31 YEARS OF SUPPORTING A SAFE, SUSTAINABLE AND SUCCESSFUL CHLOR-ALKALI INDUSTRY FOR EUROPE 

In the 19^th century, industrial production of chlor-alkali began using salt, water and electricity. 

Shortly later, drinking water chlorination began to keep water ‘germ free’. 

60 years later, a group of companies from across Europe (the Benelux, France, Germany, Italy and the UK) assembled as the “Bureau International du Chlore” to advance the safety of chlor-alkali production.

In 1989, this became Euro Chlor, formed to provide balanced, science-based information on chlorine and caustic soda.

A lot has happened at Euro Chlor since then…

1991: Chlorinated solvents and alkanes groups join to support these vital chemicals.

1993: Conference on Responsible Care – one of the first of its kind.

1995: Scientific expertise given to inform Europe’s Marine Conventions, including key risk assessments.

2001: Euro Chlor publishes its voluntary commitment to phase out mercury and the first 10-year sustainability programme,

2004: Sustainability targets published. A first for European chemical industries.

2006: Registration REACH dossiers prepared to support chlor-alkali chemicals.

2008: The European Commission congratulates Euro Chlor for their voluntary agreements on the safe disposal of mercury.

2011: The second 10-year sustainability programme is launched with publication of the results on the first 10-year sustainability programme.

2012: Expertise provided as part of the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) to ensure that energy prices remain sensible, but climate goals are met.

2013: “Chlorine Things” starts to highlight the benefits of chlor-alkali to modern society.

2013: Work on the European Biocides regulation, leading to the successful registration of our chemicals for safe use as disinfectants.

2013: Guidance published on how to keep workers healthy during the production of chlor-alkali.

2013: Chlor-alkali industry Eco profile published by Euro Chlor to show the industries environmental footprint.

2014: New initiative begins to further improve safety performance.

2014: The BREF is published which details the legal requirements on the mercury and asbestos diaphragm phase-out by the end of 2017. Euro Chlor provides safety expertise to the process.

2015: New task force set up to investigate the threat of rising energy costs to our industry.

2016: Launch of ’17 successes’ campaign to show how chlor-alkali is essential for Europe to work safely and efficiently.

2017: All 16 BREF BAT measures needed to be implemented. 

2018: Euro Chlor welcomes the sodium chlorate product group into the family.

2019: Euro Chlor celebrates 30 years, moves to its new home in the heart of Brussels and publishes this brand-new website.

2020: Euro Chlor launches its Mid-Century Strategy (MCS) for a Sustainable Chlor-Alkali Industry

All this from just salt, water and electricity.

And the future?

We will continue to support a safe, sustainable and successful chlor-alkali industry for Europe.