Chlorinated Solvents Market 2010 in better shape after turbulent 2009
Methylene Chloride sales increased; Perchloroethylene sales stable
Sales of the chlorinated solvents dichloromethane and perchloroethylene totalled in 157,000 tonnes last year, an average increase of 9% compared with the previous year (144,000 tonnes). 2010 sales figures topped as well sales figures of 2008 at the eve of the economic crisis (154,000 tonnes).
Dichloromethane (DCM) sales climbed back in 2010 to 113,000 tonnes compared to 100,000 tonnes in 2009 as a result of the economy recovery. The major uses of DCM stay in 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 6 December 2010. This deadline and further deadlines in 2011 and 2012 affect as well professional use allowing derogations in EU Member States under certain conditions. Industrial use is not concerned by these restrictions .
European sales figures of Perchloroethylene (PER) by ECSA member companies last year stabilized at 44,000 tonnes compared to the previous years (2009 and 2008: 44,000 tonnes) after a mayor drop of PER sales in 2008 compared to the previous year. PER remains the solvent of choice for dry-cleaning and continues to gain market share as a substitute for TRI in metal degreasing.
The absolute sales of Trichloroethylene (TRI) can no longer be reported according to Cefic statistics rules that at least 3 companies are participating. The decline of trichloroethylene (TRI) sales continued after the more stringent carcinogenicity classification for TRI introduced in 2002. This classification triggered as well the identification of TRI as Substance of Very High Concern and its inclusion in the Candidate List as the first step of the authorisation procedure under REACH. Dow Europe, the Romanian producer Chimcomplex Borzeşti 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.
Western European market for chlorinated solvents 2004-2010*
(Based on ECSA sales data and Eurostat import figures, excluding intra-company transfers and captive use).
| Year | Dichloromethane (tonnes) |
Trichloroethylene (tonnes) |
Perchloroethylene (tonnes) |
TOTAL (tonnes) |
| 2004 | 133,000 | 33,000 | 54,000 | 220,000 |
| 2005 | 132,000 | 28,000 | 56,000 | 216,000 |
| 2006 | 134,000 | 25,000 | 55,000 | 214,000 |
| 2007 | 130,000 | N/A | 52,000 | 182,000 |
| 2008 | 110,000 | N/A | 44,000 | 154,000 |
| 2009 | 100,000 | N/A | 44,000 | 144,000 |
| 2010 | 113,000 | N/A | 44,000 | 157,000 |
| Average yearly % change 2004-2010 | -2.9% | -3.8% |
-3.2% |
* The sales figures above are not comparable year on year. In 2004 ECSA collected sales data for the 25 EU Member States plus Norway, Switzerland and Turkey. From 2007 Bulgaria and Romania were added to the list.
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