A chemical industry specialist says the product is key in the manufacture of many products, including PVC, an option for sustainable development.
One study recently released by Abichlorus (Brazilian Association of Alkali, Chlorine and Derivatives Industry) reveals that the chlorine segment, unlocked mainly by the green economy, should receive 600 million dollars of investments in the short and medium term. With specific policies and greater articulations among the players in the value chain, what is expected is a more heated market.
matter of Economic value reveals that, with 1.5 million tons per year of installed capacity, Brazilian industry accounts for 2% of world capacity – which is led by the Chinese, with 43 million tons per year. Today this industry operates with 20% downtime.
One of the main ones factors driving the growth of the chlorine market are the increasing uses in the pharmaceutical industry. In the health sector, 93% of all pharmaceutical products have the chlorine chemistryincluding drugs to treat heart disease, cancer, AIDS, and many other life-threatening diseases.
According to José Rosenberg, CEO of Katrium Chemical Industries (Rio de Janeiro), people tend to associate chlorine with treating swimming pools, disinfecting water for public supplies, and cleaning bathrooms and kitchens. But its use in the chemical industry is much wider than that, entering the composition of countless products. One of the main uses is PVC, which is a plastic with unique characteristics.
The executive says PVC is replacing glass, wood, aluminum, rubber, copper, masonry and ceramic products. That’s why it has so many applications and is considered an option that contributes to a better quality of life and sustainable development.
“PVC contains 57% chlorine – obtained by passing an electric current through sea salt (an inexhaustible natural resource) – and 43% ethylene, which is a petroleum derivative. It is used in sanitary equipment and many others purposes,” says Rosenberg.
The chlorine industry specialist says that polyurethane also contains the product in its composition and is widely used in the production of rigid and flexible foams, sealants, fibers, preservatives, carpets, rigid plastic parts, paints, etc. According to Rosenberg, chlorine is one of the most important substances in the chemical industry, as it also belongs – directly or indirectly – to other industrial segments.
“Besides healthcare products and plastics, chlorine is critical in the production of organic solvents, the production of insecticides that control pests in crops, the manufacture of pharmaceutical and veterinary products, and wastewater purification – preventing the growth of bacteria in wastewater and consequently controlling bad odor and other health risks,” he concludes.
Source: Jose Rosenberggeneral manager of Katrium Chemical Industries
Website: http://www.katrium.com.br
Source: Terra
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