29, 2007 - Political agreement reached by EU Environment Ministers yesterday (Thursday) on banning the export of metallic mercury and safe, permanent storage could represent a "win-win situation for the environment and industry."
Brussels, June 28, 2007 - The three European trichloroethylene producers, Dow Europe, INEOS Chlor and Chimcomplex Borzesti (Romania), have signed a product stewardship charter aimed at ensuring safe use of this chlorinated solvent in metal-cleaning applications. The charter commits signatories to selling trichloroethylene only to end-users with enclosed equipment, thus minimising workplace exposure. This will ensure adequate control of the risks in this application identified in the EU Risk Assessment.
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive directive to "permanently phase-out the purchase of bottled water by the city and county of San Francisco."
Brussels, 25 June 2007 - Euro Chlor, the business association of the European chlor-alkali industry, today called on the Environment Council to support a Commission proposal for underground storage of surplus liquid metal from decommissioned mercury-based chlorine plants after the banning of EU mercury exports by 2011.
Summer clothes do a poor job of protecting skin from the sun's harmful rays, with a few recent studies suggesting that incidence of skin cancer on body parts usually covered by clothing is on the rise, reports The Wall Street Journal Online. "One option is to cover the entire body with sunscreen…A better solution is to wear specially treated protective clothing."
Chlorination of lignin in soils and decaying plant litter by ubiquitous fungi likely has a significant role in global natural organochlorine production, according to American and Austrian scientists.
BRUSSELS, June 15, 2007 - European chlorine production in May stood at 856,580 tonnes, a 3.9% decrease on the previous month (889,650 tonnes), but 6.2% higher than May last year. On a daily basis, May production (27,632 tonnes) dropped 7.3% compared with April (29,655 tonnes).
Brussels, June 15, 2007 - Following a decline lasting more than a decade, European sales of chlorinated solvents started to stabilise in 2006. Sales last year (EU 25 countries plus Norway, Switzerland and Turkey) totalled 214,000 tonnes, only a 1% drop compared with the previous year (216,000 tonnes).
Oxychlorine ions are the key ingredient of Microcyn, a new solution developed by Oculus Innovative Science (Petaluna, California) which destroys germs and speeds up the repair of wounds and diabetic ulcers, according to an article published in the New Scientist.
BRUSSELS, May 23, 2007 - European chlorine production in April reached 890,265 tonnes, or 1.6% lower than the previous month (904,636 tonnes). Production was nevertheless 1.7% up on daily basis (April 29,676 t/day vs March 29,182 t/day). Compared with the same month last year (838,159 tonnes), production rose 6.2%.
Novel antimicrobial textile technology which binds chlorine molecules to the surface of fabric is being introduced in a line of uniforms and towels to help prevent cross-contamination in the US food production industry.
"Mops and buckets of bleach" were used at Russells Hall Hospital (Dudley, UK) to help control an outbreak of the diarrhoea-causing bacterium, Clostridium difficile. At the hospital, which won the Dudley Group of Hospitals National Health Service Trust's "cleanest ward" title, the revolutionary "supermops", tested in 2006, were not able to completely replace bleach cleaning.
"Chemical treatment techniques, generally relying on chlorine as a disinfectant, have demonstrated health benefits, are extremely affordable, cost-effective, and significantly reduce microbial pathogen concentrations," states a report from the WHO.
European chlorine production totalled 895,868 tonnes in March, compared to February's 845,506 tonnes (in 28 days). This brought first quarter total production to 2,664,573 tonnes, a 3.3% increase compared with the same period last year (2,580,189 tonnes).
European chlorine production in February stood at 828,732 tonnes, 8.0% lower than January (900,310 tonnes). However, given that February was a short month, daily production saw very little change (February: 29,598 tonnes; January: 29,042 tonnes). Compared with the same month last year (811,314 tonnes), production rose 2.1%.
Novel water filtration technology using polystyrene beads to hold oxidative chlorine or bromine atoms for long periods has been launched in India by HaloSource Inc (Seattle, Washington, US) and India's Eureka Forbes company.
Wallets are "the single most germy item in any office - four times germier than women's purses," according to a new study from an American university. "Men may now have a good excuse to think twice before reaching for their wallets," says the University of Arizona's Dr Charles Gerba, who led the research.
