Sustainable Progress

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Introduction...... 01

Progress on Sustainability: WCC’s Perspective...... 03

Product Benefits...... 07

Improved Chlorine Safety Performance...... 13

Production Technology...... 19

3 Introduction to the World Chlorine Council

The World Chlorine Council (WCC) is a promoting responsible stewardship global network of national and regional practices and addressing safety, health, chlorine-related trade associations and environmental and public policy issues. their member companies. WCC has It is accredited as a non-governmental participation from chlor-alkali producers organization by the United Nations across North America, South America, General Assembly, and recognized as Europe, and Asia and continues striving a major stakeholder that can provide to include all producers worldwide. WCC input into the U.N. system on priority primarily aims to improve the performance international issues. and sustainability of the industry by

01 Through Solar Impulse partners, including Solvay and Bayer MaterialScience, chlorine chemistry contributes to the manufacturing of the Solar Impulse plane’s 12,000 solar cells, lightweight polyurethane foams and unbreakable polycarbonate films and sheet Progress on Sustainability: for the cockpit glazing.

© Solar Impulse/Jean Revillard WCC’s Perspective As the world takes stock of progress towards sustainable development, WCC is pleased to present this report of the chlor-alkali sector’s achievements.

We continue to see sustainability as a chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE). This journey, underway but not complete, product protects the cells from corrosion including substantial progress and the and from the harsh environment that is need for continued efforts. Our products encountered by the plane on the ground remain essential solutions to many of and in the air. society’s greatest challenges – the need for chlorination of drinking water in times of As institutional frameworks for increasing cholera outbreaks is a reminder sustainability develop, it will be important that chlorine chemistry is still critical for to foster sustainability but avoid additional basic life-supporting processes. Chlorine- layers of bureaucracy. Efficiencies based products also help supply affordable should be pursued wherever they can and durable housing, plentiful food and help promote sustainable outcomes. The effective medicines, playing a central role in private sector has technical expertise economies around the world. that can help inform policy decisions and improve the effectiveness of At the other end of the spectrum, the use implementation. The Strategic Approach of chlorine chemistry in leading-edge to International Chemicals Management technologies such as the Solar Impulse (SAICM) provides an innovative model project illustrates our potential. This of how multi-stakeholder frameworks can project aims to turn a vision to reality by help advance sustainable development flying an aircraft day and night using solar objectives. Similarly, private-public energy alone – a powerful symbol of the partnerships can supplement inter- major efforts and technological leaps governmental activities and act as a needed to ensure a sustainable future. catalyst for improved implementation.

The photovoltaic cells on the wings WCC supports the International Council of the plane are protected by a 17 of Chemical Associations’ (ICCA) position micron-thick film of a high-performance that sound chemicals management is coating, a copolymer of ethylene and best achieved through a combination 03 Our long-term vision is to achieve zero accidental releases and zero transportation/customer safety incidents.

of transparent, cost-effective, science- remains undimmed. Efforts continue at based regulation and voluntary initiatives. local, regional and global levels, coupled Industry led efforts – such as Responsible with open and timely dialogue with Care® and the Global Product Strategy all stakeholders, including regulators, – can be effective in helping achieve elected officials, scientists, the media, sustainable development at the global investors and employees. Sharing best and local levels, and the institutional practices for optimizing safety and framework should help facilitate and minimizing emissions remains a top encourage such initiatives. It should priority as we move towards our long- also help build capacity and develop term vision of achieving zero accidental institutions that support implementation releases, and zero transportation and at the national level. customer safety incidents.

In the future, the move towards a WCC has engaged positively in many ‘green economy’ requires an inclusive, national and international processes multidimensional approach. A solely linked to chlorine chemistry over many environmental focus risks defining green years, including the U.N. chemical jobs and green growth too narrowly. management conventions on persistent Economic growth is critical to solving organic pollutants (POPs) and wastes. As environmental and social challenges, an example, WCC is a partner in the U.N. including poverty reduction. The global Environment Program (UNEP) Mercury chemical industry – and the private sector Partnership. Our commitments to phase more broadly – has a critical role to play. out mercury-based chlor-alkali production, The private sector is the primary source under the Global Instrument on Mercury of green jobs and the principal supplier currently under negotiation, illustrates that of green products and services, through WCC continues to be an active traveler in the innovation, commercialization and this global journey towards sustainability. implementation of new technologies. Chemistry is essential for enabling this, since virtually all manufactured products are touched by chemistry.

