Sales of the chlorinated solvents, dichloromethane and perchloroethylene totaled 157,000 mt last year, an average increase of 9% from the previous year's 144,000 mt, according to the European Chlorinated Solvent Association Monday.
DCM sales climbed back in 2010 to 113,000 mt compared to 100,000 mt in 2009 as a result of the economy recovery.
The main applications for DCM are within the pharmaceutical industry, in adhesives and as process agent.
EU-wide restrictions on the marketing and use of DCM in paint-stripping for consumer use became effective as of December 6, 2010. This deadline and further deadlines in 2011 and 2012 affect professional use as well though allowing derogations in EU Member States under certain conditions. Industrial use not restricted.
Meanwhile, European PER 2010 sales by ECSA member companies remained stable at 44,000 mt since 2008. PER is the solvent of choice for dry-cleaning and continues to gain market share as a substitute for TRI in metal degreasing.
Absolute sales of trichloroethylene can no longer be reported according to Cefic statistics rules that at least three companies need to participate in the market.
The decline of TRI sales continued after the more stringent carcinogenicity classification for TRI introduced in 2002. This classification also triggered the identification of TRI as Substance of Very High Concern and its inclusion in the Candidate List as the first step of the authorization procedure under REACH.
Dow Europe, the Romanian producer Chimcomplex Borzesti and the British importer Banner Chemicals have all signed a voluntary industry commitment to ensure safe use in metal degreasing by stopping supplies of TRI to companies that are not equipped with closed systems after 2010. Industry will request exemptions for the use of TRI in closed systems.