A derivative of a chlorinated toxin from a "reclusive sea creature resembling a translucent doughnut" - the sea squirt, Diazona angulata - may have potential in treating cancer, according to research by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
European chlorine producers enjoyed a strong start to the year with production last month (January) of 921,835 tonnes - the highest monthly total this decade. Production was 3.5% higher than the same month last year (890,468 tonnes) and marginally above the second highest figure of 921,739 tonnes recorded in January 2005.
European chlorine production continued strong and steady in 2006 for the third successive year accompanied by robust demand for this chemical's co-product, caustic soda. Chlorine production last year dipped slightly to 10.30 million tonnes from 10.38 million (2005) and the 10-year-high of 10.40 million in 2004.
Brussels - Following the success of a chlorine industry publicity project in April 2006, the European PVC producers conducted a similar initiative in September to target EU policymakers and regulators. Using the Brussels metro network, the PVC industry's Vinyl 2010 campaign featured two posters focused on Sustainable Development and two others highlighting the benefits of vinyl products to society. Promising a better future and We're keeping our promises were featured as the poster taglines and accompanied images of consumers wearing or using various PVC-based products.
BRUSSELS, December 15, 2006 - Caustic soda stocks in Europe fell even further in November to reach a new all-time low of 215,278 tonnes, a 10.4% decrease from the previous month and 32.6% below the January level.
Brussels - Caustic soda stocks held by European chlor-alkali producers at 31 October reached an all-time low of 239,789 tonnes, a 5.5% decrease from September and 25% below the January level.
Euro Chlor has issued a brief statement in response to a recent press release by the EEB, which inaccurately claims that chlorine producers in the EU could be underreporting mercury emissions.
Fresh fruit and vegetables are good for us yet they are also one, if not the most, significant source of food-borne illnesses today in some countries. Around the world, up to eight million people die each year from food poisoning. Now, food science researchers have come up with an innovative new chlorine-based technology to kill pathogens on produce and make it safer to eat.
Brussels - European chlorine production in September of 826,433 tonnes was 3.6% lower than the same month last year (857,068 tonnes) and 7.2% lower than the previous month. However, total production for the first nine months of this year was only 1.1% down on the same period in 2005.
Brussels - European chlorine production in August totalled 890,630 tonnes, 3% lower than August 2005 (918,043 tonnes). However, total yearly production to date was only 0.7% behind last year's figure end August. Production last month increased 1.1% compared to the previous month (880,958 tonnes).
The World Health Organization has announced that it has given DDT "a clean bill of health" for malaria control. The international organisation is hence promoting indoor spraying with insecticides as one of three main interventions against malaria. The WHO decision has been positively received in many African countries, including Kenya, Ghana and Uganda, which have already announced plans to start using DDT to combat malaria.
The European chlorine industry continued to make steady progress last year towards its 2010 sustainability objectives: producers further reduced plant environmental emissions, had fewer serious process incidents or accidents involving contractors, and improved manufacturing hydrogen utilisation rates.
Brussels - European chlorine production in July totalled 880,072 tonnes, 3.1% higher than July 2005 (853,540 tonnes). Production last month increased 2.7% when compared with the previous month (856,942 tonnes). However, based on average daily production (July: 28,389 tonnes; June: 28,565 tonnes), July output actually decreased 0.6%, although still 3.1% higher than the comparable figure for July 2005 (27,534 tonnes).
Given the increase in reported cases of diarrhoea among the displaced population, Lebanon is giving priority to hygiene promotion activities, and the procurement and distribution of chlorine tablets for safe drinking water. As violence continues in the country, WHO is using chlorine-based water disinfectants in its humanitarian relief efforts, having distributed enough "chlorine powder" for 40 million litres of safe drinking water for the displaced, as well as for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
"The most infamous pesticide in history is also the most effective weapon against malaria. Ready or not, DDT is on its way back to Africa," states an article in Nature Medicine entitled DDT returns. "It's possibly the most reviled chemical on the planet... But here it is, poised for a comeback."
