Chlorinated Paraffin Industry Facing Industrial Adjustment
Soft Drink Making Machine,Soft Drink Making Machines,Soft Drink Making System Zhangjiagang Mark Beverage Machinery Co., Ltd. , https://www.markfilling.com
On October 10, a reporter learned from the 2007 International Conference on Chlorinated Paraffins that the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will convene a review meeting in Geneva in November 2007. The purpose of the meeting is to determine whether short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) should be included in the list of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), as defined by the Stockholm Convention. If SCCPs are added to the list, this decision could significantly impact global producers and distributors of chlorinated paraffins, including those in China. Once listed, industries would need to adapt their production processes, which could lead to substantial changes in supply chains and market dynamics.
POPs, or persistent organic pollutants, are chemicals that remain in the environment for long periods and can accumulate in living organisms. In May 2001, the Stockholm Convention was adopted at the Plenipotentiary Conference, aiming to reduce and eliminate the harmful effects of these substances on human health and the environment. At the time, Zhu Guangyao, then Deputy Director of the State Environmental Protection Administration of China, signed the convention on behalf of the Chinese government, making it one of the first signatories. Since then, Chinese authorities have been closely monitoring the inclusion of short-chain chlorinated paraffins in the POPs review process. There are concerns that other substances might also be considered for listing during this evaluation.
Experts estimate that around 80% of domestic manufacturers in the chlorinated paraffin industry could be affected. Zhang Guomin, Vice President of the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Association and Secretary-General of the China Chlor-Alkali Industry Association, highlighted several challenges facing the sector. First, rising crude oil prices since 2006 have led to increased raw material costs, putting pressure on production. Second, the industry is highly fragmented, with many small-scale producers, each having an average production capacity of less than 10,000 tons. Third, there is limited development of specialized, high-value chlorinated paraffin products, limiting their use in advanced applications. Finally, unfair market competition and trade protectionism continue to hinder industry growth.
To address these issues, experts recommend strengthening industry guidance, promoting technological innovation, adjusting product structures, and expanding application areas. They also emphasize the need to improve environmental and safety standards across the sector. In addition, enhanced cooperation between Chinese companies and international partners is essential to ensure sustainable and responsible development of the chlorinated paraffin industry.