The chlor-alkali industry’s dedication to continuous social, economic and environmental improvement – known as the “triple bottom line” of sustainability – 04 055 Dow Chemical’s Closed Loop Management of Chlorinated Solvents

Manufacturers depend on chlorinated solvents for metal cleaning and degreasing operations for aircraft, appliances, Product Benefits automotive, electronics and railroad Chlor-alkali producers are a vital part of the chemical applications. Chlorinated solvents require industry and provide benefits in an array of sectors including responsible design and management and healthcare, public health, energy and the environment. The handling procedures to avoid potential industry makes a significant social contribution—and offers workplace hazards or environmental impact. products and technology to improve lives and help to achieve One such approach has been developed by the Millennium Development Goals. Dow Chemical’s wholly-owned subsidiary,

SAFECHEM, which has a state-of-the-art, Chlor-alkali producers are a vital part of the Chlorine-based plastics are used to make closed-loop delivery system for handling chemical industry and provide benefits in intravenous drips and blood bags, sterile chlorinated solvents. This improves process an array of sectors including healthcare, tubing and packaging, prosthetics and heart public health, energy and the environment. catheters. Chlorine is also used to make productivity while reducing risk in industrial The industry makes a significant social semiconductors for diagnostic instruments. In cleaning operations. The system enables contribution—and offers products and hospitals, chlorine compounds help protect solvent to be transferred to cleaning technology to improve lives and help to patients from infections through their use in achieve the Millennium Development Goals. cleaning and disinfection, and as antiseptics. equipment with significantly reduced risk of emissions or spills, offering a safer Healthcare: Nutrition: alternative for solvent use without sacrificing Chlorine-based products play a key role in Chlorine is used to manufacture crop cleaning performance or requiring additional medical devices and pharmaceuticals. For protection chemicals, which help to boost maintenance costs. The system also requires example, in the United States, more than 90% crop yields and quality. In commercial food of pharmaceuticals contain or are manufactured preparation, chlorine-based products are less energy and water usage, as well as less using chlorine, including products to treat HIV/ used for: use of solvents through Dow technology AIDS, allergies, arthritis, cancer, depression, • Disinfection of equipment and that maximizes solvent life. Through this diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, food contact surfaces (killing food- infections, pneumonia and ulcers. system, solvents are delivered to customers borne bacteria such as Salmonella, in sealed containers designed to meet road, Escherichia coli and Campylobacter) Through its use in polyvinyl chloride (PVC), rail and sea transport regulations. Used chlorine also contributes to safety in tamper- • Manufacture of packaging to keep food solvents can be transferred directly from resistant pharmaceutical packaging and in fresh and prevent contamination. “blister” packs, which help extend shelf-life cleaning equipment to recycling containers, and make it easier for patients to take the Public safety: greatly minimizing risk of spills or emissions. correct dose. Chlorine’s role in public safety includes: Dow also promotes safe-use parameters to the chlorinated solvents value chain, An estimated one-quarter of medical devices • Decontaminating public water supplies depend on chlorine chemistry. delivering communications on non-supported damaged by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes applications and use conditions for the solvents, and providing in-depth training for 07 workers who use these products. and earthquakes, and preventing mold growth, Safe drinking water: particularly as floodwaters recede. Today, 783 million people do not have access to safe water sources, and more than one • Materials used in protective equipment for million children die per year due to diarrheal diseases—according to WHO/UNICEF. police, fire and ambulance services, such as Some 94% of the burden of diarrheal disease is attributable to environmental and bullet-resistant vests, face shields and helmets, and fire-resistant clothing. associated risk factors such as unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation and hygiene.

• Communications equipment and components for emergency services, such as radios, mobile telephones and microprocessors. The filtration of drinking water plus the use of “chlorine is probably the most significant public Environmental protection: health advance of the millennium. Chlorine, sodium hydroxide and downstream products - LIFE Magazine provide a range of environmental benefits, including:

Economic Benefits: ” • PVC is one of the most resource efficient materials for many applications. Many PVC products have a Worldwide, there are currently some 500 chlor-alkali producers and over 650 sites with a long life, ensuring maximum use is made of natural total production capacity of 58 million metric tonnes of chlorine and 62 million metric tonnes resources used in their manufacture. In over 50% of PVC applications, the products of its co-product, caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) per year. The industry directly employs last over 35 years. more than 100,000 people worldwide and creates many more jobs in downstream and • PVC pipes are strong, durable and immune to corrosion, helping to minimize water loss closely related industries. in municipal water systems. Chlorine chemistry helps power national economic engines in many ways. For example, in • Many energy efficient building products, such as foam insulation and PVC windows, are the United States: based on chlorine chemistry.