An American microbiologist has warned yoga enthusiasts of the danger of picking up fungal, viral and bacterial infections via dirty exercise mats. Dr Philip Tierno, author of the book The Secret Life of Germs, is quoted in a New York Times article as saying "soap and water won't kill bacteria, but chlorine will." The article pinpoints athlete's foot, plantar warts and staph infections as the main dangers.
The world's first commercial, large-scale fuel cell installation in the chlorine and chlorate industry has been set up at a Caffaro chlorate plant in Brescia, Italy. The project aims to maximise the value of excess hydrogen, a by-product of chlorate manufacture. The system has a net power of 120 kW and runs solely on the vented hydrogen.
Brussels - First half year European chlorine production stood at 5,080,207 tonnes, 1.0% lower than the same period last year (5,132,937 tonnes). Production in June (855,403 tonnes) increased 6.1% when compared with the previous month (806,459 tonnes) and was 3.1% higher than June 2005 (829,387 tonnes).
Amidst continuing violence in Lebanon, the World Health Organization (WHO) is using chlorine-based water disinfectants in its humanitarian relief efforts, distributing enough "chlorine powder" for 40 million liters of safe drinking water. This will be used for displaced people, and for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
The decline in European sales of chlorinated solvents slowed in 2005 and is expected to stabilise by late 2007 once the Solvents Emissions Directive 99/13/EC is fully implemented. Sales last year in the EU 25 countries plus Norway, Switzerland and Turkey totalled 216,000 tonnes, a 2% decrease compared with the previous year (220,000 tonnes).
Industry plans for up to 11,000 tonnes of liquid mercury from 46 decommissioned chlorine plants to be stored safely underground in disused salt mines is gaining increasing acceptance as the European Commission moves closer to finalising an EU mercury management strategy. The metal plays a key safety role in a process used to make almost half of 12 million tonnes of chlorine each year in Europe. Producers have set a self-imposed deadline of 2020 to voluntarily close or convert plants to cleaner more efficient technology at an estimated cost of EUR 3,500 million.
European chlorine production for May stood at 806,467 tonnes, a 3.8% decrease on the previous month (838,159 tonnes). On a daily basis (May: 26,015 tonnes; April: 27,939 tonnes) production dropped 6.9%. Compared with May last year (880,685 tonnes), production decreased 8.4%.
An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease, has been reported in Pamplona, northern Spain. Seventy six of the 139 people infected have been admitted to hospital. The department of health has closed six cooling towers where tests for the bacterium which causes the disease, Legionella were positive. Chlorine disinfection has taken place, as required by the Spanish Royal Decree of 2003.
A chlorinated air filtration system developed in Japan has been shown to suppress more than 99% of airborne avian influenza (flu) viruses. The honeycomb-shaped filter is impregnated with electrolysed water containing 10-mg/l concentration of free residual chlorine and can rapidly disinfect a large room.
European chlorine production in April reached 837,780 tonnes, or 4.6% lower than the previous month (878,403 tonnes). Production was nevertheless only 1.4% down on a daily basis (April: 27,926 t/day vs March 28,336 t/day), and increased 4.8% when compared with April 2005 (799,699 t).
Uganda has announced it will begin indoor spraying of DDT (a chlorinated pesticide) to battle rampant malaria, defying European Union threats to restrict the import of Ugandan crops. Tanzania has taken the same decision, reversing DDT prohibition because malaria is claiming so many lives.
According to new research, damage to the ozone layer has been reduced by controlling the production and use of ozone-destroying chlorine compounds (chlorofluorocarbons, halons, carbon tetrachloride and methyl chloroform).
The government of Angola and aid NGOs have been fighting for months to quash the worst outbreak of cholera in the country for more than a decade. WHO reported a total of 1,230 deaths out of a total of 34,418 cases since mid-February. In the last 24 hours alone, 588 new cases and 10 deaths were reported.
Keyboards used in hospitals could pose a health threat to patients unless disinfected daily. A new American study reveals that bacteria could be passed on by healthcare providers. Fourteen bacteria types were found on computer keyboards in North Carolina hospitals. In tests, chlorine-based disinfectant wipes proved more effective than alcohol and sterile water wipes.
Two chlorine disinfectants for cleaning eye exam equipment have been proven effective at inactivating adenovirus type 8, a common cause of epidemic keratoconjunctivis or "pink eye".
