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The Euro Chlor 12th International Chlor-Alkali Technology Conference & Exhibition was held from 13-15 May in vibrant Barcelona with an impressive turnout of 367 participants from 37 countries.
With the theme of “Chlor-alkali: Achieving Climate Neutrality,” the event held every three years aims to showcase experience and expertise with a rich programme of diverse presentations given by Euro Chlor members, partners, staff, related regional associations and other key industry players alongside a large exhibition of 55 exhibitors. Euro Chlor welcomed participants at booths 64-66 with a broad range of chlor-alkali publications, a display of the Euro Chlor safety game and videos.
The dynamic first day featured three sessions packed with insights and innovation:
Where is European chlor-alkali today?
Moderated by Marleen Pauwels, Euro Chlor Manager, this session set the scene with Jan Nouwen, Chair of the Euro Chlor Management Committee, officially welcoming participants. Richy Mariner, Euro Chlor Science & Regulatory Affairs Director, introduced the overall theme and called on participants to actively contribute to shaping the sector’s climate-neutral future. Thomas Vanfleteren, Euro Chlor Technical & Safety Manager, presented the results from Euro Chlor’s Sustainability Programme and the latest safety initiatives including a newly launched loading and unloading safety video. Finally, Nick Kovics of Chemical Market Analytics delivered an economic overview of the global chlor-vinyls sector.
Innovations in chlor-alkali
Chaired by Thomas Vanfleteren, this technical session showcased innovations from Euro Chlor partners on items such as chlor-alkali electrolyser technology, chlorine storage materials, sulphate removal, concentration and hydrochloric acid systems in addition to information on equipment reuse and recycling.
Using our hydrogen to meet Europe’s ambitions
Led by Eili Skivervik, Euro Chlor Energy & Hydrogen Manager, this session explored the potential and industry readiness of hydrogen in Europe. While Euro Chlor members Bondalti and Nobian gave information on challenges and opportunities and shared lessons learned on hydrogen safety, there was also information on technological innovations for green hydrogen production.
The second and third days delivered deep dives into the key topics of safety, continuous improvements in sustainable production and the future challenges facing the chlor-alkali sector.
Building on lessons learned on safety
Opening the day on Wednesday 14th May, moderator Richy Mariner led the first session dedicated to reinforcing a culture of safety with Euro Chlor partners introducing their systems and processes, followed by Marc Boeckx, Euro Chlor consultant, who outlined the behavioural aspects of safety.
Continuous Improvements in sustainable production
The remainder of this day and start of the third day featured three sessions of 13 technical presentations chaired by Thomas Vanfleteren. This session highlighted advances in decarbonisation, efficiency and sustainable grown. Presentations were also given by Euro Chlor’s US and Chinese partners on decarbonisation and sustainable development in other global regions. Euro Chlor partners enthusiastically presented their respective developments in this important area.
Where will European chlor-alkali be tomorrow?
In the final session chaired by Marleen Pauwels, attention turned to the future of the sector. There was insight into trends and challenges in the chlor-alkali service industry, as well as a special briefing on PFAS from Cefic. Marleen Pauwels concluded the event with a summary that captured the energy, innovation, and collaborative spirit of the entire three days.
See more details at https://eurochlor2025.org or contact eurochlor@cefic.be for any further information.
Take a look here at WCC’s new publication celebrating 250 years of improving lives with chlor-alkali chemistry to see the biggest milestones from the 18th century onwards. This new resource also features four of the WCC main goals of Communications, Engagement, Safety and Sustainability.
Contact worldchlorinecountil@gmail.com if you need any more details about WCC.
Click on http://worldchlorine.org/publications to download our stylized PDF.
To celebrate the birthday of Karl Wilhelm Scheele today 19th December, the World Chlorine Council (WCC) is sharing how chlor-alkali chemistry has been improving our lives in the 250 years since Scheele discovered chlorine in 1774. Read more below or click on http://worldchlorine.org/about/250_years.
Karl Wilhelm Scheele’s discovery of chlorine represents a significant milestone in the history of chemistry. Together with its co-products sodium/ potassium hydroxide (caustic soda/ potash) and hydrogen (collectively known as chlor-alkali), this basic chemistry is the foundation of a modern industry, shaping products and technologies that have contributed to public health, industrial growth, and sustainability.
18th Century
Chlorine is discovered: Karl Wilhelm Scheele discovers chlorine
19th century
Large-scale alkali production processes are developed.
19th – 20th century
Chlorine plays a key role in water sanitation, revolutionizing public health through the reduction of waterborne diseases.
20th century
Innovative applications for chlor-alkali expand.
21st Century
Chlor-alkali is a major contributor to sustainable solutions.
Who is working to make these advancements a reality? The World Chlorine Council (WCC) and its regional membership. Founded in the early 1990s by the US and Europe associations, WCC is a global chlor-alkali network bringing together six regional associations, all founded in just over 100 years.
Safety
Communication
Sustainability
Engagement
On 18 November, WCC held its Annual Safety Webinar for around 60 participants in a 90-minute online session focusing on essential safety practices for the global chlorine industry. The event featured three expert speakers who shared their insights into a Loss of Primary Containment (LoPC) Improvement Program, a Cognitive Readiness Project for plant workers and addressing Chlorine Hydrate Issues.
Access the presentation here and contact Thomas Vanfleteren for more information.
