The Korea Chlor Alkali Industry Association (KCAIA), founded in March 1984, held a ceremony to celebrate its 40th anniversary earlier this year (in February 2024). About 25 people, including former KCAIA Chairmen and Directors and officials of member companies, attended this ceremony. A video was played that looks at the origin of the Korean chlor-alkali industry, which included greetings from former and current Chairmen and executives. In addition, pamphlets outlining the history of the Korea chlor-alkali industry, were distributed to the member companies.
The Korean chlor-alkali industry began in 1958 with the operating of the first electrolyser with a capacity of 1.5 tonnes per day. Since then, it has played a role in supplying basic materials for industries such as textiles, petrochemicals, construction, automobiles, shipbuilding, and electronics for Korea’s remarkable economic growth. Since 2000, the Korean chlor-alkali industry has expanded and developed and is expected to continue to grow in the future in line with the development of industries such as new and renewable energy, AI, and electric vehicles. For more information, contact Colin Ji, KCAIA Director.
As global public health challenges evolve, chlorine-based disinfectants play an essential role in controlling the spread of infectious diseases. Chlorine bleach, a widely used disinfectant, has long been recognized for its effectiveness against a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. During the ongoing Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) outbreak, caused by human-to-human transmission of the Mpox virus, bleach continues to be an important tool in disinfection efforts, particularly for high-contact surfaces1.
According to the CDC, Center for Disease Control in the USA, Mpox can survive on fabrics, linens, and environmental surfaces. The CDC recommends laundering contaminated fabrics in a standard washing machine using detergent, without the need for additional sanitizers. For hard surfaces, a bleach solution can be highly effective. A bleach solution can be prepared by mixing 100 milliliters of approximately 6% bleach with 1 liter of water, allowing it to remain on surfaces for at least one minute to inactivate the virus. This aligns with the procedures recommended for other viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, where bleach was similarly used to disinfect contaminated surfaces12.
In August 2024, the CDC issued a Health Alert Network update concerning the ongoing Mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring countries. In response, the EPA reactivated its Emerging Viral Pathogen (EVP) guidance for Mpox, which will remain effective until August 2026. This allows products registered under the EVP guidance to be used to help contain the virus, highlighting the critical role chlorine-based disinfectants play in mitigating the spread of emerging pathogens34.
The World Chlorine Council remains committed to promoting the use of chlorine bleach and other disinfectants as essential tools in public health. We encourage the public to follow the latest guidelines from the CDC and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ensuring that disinfection practices align with the most up-to-date recommendations4.
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.
To celebrate today’s World Water Day, the World Chlorine Council (WCC) shows how water is essential for life. The treatment of contaminated water to make it safe is vital for human health and well-being and is a key tool for preventing waterborne disease.
One solution is to disinfect water using chlorine chemistry. The use of chlorine chemistry to disinfect drinking water has been called one of the greatest public health advances in history. It is used to make water safe now, and for generations to come!
Learn more at https://worldchlorine.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Water-for-life.pdf
In October 2023, Euro Chlor started a new communications campaign to show the benefits of products in the chlor-alkali value chain with a series of videos on all its social media channels So far, videos have been launched on mobile phones and pain relievers, fire protection and ships, aeroplanes and mattresses, bubble bath and cat litter, and toilets and running shoes, with more to follow soon.
Taking ’17’ as inspiration (from chlorine’s position on the chemical Periodic Table of elements), Euro Chlor’s 17 Careers campaign presents 17 real Europeans, whose work is to produce chlor-alkali chemicals. Two new videos have been published recently featuring Klaus Kuhlage, Site Director from Nobian, and Daniel Oliveira, Chemical Process Technician from Bondalti, with more to follow soon.
For more information, contact Euro Chlor Communications Manager, Catherine Potter. Watch the videos on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
At the beginning of 2024, the World Chlorine Council relaunched this website which has been revamped with a more modern design, updated header and navigation, a reworked news and ”did you know” section, and new Resources and Sustainability sections added to the homepage.
Send any comments or feedback to worldchlorinecouncil@gmail.com.
The WCC Clorosur Water Forum, organized by the World Chlorine Council and Clorosur, brought together 123 participants from 15 countries in Brasilia on the 17th of October 2023. The event focused on sustainable water usage in Latin America. Key themes included environmental responsibility, climate challenges, regulations, investments, and public policies aligned with United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals.
