| 22 September 2011 SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN MERCURY EMISSIONS IN SIGHT Today the Swedish Government has set 2015 as the deadline for its domestic chlor-alkali industry to cease manufacturing using mercury based processes. In most of Europe, Euro Chlor’s voluntary sector-wide agreement to phase out the use of mercury at the latest 2020 continues to apply. By its 2015 decision, the Swedish Government is meeting Europe’s most stringent regulations for the phasing out of mercury. The decision paves the way for INEOS ChlorVinyls to convert to a mercury-free, membrane cell manufacturing technology at the chlorine plant in the Company group’s Stenungsund unit by the end of 2015. INEOS ChlorVinyls' preference for the conversion in Stenungsund is to increase the current capacity, which would allow a downsizing of mercury based production at one or more of our other sites in Europe and thus reduce overall European mercury emissions sooner. Just as Sweden as a nation is striving to be a forerunner in creating a better environment, INEOS ChlorVinyls and the chemical cluster in Stenungsund is striving to establish itself as a forerunner in European and world-wide green technology. The economic and environmental value of the Swedish Government’s decision is significant as it provides a sustainable platform for the future operation of the Stenungsund site. ENDS For further information please contact the INEOS ChlorVinyls Press Office: In UK: Mr Craig Welsh In Sweden: Ms Ingela Frössling Email: ingela.frossling@INEOS.com
|