A PVC plastic pipe kept two Tasmanian gold miners alive for nine days while rescuers struggled to free them after a cave-in nearly 1km underground. The men walked free on May 8.
Greenpeace co-founder Patrick Moore, said recently in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald that he left Greenpeace when the NGO "started to drift away from science and logic" into zero-tolerance positions that he believes are based "more on sensation and fund-raising around scare tactics".
Brussels - European chlorine production for the first quarter 2006 (2,569,107 tonnes) decreased 2.1% in comparison with the same period last year (2,623,166 tonnes).
The only way to destroy a potentially life-threatening bacterium, Clostridium difficile, the major cause of hospital-acquired diarrhoea, is to use cleaning products containing bleach. This is according to Prof Mark Wilcox of the Leeds General Infirmary and the University of Leeds (BBC, 3 April). C difficile caused almost 1,000 deaths in the UK in 2003.
Brussels - European chlorine production in February stood at 811,798 tonnes. In comparison with the previous month (890,468 tonnes) there was an 8.8% decrease. However, given that February is a short month, on a daily basis (February: 28,993 tonnes; January: 28,725 tonnes) production increased by 0.9%.
London - Household bleach (sodium hypochlorite solution) may help increase the effectiveness of experimental cancer vaccines, according to researchers at University College, London (UCL).
South Sudan - Funds of about SwFr 100,000 Swiss francs (EUR 64,000) from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies' Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (IFRC) have been allocated to start relief work to combat a cholera outbreak in Southern Sudan. The money will be used to transport water purification tablets, chlorine powder, medicines and other supplies to the region.
Brussels - The New Year kicked off to a good start for European chlorine producers with January production at 891,816 tonnes. Although down 3.2% on January 2005, a record monthly high, (921,739 tonnes), chlorine production last month was up 2.0% compared with December (874,731 tonnes).
Cleaning bathrooms may become a thing of the past due to the development of new coatings able to provide self-cleaning surfaces, report scientists at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). The coatings are based on tiny particles of titanium dioxide - a compound which can be extracted using a process that depends on chlorine.
Chlorine is serving once again in the fight against waterborne illness, this time in Phagwara, Ratanpura Mohalla, India. Here, the local health department is distributing 3,000 tablets of chlorine to residents in order to help prevent the spread of a gastroenteritis outbreak.
South Africa - Indoor residual spraying with the chlorine-containing insecticide, DDT, is again proving valuable in controlling malaria in South Africa. A promising new programme in the eastern province of KwaZulu Natal (KZN), including indoor use of DDT and supply of highly-effective drug combinations containing artemisinin, has produced a dramatic fall in malaria incidence.
Hawaii - Dr Patrick Moore, an original founder of Greenpeace, believes that demands by environmentalists in the early 1990s for a global ban on chlorine was one of the most harmful stands ever taken. Speaking at the Pacific Rim summit on industrial biotechnology and bioenergy in Waikiki, Hawaii (11-13 January), he noted chlorine's widespread occurrence in nature and its essential role in the production of hundreds of useful products. He also acknowledged its life-saving role in water disinfection.
Brussels - European chlorine production in 2005 continued strong and steady for the second consecutive year. Compared with 2004 (10,395,637 tonnes), which was the highest for a decade, last year (10,380,833 tonnes) was virtually unchanged.
Brussels - A French Government Task Force on Environmental Sustainability has ruled that the way in which paper is bleached no longer constitutes grounds for paper manufacturers to ecologically differentiate their products.
Trained wasps in a PVC tube could one day replace dogs for sniffing out drugs, bombs and bodies. Researchers at the US Department of Agriculture and the University of Georgia have developed the Wasp hound, a handheld device based on a 25 cm-long piece of 8 cm-wide PVC pipe.
Chapel Hill (North Carolina) - A new US study suggests chlorine disinfectant is much more effective at killing the principal viruses that cause gastrointestinal illness or "stomach flu" than previously believed. Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that diluted bleach solutions, as low as 20 milligrams per litre, will completely inactivate noroviruses on surfaces such as stainless steel and ceramic tiles.
