The Ethylene Oxide & Derivatives Producers Association (EO & Glycols)
Who we are
Ethylene oxide alone or in combination with other inert gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen is used to sterilise instruments for the healthcare, publication and wood products sectors. Ethylene oxide is also used in other industries where heat-sensitive goods are sterilised and in the manufacture of choline chloride, glycol ethers and polyglycols. Other minor uses world-wide include its application in the manufacture of rocket propellant and petroleum demulsifiers.
The major use of ethylene oxide is in the manufacture of ethylene glycol, which is used as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of polyesters for fibres, films, bottles etc. with a further 25% used as antifreeze in engine coolants. Ethylene glycol is also used as a plasticiser for adhesives, as a softener for cellulose film, and as solvents in paint, printing inks and adhesives. Ethylene glycol has also specialised applications as glycoborates in electrolytic condensers, glycol dinitrate in explosives, various heat transfer applications, hydraulic brake fluids, humectant in inks, antifreeze and plasticiser in paints and to reduce gelling of medium oil alkyds based on pentaerythritol.
The Group is chaired by Herman de Jongste (Shell) and includes the following companies: Akzo Nobel Functional Chemical, BASF, Clariant, Dow Europe, Ineos Oxide, La Seda de Barcelona, Sasol Germany, Shell Chemicals.
What we do
As part of its ongoing remit, the Ethylene Oxide & Derivatives Producers Association focuses on:
- Guidelines for the distribution of ethylene oxide, 3rd revision (2004) EN, DE, FR, NL, ES, IT.
- Toxicology studies for monoethylene glycol
- Monitoring world-wide market developments related to ethylene glycol, its feedstocks and its downstream applications.
Key priorities include:
- Organising and funding toxicology projects, especially in the field of developmental toxicity research, in collaboration with the US Industry Panels (e.g. the US Ethylene Glycol Panel)
- Co-ordinating industry's views on health and safety issues, especially those related to various EU and international Risk Assessment activities
- Contribute to the activities of industry consortia with the US producers of basic ethylene glycols for the preparation of risk assessment dossiers within the framework of the OECD / ICCA HPV programme
- Exchanging non-confidential safety information about the production and handling of ethylene oxide.
Want to know more?
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