• PVC requires less oil for production and emits about 50% less carbon dioxide than • Chlorine-related industries supply over 160,000 U.S. jobs some other polymers if incinerated at the end of its useful life. It can be recycled on • Chlorine-related industry employees earn more than $8.8 billion in wages each year an industrial scale for most applications. • Roughly one-half of the chemical industry’s products depend on chlorine chemistry • Clean solar energy reduces society’s dependence on fossil fuels. It is harnessed by solar panels constructed of thousands of wafers of silicon, purified using • The vast majority of U.S. water systems use chlorine to help provide safe drinking water chlorine chemistry. • Chlorine chemistry is used in 93 percent of top-selling U.S. pharmaceuticals and 86 • Sodium hydroxide neutralizes acidic environmental pollution. It is used to control and percent of crop protection chemicals remediate acid mine drainage, pollution that can severely degrade the habitat and water quality of receiving streams. • Durable, corrosion-resistant PVC pipe, a product of chlorine chemistry, is a sustainable solution for water infrastructure renewal • Used aluminum beverage cans and packaging containers represent a large source of aluminum in the municipal solid waste stream. Chlorine gas is bubbled through molten • Hydrogen, a co-product of the chlor-alkali process, can be used as a zero CO2 emission aluminum scrap during the recycling process to reduce magnesium and other impurities fuel in plant boilers, reducing a facility’s carbon footprint. in the aluminum melt.

• Hydrochloric acid is used to remediate soils polluted by mining and metallurgical activities.

088 09019 WCC members have reduced“ their mercury emissions “by 73% since 2002.

Energy and the Environment: Green Energy Innovation: An Industry Committed to Sustainability: Chlorine chemistry is a critical element of • Polyurethane foam insulation, manufactured • Chlorine chemistry plays an important sustainability, resource conservation, and using chlorine chemistry, increases the role in harnessing solar energy—purifying • Through advances in technology and green energy innovation. Examples include: energy efficiency of home heating and air- the silicon found in grains of sand and operating practices, the chlor-alkali industry conditioning systems, reducing energy bills helping transform them into solar panel is reducing its environmental footprint: • In transportation, chlorine chemistry is an and conserving natural resources. chips. Wind turbine blades of chlorine- important component in the development based epoxy resins help convert wind • WCC members have reduced their mercury • Energy-efficient PVC windows reduce and manufacture of materials that make power into electricity for a clean, renewable, emissions by 73 percent since 2002. home heating and cooling costs and vehicles lighter—thereby increasing greenhouse gas-free energy source. fossil fuel energy-associated greenhouse fuel mileage. gas emissions. PVC windows are low • Clean, energy-efficient hybrid vehicles • Unlike most other plastics, which are maintenance, eliminating the need for paints, contain electric motors powered by nickel manufactured wholly from fossil fuels, cost- stains, strippers and thinners. Research metal hydride battery packs. These effective PVC is comprised of 57 percent indicates manufacturing PVC windows batteries, which last longer than the most chlorine, which is obtained from common salt requires one-third of the energy needed to advanced lead-acid battery, use potassium – a quasi-infinite natural resource. make aluminum windows. hydroxide—a co-product of chlor-alkali production—as an electrolyte. • 1010 11 Solvay Commissions World’s Largest Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