Notable participants included representatives from Brazilian Development Bank, the Ministry of Integration and Regional Development, Inter-American Development Bank, Clorosur, several water and sanitation companies in Latin America and the UN. Catarina de Albuquerque, Sanitation and Water for All Initiative from the UN, emphasized three essential strategies: influencing decision-makers, mutual accountability, and attracting investments to the sector.
The successful WCC Clorosur Water Forum features its role in fostering sustainable water practices and collaboration in Latin America’s water industry. The event’s focus on responsible water management is critical in addressing the region’s water challenges.
The WCC Clorosur Water Forum is an event organized by the World Chlorine Council – WCC and Clorosur – Latin American Chlor-Alkali And Derivatives Industry Association.
The aim of the event is to discuss ways to move forward regarding the sustainable use of water – in the treatment and supply of drinking water and sanitation in Latin America.
The central theme of the Forum will be “Water and Sanitation in Latin America – Pathways to Sustainability” and will address the challenges and solutions to ensure the availability and sustainable management of drinking water and sanitation for all, from the point of view of regulatory authorities, development banks, sanitation companies and technology providers. Learn more and Register Here!
We are thrilled to report that the Global Safety Seminar, organized by the World Chlorine Council (WCC) in collaboration with the Chemical Company of Malaysia (CCM), was an outstanding success! Held in the picturesque city of Johor Bahru, Malaysia, from 13-14 June 2023, this event brought together industry experts, professionals, and organizations from around the world to enhance safety practices in the chlorine production industry.
The highlight of the seminar was the exclusive facility tour at a nearby CCM production site. Attendees had the opportunity to witness cutting-edge practices firsthand as they were guided through the operational processes and safety measures involved in chlorine production. In addition to the enriching knowledge exchange, the Global Safety Seminar fostered exceptional networking opportunities. Professionals from numerous countries gathered to share their experiences, challenges, and successes in the field of chlorine production safety. The event created a platform for collaboration, allowing participants to build valuable connections and broaden their perspectives.
We were honored to welcome representatives from Malaysia, India, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Republic of Korea, United States, Pakistan, and The Netherlands. The diverse representation truly exemplified the collective commitment towards safety in the chlorine production industry.
Moreover, we were delighted to have an official from Malaysia’s Department of Safety and Hazard (DOSH), also known as the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), present at the seminar. Their presence reinforced the importance of collaboration between regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders to ensure the highest safety standards are met.
The success of this seminar would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our Global Safety Team Leader, Robyn Brooks, and the entire organizing committee. Their tireless efforts ensured a seamless experience for all participants, enabling them to focus on gaining knowledge, building connections, and advancing safety practices.
We extend our gratitude to all the attendees, presenters, and sponsors for their contributions to the Global Safety Seminar. Your enthusiasm and commitment to safety have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the chlorine production industry.
As the WCC, we remain steadfast in our commitment to driving safety excellence. We believe that by sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and advocating best practices, we can create a safer future for the entire chlorine production sector.
In an effort to underscore its commitment to achieving sustainable development goals, the World Chlorine Council (WCC) made a significant impact at the United Nations Water Conference held at the end of March. Focusing on global water challenges, the WCC emphasized the responsible use of chlorine in water treatment processes to support sustainable development goals.
The United Nations Water Conference serves as a crucial platform for experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the world to collaborate and develop effective strategies for water preservation and accessibility. The conference facilitates the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and technologies related to water management.
With its prominent role in the chlorine industry, the WCC participated in the conference to emphasize the pivotal role of chlorine in maintaining clean and safe water supplies. The council highlighted the significance of chlorine-based disinfection techniques in preventing waterborne diseases and improving public health, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
During the conference, the WCC unveiled a series of resources aimed at promoting sustainable water practices while addressing the SDGs and how they are specifically related to chlorine chemistry.
The WCC’s active participation in the United Nations Water Conference received widespread appreciation, with attendees commending the council’s efforts to prioritize sustainability and align with the SDGs. The conference facilitated valuable knowledge exchange and identified potential collaborations between the WCC and other organizations dedicated to water conservation and sustainable development.
As global concerns over water scarcity and pollution continue to escalate, the WCC’s dedication to sustainable water practices and chlorine’s crucial role in ensuring safe water supplies positions the organization as a key contributor to the global water agenda and the SDGs. The council’s initiatives showcased at the conference demonstrate a proactive step towards addressing pressing water challenges and working towards a more sustainable future in line with the SDGs.