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Solvay is responsible for managing information related to the intrinsic properties of its products and of the risks associated with its uses.
Knowing the products, their intrinsic properties, their potential hazardous effects on human health and the environment is one of primary obligations as a responsible manufacturer.
Solvay does this through systematic testing programs performed internally or in cooperation with other producers to identify dangers, characterize risks and adequately document this information.
Solvay's strategy
Establishing specific systems for the management of hazardous materials transport and rigourous audit systems
- Integrated industrial complexes close to locations where finished products are used by Solvay's customers, help to further limit the transport of hazardous materials: the hydrogen peroxide plants in Antwerp (Belgium) – with a capacity of 230kt/y - and in Thailand – 330kt/y, are both immediately adjacent to customers’ installations, the PVC plants in Russia – with a capacity of 330kt/y - will produce its own vinyl chloride.
- Carechem 24, an international service usable from any country allows phone assistance in case of accident or incident with Solvay's products.
Seeking alternatives to road transport for hazardous products
- The large-volume production of essential chemicals is usually located close to the source of raw materials, apart from oil-derived raw materials.
- Solvay large industrial complexes are also often highly integrated, which avoids the need for transport, with recycling for materials such as water and by-products, and energy conservation measures, in a perspective of industrial ecology. In addition, a significant part of the raw materials used in large quantities – notably ethylene, and salt in the form of brine – are supplied by pipelines.
- New programs are under way to improve the safety of hydrogen peroxide transport and reduce the transport of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride by 30%.
Substitution of harmful substances or processes
Very few products marketed by Solvay are among the substances classified as “very high concern.”
However, a number of products’ chemical reactivity is at the basis of their technical value as intermediate materials to produce essential chemicals or other valuable materials.
The reactivity of these intermediates, most often confined in industrial production units, is also what can eventually make them harmful or toxic.
Solvay manages the risks associated with their use in respect of the most stringent regulatory requirements.
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