Solvents (OSPA, HSPA, ESIG/ESVOCC)
Who we are
Solvents are derived directly from the petroleum industry and made by established producers.
5 Million tons of solvents are sold and used in Europe. By far the largest demand for solvents comes from the paint and coatings industry. Other uses include pharmaceuticals (a growing market), adhesives, printing inks, toiletries and cosmetics, household and car care, rubber and polymer manufacturing, metal and industrial cleaning, agrochemicals and oil seed / food extraction and dry cleaning.
The production of solvents directly involves 10,000 jobs and a turnover of 2,1 Billion Euro. Solvent usage involves 10,000,000 jobs out of more than 400,000 companies, most of which are SMEs representing a global turnover of 200 Billion Euro.
Solvent users and producers face common issues of interest and concern.
Most Cefic solvent-related issues are grouped under two associations. The Oxygenated Solvent Producers Association (OSPA) brings together producers of oxygenated solvents in Western Europe and is chaired by Hans Rovers, LyondellBasell Industries. The Hydrocarbon Solvent Producers Association (HSPA) brings together producers of hydrocarbon solvents in Western Europe and is chaired by Philippe Lemaire, Total Fluides.
The OSPA/HSPA membership includes : Arkema, BASF, BP, Borealis Polymers, Celanese Chemie, CEPSA, Clariant, DHC Solvent, Domo, Dow Europe, Dow Haeltermann, Ercos, Ertisa, ExxonMobil Chemical Europe, Galp, Hellenic Petroleum, Ineos Olygomers, Ineos Oxide, Ineos Phenolchemie, LyondellBasell Industries, Neste Oil, Novacap, Oxochimie, Oxea Chemicals, Petresa, Petroleum Carless, Perstorp, Polimeri Europa, Sasol Solvents, Sekab, Shell, Total Fluides.
These two associations have formed a group dealing with public affairs and relations, the European Solvents Industry Group (ESIG), to provide a single point of contact for the users of oxygenated and hydrocarbon solvents. ESIG is chaired by José Antonio Ruiz, ExxonMobil.
Another group, ESVOCC, has been formed to address the VOC Directive, aiming to significantly reduce volatile organic compound - VOC - emissions by 2007. ESVOCC is a cross industry group of producers, users' trade associations and national chemical associations. It also represents the interests of the Chlorinated Solvent Producers. It develops joint positions on Directives aimed at reducing VOC emissions, together with solvent users.
In addition both OSPA and HSPA have formed Health, Safety and Environment groups or Occupational Health Task Forces to deal with specific issues such as the EU Risk Assessment, Occupational Exposure levels and the safe handling of their products in general.
What we do
The principal objectives of the solvent-related Sector Groups are:
- To foster the perception of the products represented by both OSPA and HSPA as valuable, eco-efficient, safe solutions which serve the needs of industry and solvents users including manufacturers and consumers of goods
- To participate actively in the advocacy of the solvent industry with respect to:
- The transposition and implementation of the VOC Directive (aiming to significantly reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by 2007)
- Further legislation proposals aimed at restricting the use of solvents.
- Issues concerning health and safety and environment in the application of solvents.
- Preparation and participation in the Hydrocarbon Solvents REACH Consortium.
Want to know more?
For further information, check out the library or visit our websites: www.esig.org for solvents in general or www.ethers-de-glycol.org for oxygenated solvents. Should you have any further questions, feel free to contact us.
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