Brussels - European daily chlorine production in November (28,869 tonnes) was slightly up on the previous month (28,289 tonnes). Monthly production decreased 1.2% to 866,058 tonnes. Compared with the same period last year (867,977 tonnes), production was down just 0.2%.
Brussels - Alistair J. Steel, managing director and UK country manager for Rhodia, has been named executive director of Euro Chlor effective June 1, 2006. He succeeds fellow Scot Dr Barrie S. Gilliatt, who will retire after 10 years with the Brussels-based federation.
The world's tallest artifical Christmas tree measured 52 meters and was covered in 12 meters of non-flammable green PVC foliage. At its widest point, the tree's circumference was 62 meters, and the 20-storey structure needed a lightning rod and flashing lights to warn passing aircraft. The tree also boasted 3,000 baubles, 200 lamps, and a total weight of over 80 tonnes.
New Zealand - Treatment with a disinfectant such as chlorine would be a pre-requisite for New Zealand apples to be imported into Australia, under proposals to end an 84-year-old import ban introduced to prevent spread of the bacterial plant disease, fire blight.
Brussels - European daily chlorine production in October (28,289 tonnes) was virtually unchanged compared with the previous month (28,652 tonnes). On a monthly basis production rose 2% to 876,946 tonnes. In comparison with the same period last year (885,752 tonnes), October production was down 1%.
India - Health officials in India are using chlorine and bleaching powder to contain the spread of water-borne diseases following weeks of heavy rains in the Tamil Nadu region (The Daily Times: Pakistan). Chlorine is being added to drinking water and bleaching powder is being used as a disinfectant.
Pakistan - Following the earthquake which hit Pakistan last month,killing around 53,000 people and leaving three million homeless, two initiatives aimed at providing safe drinking water for survivors take advantage of chlorine's vital role in disinfection.
The Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) 16th Annual Meeting will examine Controversies and solutions for environmental science (The Hague, 7-11 May 2006, www.setaceumeeting.org/thehague ).
The chlorine-producing members of Federchimica Assobase are rebranding their public awareness initiative, Cloro amico mio (Chlorine my friend) to target opinion leaders in addition to young people. The new name is Cloro puro: un talento naturale (Pure chlorine: a natural talent).
Brussels - Nanoexperience, the new Cefic website, has been developed to inform young people about nanotechnology - the science of making materials and devices on an ultra-miniature scale. It explains how, at the scale of the nanometer (a billionth of a metre) common materials behave in unexpected ways.
Brussels - Cefic is helping to convey "the scale of things" - how big or small things actually are - using real-world examples, in two special tables on its website.
Brussels - European chlorine production in the third quarter (2,622,852 tonnes) rose 4.5% on the previous quarter (2,509,771 tonnes) and was 1.9% higher than the same quarter last year (2,573,001 tonnes). September production (856,761 tonnes) rose 5.6% over the same month last year (811,278 tonnes). On a daily basis, September (28,559 tonnes) was down 3.0% on the previous month (29,437 tonnes).
Brussels - Portuguese chlor-alkali manufacturer Quimigal is one of five companies to win the first European Responsible Care Award, which recognises an innovative and effective local community outreach programme.
Brussels - Solvay chlorinated solvents marketing and sales manager Olivier Coûteaux has been named chairman of the European Chlorinated Solvent Association (ECSA), which is part of Euro Chlor. He succeeds Lorain McCann (INEOS Chlor), who stepped down earlier this month.
BRUSSELS - Monthly European chlorine production in August (911,698 tonnes) was up 6.8% compared with the previous month (853,540 tonnes). In comparison with the same month last year (857,884 tonnes), production increased 6.3%.
Brussels - Welcome to the new-look Chlorine Online. The website, which has had nearly 1,000,000 visits since it was established in 1998, has received a major upgrade to make it easier to use and find information.
Brussels - The European chlor-alkali industry made continued progress last year towards sustainability goals set for 2010. In particular, energy consumption, environmental emissions and workplace accidents, particularly by contractors, were all reduced.
Fuller information on the industry's performance against all sustainability indicators can be found on pages 2-8 of Euro Chlor's latest Chlorine Industry Review 2004-05. Click through to the full press release to find out more.