Solvay has commissioned a 1 MegaWatt (MW) industrial demonstration fuel cell at the SolVin plant in Lillo, Antwerp, Improved Chlorine Belgium. SolVin is a 75-25 joint venture between Solvay and BASF. The Proton Safety Performance Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell converts hydrogen produced by the plant The chlor-alkali industry is committed to safety and into electricity, and generates 475 MWh stewardship of chlorine and products used in our industry in 1 month of operation. This would fulfill and has the record to back it up. the electricity needs of around 1,500 families during that period. The Fuel Cell enables low value hydrogen from the Chlorine-based products provide great to WCC members to provide lessons benefit to society. However, the industry that may help prevent future incidents. electrolysis process to be used to generate acknowledges the safety hazards of some Currently, most data reported is electricity which benefits the overall energy aspects of its chemistry. Chlorine, as from Europe, North America and efficiency of the site. Hydrogen-powered a liquid, causes skin and eye burns on Japan. Human error and corrosion of equipment are the two most common contact. When chlorine is released into the fuel cells produce only electricity and factors reported in the database. WCC air as a gas, it can irritate the respiratory water. This industrial scale-up project – is working to improve reporting from system, mucous membranes, eyes and other regions and make this a truly which converts the chemical energy from skin. Hydrochloric acid and hypochlorous global database of incidents. hydrogen into clean electricity through an acid, both corrosive and potentially dangerous if mishandled, can be formed • Preparation and sharing of safety electrochemical reaction with oxygen – when chlorine gas reacts with moisture. guidelines Preparation and sharing of uses Solvay’s innovative specialty polymers An acute awareness of these hazards safety guidelines across national and and SolviCore’s membrane electrode has spurred the industry to become regional associations, dissemination of safety information through the WCC one of the safest of all manufacturing assemblies (MEAs). SolviCore is a 50-50 Global Network, and promotion of safety sectors. The WCC safety program targets joint venture between Solvay and Umicore. to end-users through the International continuous improvements in global safety Council of Chemical Associations The Dutch companies, NedStack and performance, both at facilities and during ® (ICCA) Responsible Care program. MTSA, built the fuel cell. The project was transportation. Key initiatives include: This includes posters and manuals for the safe operation of equipment and supported by WaterstofNet, the coordinator • WCC Incident Reporting and Tracking handling of chlorine products, available of the Project Hydrogen Region Flanders Program, WCC Incident Reporting for download from the WCC website, - South Netherlands, which provided EUR and Tracking Program, initiated by the www.worldchlorine.org. WCC Global Safety Team in 2002. 1.5 million towards the total project costs of This program documents chlorine- • Active participation in Stewardship EUR 5 million. related incidents (including accidental workshops that are organized almost emissions and near misses) at fixed every year in different countries, facilities and in transportation. The including expert presentations, allowing information is compiled and reported further sharing of best safety practices. 13 Safety at production facilities In Europe, bulk chlorine has been shipped The industry will continue to build on for more than 60 years without a single its strong safety record with continuous Within chlor-alkali plants and downstream CHLOREP and fatality. About 95 percent is used close to improvements in transport and distribution. production facilities, management of the production unit, and is not transported TRANSCAER; models chlorine is especially important to protect by rail or road. However, since it is used by The global chlor-alkali industry will continue employees, the local community, and the for emergency industry to make such a diverse range of to work with governments and railways to environment. Facilities continuously work to products, it is inevitable that some must be explore ways to improve the safety and response improve equipment design, process control transported. Railways are the main method security of rail shipments and to address procedures and employee training. In 2009, of transport, accounting for 77 percent of the causes of any incidents. It will also For more than 30 years, the the U.S. manufacturing industry sector chlorine movements in Europe (excluding Chlorine Institute has helped reported the largest year-to-year decline continue to cooperate with researchers pipeline). Road transport for bulk supply is emergency responders prepare for injuries and illnesses since 2003, falling by and tank car manufacturers to ensure the used only in the UK and, to a limited extent, and respond to chlorine emergencies 23 percent, and U.S. chlorine producers had structural integrity of chlorine tank cars in Spain and Portugal. in the U.S. and Canada through its a workplace injury and illness incidence rate and seek appropriate upgrades based on

