Chlorine derivatives division
A strategic business unit with chlorine as a binding element
Ercros' most important business activity
The chlorine derivatives division forms a strategic business unit with chlorine as the binding element. Chlorine and caustic soda are produced simultaneously in a single production process. The raw materials for this process are sodium chloride (common salt) and electricity.
Most of the chlorine production is for self-consumption, as raw material for the manufacture of chlorine derivatives (sodium hypochlorite, hydrochloric acid, TCCA and PVC); the rest is sold to third parties for use in chemical synthesis. From the same inputs as in the chlorine process, but on a different production line, the products of the chlorate/sodium chlorite chain are manufactured. The products of this business that have the greatest impact on its results are caustic soda, PVC and TCCA.
Electricity is the most relevant supply for the division. Ethylene, natural gas and some intermediates that are necessary to complement the needs of the production processes are also relevant, although to a lesser extent.
The chlorine derivatives division is the division with the greatest weight in Ercros' sales.
Product and process innovation
The chlorine derivatives division has two R&D centres, one in Monzón and the other in Sabiñánigo, both dedicated to the research and development of new products and the improvement of production processes. These laboratories have produced the ErcrosBio bioplastics; the phthalate-free PVC, and the microencapsulated TCCA tablets, free of boric acid and bilayer.
The launch of the 3D Investment Plan is leading to significant advances in the production processes of this business to adapt them to the objectives of diversification, decarbonisation and digitalisation set by Ercros.
Between 2016 and 2019, within the framework of the Act Plan, this division undertook a major technological change by ceasing the activity of its chlorine-soda production plants, which operated with mercury cells, and replacing them with new plants using membrane technology, the most advanced and environmentally friendly technology.
This business is currently undergoing a major modernisation and expansion of its production sites capacity.
Actions undertaken to expand production capacity
Extension works on the Vila-seca I electrolysis plant
Expansion of the ATCC plant at the Sabiñánigo factory
New PVC compound extruder in Monzón
The new, fully operational sodium chlorite plant in Sabiñánigo
The division's product portfolio
Production sites
The chlorine derivatives division in figures
Share of Ercros sales
Annual production
Exports
Sales to the construction sector
Where and to whom we sell our products?
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Voluntary agreements
Ercros subscribes agreements and programmes entailing the application of good practices and commitments that go beyond the legal limits, which specifically concern this division.
ECVM Charter
Operation Clean Sweep
Vinyl Plus
Related associations
The chlorine derivatives division builds alliances with sectoral organisations related to its activity.
ANE
EuroChlor
Biocides For Europe
Cicloplast
ECVM
Envalora
Asobiocom
AEGE
Further information
Check the following links to find out more about this division.