Brussels - As Gulf Coast communities struggle to deal with the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina, the lives and health of many survivors are threatened by contaminated drinking water and a lack of sanitation, which often bring cholera and other deadly diseases in their wake. To help relief efforts, the global chlorine industry's Water Relief Network (WRN) is working with the American Red Cross (ARC), which has asked for donations of chlorine bleach and other products such as vinyl sheeting and PVC piping to help restore safe drinking water supplies and protect health.
Brussels - Daily European chlorine production in July totalled 27,652 tonnes versus 27,642 tonnes in June. On a monthly basis, production increased 3.4% (857,225 tonnes) compared with the previous month (829,268 tonnes), but decreased by 5.2% in comparison with the same period last year (903,839 tonnes).
Brussels - More than 1,300 leading water and sanitation experts from 100 countries meet in Stockholm next week (World Water Week, 21-27 August) as part of the continuing efforts by the international community to enhance the economic development and quality of life of poorer countries.
Brussels - European chlorine production during the first half of 2005 totalled 5,132,551 tonnes, a 0.4% decrease on the same period last year (5,153,765 tonnes). Caustic soda stocks were at the lowest ever seen.
Brussels - European chlorine production for May stood at 880,501 tonnes, a 10.1% increase on the previous month (799,699 tonnes). On a daily basis (May: 28,403 tonnes; April: 26,657 tonnes) production rose 6.5%. Compared with May last year (893,160 tonnes), production decreased 1.4%.
Brussels - To highlight the many ways that chlorine helps ensure the health, safety and comfort of people around the world, the US Chlorine Chemistry Council has created the Chlorine Tree (www.chlorinetree.org), a virtual tour of thousands of products created through chemistry.
Brussels - European chlorine production in the first quarter 2005 rose 2.4% to 2,623,809 tonnes from 2,562,531 tonnes for the same period last year. The quarter finished with March production at 882,687 tonnes, 0.7% lower than the same month last year (889,110 tonnes).
Brussels - Western European (EU 15 and Norway, Switzerland and Turkey) sales of methylene chloride, perchloroethylene (PER) and trichloroethylene (TRI) amounted to 220,000 tonnes in 2004. Compared with the previous year (233,000 tonnes) the sales decreased by 6%.
Madrid - The need for a co-ordinated strategy encompassing all man-made emissions of the long-range air pollutant mercury was underscored by a European chlorine industry executive today (Friday).
Brussels - European chlorine production for February stood at 819,587 tonnes. In comparison with the previous month (921,998 tonnes) there was an 11.1% decrease. However, given that February is a short month, on a daily basis
(February: 29,271 tonnes; January: 29,742 tonnes) production dropped just 1.6%. Compared with the same month last year (this was a leap year) on a daily basis there was an increase of 4.0%.
Brussels - Euro Chlor production figures will, from now on, encompass the Czech and Slovak Republics, Hungary and Poland. Figures released today show January production for the EU 25 plus Norway and Switzerland to be at 920,526 tonnes. Stocks of caustic soda, an essential co-product of chlorine production, stood at 334,778 tonnes at the end of the month.
Nairobi - The global chlorine industry welcomes efforts through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to protect the environment and public health through voluntary initiatives. Proposals such as the multiple stakeholder partnership made in Nairobi today at the 23rd session of the UNEP Governing Council can lead to a reduction in mercury pollution from all sources more rapidly than through international treaty.
Brussels - Figures just published for 2004 show chlorine production in Western Europe at an all-time high (9,856,302 tonnes). Compared with 2003 (9,525,111 tonnes), production has increased 3.5% and since 1994 (8,976,034 tonnes) it has risen 9.8%.
Prague - The European chlorine industry is committed to
achieving a sustainable future that takes into account environmental, social and
economic concerns. This is one of the reasons why Euro Chlor is here in Prague for
its sixth international technical seminar. More than 300 industry people from 35
countries, including managers and technicians from Czech producers, are here this
week (19-22 January) to share the latest information and experiences on health,
safety and environmental aspects of chlorine manufacture.
Brussels - International aid agencies reckon another 50,000 tsunami survivors could die from water-borne diseases if no preventative measures are taken to provide safe drinking water and sanitation. European producers of chlorine - the most widely used water disinfectant - responded to the disaster within 48 hours.