Chlorine Emergency Response that was 73 percent lower than the average current knowledge of best safety practices Plan (CHLOREP). This program has for other manufacturing industries. and new technology. been studied and benchmarked as a “best practice” by the chlorine Transportation safety Extending safety to the end-user industries of many countries around Safe transportation of chlorine continues The industry is committed to ensuring the world. CHLOREP quickly to be a top priority. According to 2010 data safety at all stages of product lifecycles, mobilizes industry expertise to an collected by the Chlorine Institute (CI), 24 from production to end-use and disposal. accident site involving chlorine. percent of chlorine produced in the U.S. is This includes helping to educate end-users Trained emergency teams from transported off site. Of the total chlorine on the correct handling of products. The chlorine producing, packaging and transported, 84 percent is transported by rail. consuming plants are on alert on In the U.S., the CI has worked in partnership European Chlorinated Solvent Association a 24-hour basis to handle chlorine with the railroads and government since 1924 (ECSA, part of Euro Chlor) started its emergencies. TRANSCAER® to help improve transportation safety. The sustainability program in 2007 with the (Transportation Community approach to safety is two-fold: avoidance ambitious aim of covering the whole Awareness and Emergency of accidents and accidental releases of chlorinated solvents value chain. Nine Response) is a voluntary American hazardous materials; and mitigating their objectives were set under the three vision and Canadian outreach effort in effects if they do occur. Voluntary safety elements: Sustainability by product and Canada that focuses on assisting guidelines and strict government regulations application; Value chain engagement; communities to prepare for and to cover all aspects of chlorine transportation and Stakeholder engagement respond to a possible hazardous by rail. The industry is working to ensure and communication. materials transportation incident. rail transportation safety continues to TRANSCAER® members consist improve through safer rail operations and Stringent safety measures are implemented ECSA reviewed its substantial progress of volunteer representatives from the development of new transportation during transport. Chlorine is carried in 2011. In one example, ECSA analyzed the chemical manufacturing, technologies. However, in the spirit of in specially-designed steel containers, 60 applications and summarized transportation, distributor, and continuous improvement, all parties need to ranging from cylinders carrying a few recommendations for a safe and emergency response industries, continue assessing technical and operational kilograms of chlorine to road and rail sustainable use of chlorinated solvents as well as the government. enhancements. tank cars containing 20-60 metric tonnes. in an online toolbox. This Product & 1414 0115 Application Toolbox contains This involved the international initiative, recommendations for more than 350 individual E-DryClean, which aims to create practical activities. One of the six awareness programs and easily accessible education material with the value chain led to an Excellence for the European drycleaning industry. Award for ECSA’s contribution. The award Six e-learning modules on best practices recognized the program focusing on and working methods are available, including sustainable dry-cleaning processing one on perchloroethylene, for which the (see http://www.cinet-online.net/edryclean). ECSA was the leading partner.

Euro Chlor Conference Focuses On Sustainable Development

On April 5-7, 2011, Euro Chlor held its Eighth International Chlorine Technology Conference & Exhibition in Budapest, Hungary, with 330 delegates from Europe and 13 non-European countries. Forty speakers gave presentations on topics related to safety, health and environmental protection. In parallel with the event, an exhibition allowed the participants to see and discuss the recent developments in equipment and services focused on this sector.

Abiclor Trains Firefighters On Emergency Responses

On February 2-4, 2011, the Brazilian Chlor-Alkali and Derivatives Industry Association, Abiclor, was asked by the São Paulo State Firefighters to train a squad of 130 firefighters on emergency responses to chlorine incidents. The training involved classroom sessions and hands-on activities; Abiclor member Hidromar donated containers and safety equipment for the fire engines. The same program is under development with the Pernambuco State Firefighters. Abiclor members Produquímica Igarassu, Beraca Sabará and Parva will make train and make equipment donations to the firefighters. Based on the success of this program, Abiclor plans to offer similar training to other Brazilian state firefighters.