Chlor-alkali chemistry is essential to help achieve many of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 17 SDGs are at the heart of global efforts to build a better world for people and our planet by 2030. Adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, the SDGs are a call for action by all countries to promote prosperity whilst protecting the environment. As such, the World Chlorine Council (WCC), has prepared its 2024 Sustainability Progress Report that details how its members, and chlor-alkali chemistry in general, help to meet these important targets.
The new report discusses which SDGs are supported by chlor-alkali (chlorine and caustic soda/ potash) chemistry and further details can also be found at https://worldchlorine.org/sustainability/.
The WCC brings chlor-alkali experts together from around the globe to discuss, partner, and further global progress toward sustainability and achieve the SDGs, among many other topics.
The World Chlorine Council (WCC) is pleased to announce its annual safety webinar so save the date today! This 90-minute online event on 18 November 2024 from 13:00 – 14:30 CET via Teams will focus on key safety practices critical to the global chlorine industry.
Whether you are involved in chlorine production, transport, handling, or play a supporting role in ensuring safety at your organisation, this webinar will provide valuable insights and practical advice. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from experts in the field, with topics covering best practices for the safe handling and transport of chlor-alkali products, the importance of cognitive readiness for safety, and issues related to chlorine hydrates and their prevention.
This session is an excellent opportunity to stay updated on the latest safety protocols and advancements while connecting with professionals from around the world. The final agenda, featuring expert speakers, will be shared soon.
To register and for further information, please reach out to Thomas Vanfleteren. We look forward to seeing you there!
Contributions of the Chlor-Alkali and Derivatives Industry to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
In June 2021, the Brazilian Chlor-Alkali and Derivatives Industry Association (Abiclor), in partnership with the São Paulo State Environmental Company (Cetesb), reinforced its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established by the UN, by signing the Protocol of Intentions with the environmental agency. Since then, Abiclor member companies that have agreed to the protocol have actively participated in training courses that have resulted in the identification of five key SDGs, crucial to the sustainability of the sector:
Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6)
Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
Sustainable Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
Climate Action (SDG 13)
Currently, the sector’s consenting companies have already achieved 69% adherence to the proposed goals, which clearly demonstrates a tangible commitment to sustainability.
Abiclor recognizes that there is room for opportunity in the process of progress and continuous improvement. Therefore, the association will incorporate initiatives in the coming years to further boost sustainability throughout the production chain.
In addition, Abiclor has scheduled a full agenda of meetings to share best practices and continue advancing on this journey.
Protocol Expansion: By February 2024, a diagnosis was prepared for companies that wish to join the group as signatories.
Group Meetings: Bi-monthly meetings are held to discuss Abiclor’s criteria on the topics identified in the protocol (5 goals), as well as exchange information for joint progress.
Internal Best Practices: Release of bi-monthly newsletters featuring best practices aligned with the target SDGs.
Abiclor reiterates its commitment to sustainability and invites all companies in the chlorine-alkali sector to join this important initiative, contributing to a more sustainable future for all.
Chlorine is essential for maintaining pool and water safety, ensuring our summer activities are safe and enjoyable. When added to pool water, chlorine forms hypochlorous acid, a powerful disinfectant that kills harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. It also oxidizes organic contaminants like sweat and body oils, preventing unpleasant odours and cloudy water. Maintaining proper chlorine levels (1-3 ppm) and pH balance (7.2-7.6) is crucial for its effectiveness, while regular testing and occasional shock treatments help keep the water pristine.
Beyond recreational use, chlorine plays a vital role in global water sanitation efforts, contributing significantly to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) for clean water and sanitation. Chlorine is widely used in municipal water treatment facilities worldwide to purify drinking water, making it safe for consumption. This ensures the availability of clean water, essential for health, development, and well-being. Handling chlorine with care and following safety guidelines ensures its powerful benefits are maximized safely, supporting both personal and public health. Want to learn more? Visit Chemical Safety Facts for more information.
Brazil faces a significant challenge in combating dengue fever, with over 2 million cases registered and nine states declaring a state of emergency. High temperatures and intermittent rains create ideal conditions for the proliferation of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the transmitters of dengue fever, leading to severe consequences.
In view of this scenario, the Latin American Chlor-Alkali and Derivatives Industry Association (Clorosur) is committed to share information to help combat the spread of dengue fever in Brazil.
One of the measures adopted by the association is the recent update of the Study on the Efficiency of Sodium Hypochlorite in Controlling Aedes aegypti Mosquito Larvae, carried out in 2016 by Clorosur, in partnership with the Nuclear Energy Center in Agriculture of the University of the State of São Paulo (CENA/USP).
With the update, we hope to provide even more comprehensive and up-to-date data on the effectiveness of chlorine in combating the Aedes aegypti mosquito, reinforcing the essential role of chlorine in promoting public health.
According to the technical information in the research, the use of sodium hypochlorite is shown to be effective in treating stagnant water in containers such as plant dishes and drains, as well as in cleaning garbage cans, toilets, water tanks, sink drains, tanks, kitchens and bathrooms. These simple practices help eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites, contributing significantly to controlling the proliferation of dengue fever in the country.
Clorosur reiterates its commitment to making more comprehensive results of the ongoing study available and sharing up-to-date information on the effectiveness of chlorine in protecting public health and controlling dengue fever in Brazil.