Abiclor Transportation Seminars Highlight Safety

Abiclor also holds annual transportation safety seminars in São Paulo, Brazil, including one on November 10, 2010. There are typically 90-110 attendees from throughout Brazil and other South American countries, representing industry, packaging companies and the transportation sector. 16 17 Haiti Turns to Chlorine Chemistry When Disaster Strikes Production Technology On January 12, 2010, a devastating The chlor-alkali sector is committed to transitioning to newer earthquake struck Haiti, killing and injuring production technologies under sound business management thousands of the country’s citizens. Yet approaches. the disaster did not end when the earth stopped trembling. Safe drinking water, never a luxury in Haiti to begin with, The mercury cell process releases to the environment, including the current United Nations Environment became scarcer as much of the country’s The mercury cell process is one of three Program’s (UNEP) negotiations towards infrastructure was destroyed and cholera manufacturing processes used by the chlor-alkali sector. The others are based a global mercury instrument. WCC and other waterborne diseases crept on diaphragm technology and membrane is a strong supporter of the Mercury back into the water supply. According to technology. Today, elemental mercury is Convention negotiations. International Action, in just one city, Jacmel, used in mercury cell technology for chlor- alkali production in around 100 facilities Our members are active supporters of 22 percent of people reported to be afflicted worldwide. Strict safety procedures and the UNEP’s Mercury Program and its with cholera have died since the outbreak process controls are followed to prevent Partnership on the Mercury Reduction in in 2010. But things are beginning to turn workplace exposure and to minimize the Chlor-Alkali Sector. This Partnership builds upon the industry’s long-standing around thanks to donations from around emissions of mercury. commitment to share best practices for the world, including from the Chlorine WCC embraced early on both regional reducing mercury use and releases from Chemistry Division of the American and global initiatives to address mercury mercury-cell chlor-alkali facilities. Chemistry Council. International Action is installing chlorinators and water tanks at 54 Global mercury-based production capacity, 2002-2010 schools and 20 community water sites to (in 1000 tonnes chlorine per annum) protect the citizens of Jacmel from cholera Number of plants and capacity of mercury electrolysis units in USA/ and other waterborne diseases. The Canada/Mexico, Europe, Russia, India and Brazil/Argentina/Uruguay organization reported that these projects Number Capacity of of plants plants (1000 t/y) will help protect 236,000 Haitians living in 95 9,500 this area. This is just one more example of Capacity 90 9,000 how chlorine chemistry plays an important 85 8,500 role in public safety. 80 8,000 Hg Plants 75 7,500 70 7,000 65 6,500 60 6,000 55 5,500 50 5,000 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Years 19 The chlor-alkali sector is of mercury. WCC recognizes that mercury is a chemical of global concern and the industry is moving to transitioning to non-mercury Diaphragm technology mercury-free technologies as existing plants reach the end of their economic lives. Transitioning however, will take time. As an example, the member companies of Euro Chlor have signed a technology and has already The diaphragm process of chlor-alkali voluntary commitment that will eliminate chlor-alkali mercury cell production by 2020. Due to achieved a 40 percent production relies mainly on tightly controlled the high capital investment necessary for the conversion to membrane technology and the high use of the chrysotile form of asbestos. To variability of factors influencing the profitability of such projects, funding mechanisms are needed to reduction in mercury cell protect human health, facilities are operated support conversion. capacity since 2002. according to industry guidelines and best practices, and the chrysotile asbestos Key facts: is sourced from companies that comply • The chlor-alkali sector accounts for less than one percent of total global natural and man-made with national regulations and implement mercury emissions. Chlorine production is a very small source of mercury emissions today. or transition. the Asbestos International Association’s guidelines. Member companies participate • WCC and its member associations will continue promoting utilization of best available • WCC members have reduced their mercury in the Asbestos International Association techniques (BAT) and best environmental practices (BEP) at existing facilities until their closure emissions by 73 percent since 2002. responsible-use initiative, and are committed • The industry supports best practices, to ensuring that the controlled use of chrysotile including: asbestos is in compliance with national Global mercury emissions from Chlor-alkali production, 2002-2010 »» Controlled Supply of Mercury to laws and the World Health Organization’s Chlor-alkali Facilities: The use of recommended permissible exposure limit. Total mercury emissions (air + water + products) for USA/Canada/Mexico, mercury should be considered essential More recently, non-asbestos diaphragms Europe, Russia, India and Brazil/Argentina/Uruguay for chlor-alkali production until mercury- (using fluorocarbon polymeric fibres) have been introduced. The new materials extend g Hg/t Cl2 cell facilities are transitioned or closed. annual cap. kg Hg/y the lifetime of cells. »» Monitoring of Mercury-containing 3.00 30,000 Wastes: Mercury containing Membrane Technology wastes should be managed in an environmentally sound way and Membrane technology results from advances controlled by national authorities. Basel in the polymer industry. The technology 2.50 Speci c Emissions 25,000 Convention Guidelines should be taken yields a high quality product that demands into account, and national legislation approximately 25-30% less electricity than the and regulations should be applied. mercury technology, but it requires additional 2.00 20,000 Total Emissions »» Managing Mercury Surplus from energy (usually steam) to concentrate the Decommissioned Cells: The end- caustic from 32% solution to the commercial of-life mercury from shutdown or grade of 50%. Membrane technology 1.50 15,000 converted cells is 99.9 percent pure and innovation is focusing primarily on electricity equivalent to virgin mercury. End-of- consumption reduction by improving life mercury should be managed in an membranes and cells design. Despite the environmentally sound manner and in high investment costs for of converting to 0.50 10,000 line with the global Responsible Care® this technology, many chlor-alkali facilities principles of the chemical industry— have volunteered to convert mercury-based ensuring WCC member companies technology to membrane over the next decade. 0.00 5,000 follow best practices when transporting, 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 storing, and disposing All production methods WCC is committed to promotion of best 20 practices and industry guidance, including BAT 21 and BEP for chlor-alkali production on a global basis. Specific actions include: with downstream customers of the chemical industry • Organization of Stewardship Workshops in • Supporting partnerships with key emerging regions to share BAT/BEP intergovernmental organizations and others guidelines for chlor-alkali facilities to enhance product stewardship • Sharing of information on emerging • Enhancing outreach and dialogue technologies and practices to enhance with customers, the public and chlor-alkali production, extending beyond other stakeholders. current BAT/BEP guidelines to include other production related developments and WCC is committed to the GPS for innovations (e.g., recycling of hydrogen all chemicals in our business sector, chloride, use of cogeneration and steam) including: • Translation and dissemination of industry • Participation in the best practice approach guidance documents at the regional and for a base set of hazard and exposure global level information adequate to assess the safety of our chemicals. • Promotion of technical exchanges Courtesy to Vinnolit, Germany and transfers. • A new approach to facilitate the sharing How we manage our of relevant information for risk assessment of these chemicals with governments, Responsible Care® and the ICCA Global including the communication of chemical risks mission chemicals other stakeholders, and the public, Product Strategy. throughout the supply chain. GPS advocates The chlor-alkali sector is primarily focused without cost compensation. Responsible Care® is the chemical industry’s for a combination of regulations and voluntary on the production of chlorine and sodium unique global initiative that promotes continuous programs aimed at harmonizing the global • The management of chemicals is best hydroxide, basic chemicals vital to the full improvement in health, safety and environmental level of product safety assessment by: achieved through a balanced combination spectrum of chemistry and to a modern performance, together with open and transparent of regulation and industry-driven initiatives. economy and lifestyle. Our mission chemicals communication with stakeholders. Responsible • Defining a “base set of information” for include substances used in the chlor-alkali As part of the GPS, WCC member companies Care® embraces the development and chemicals in commerce manufacturing process and chlorinated will add to and update the information in the application of sustainable chemistry, helping our substances in the value chain associated with • Sharing of relevant information for safety online GPS Chemicals Portal. industry contribute to sustainable development our business activities. assessment between companies while allowing us to meet the world’s growing Both Responsible Care® and the GPS are need for essential chemicals and the products • Promoting a tiered process for evaluating While some aspects of our industry present key components of the chemical industry’s those chemicals make possible. Through risk and identifying appropriate risk challenges in a sustainability context, contribution to the UNEP Strategic Approach Responsible Care®, the chemical industry is management actions for chemicals in particularly our use of mercury and asbestos to International Chemicals Management reporting and tracking its progress on critical commerce in some production processes, we are (SAICM). Also, under the High Production elements of product stewardship and is making committed to safe management of substances • Extending the guidance for safety Volume program of the Organization for further improvements to its current processes. throughout their lifecycle. Our vision for these assessment (e.g. ICCA Product Economic Cooperation and Development Stewardship Guidelines) on a global scale mission chemicals is to manage responsibly (OECD), governments and industry have WCC is aligned with and has been committed all chemicals used in our businesses, developed or are in the process of developing to the Responsible Care® ethic for nearly two • Helping to define safe use conditions communicate openly with stakeholders for chemicals and provide guidance to comprehensive scientific information for the decades. about chemicals management and work to companies to enable them to meet safe assessment of 125 chlorinated substances. be recognized for product stewardship of use conditions Responsible Care® has fostered the our chemicals consistent the standards of development of the ICCA Global Product • Calling for measuring industry performance Strategy (GPS) which seeks to improve the and public reporting industry’s management of chemicals 22 • Improving product stewardship cooperation 23 WCC Members

Full & Associated Member Producer Associations Alkali Manufacturer’s Association of India (AMAI) Canadian Chlorine Chemistry Council (C4) China Chlor Alkali Industry Association (CCAIA) Chlorine Chemistry Division of the American Chemistry Council (CCD) The Chlorine Institute (CI) Clorosur Euro Chlor Japan Soda Industry Association (JSIA)

Pending Members (No Voting Privileges) Asociacion Nacional de la Industria Quimica Korea Chlor Alkali Industry Association (KCAIA) Plastics & Chemicals Industry Association of Australia RusChlor

WCC is a committee of the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA)

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