The Voluntary Emissions Control Action Programme
ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2012
13
Despite the economic downturn, the 2012
VECAP survey results were positive with
particular achievements for HBCD. The
overall reduction in potential emissions
across the three product streams over
the last five years proves that the VECAP
scheme continues to be successful in
raising awareness of responsible chemicals
management among users in the value
chain. The expansion of VECAP to a
new member, adoption of the Code of
Good Practice and further certification
demonstrates the willingness of industry
to take responsibility for environmental
concerns. The VECAP team will continue
to focus on the distribution network and
participation of second-line users to
encourage the uptake of VECAP best
practices. The team will also actively
promote the extension of the scheme
to other regions worldwide.
FURTHER REDUCTION IN POTENTIAL
LAND EMISSIONS
The 2012 survey results show how potential
emissions for the three main flame retardants
have steadily declined since 2008. Last year
potential emissions to land for TBBPA were
reduced to zero, while this year potential
emissions to land for HBCD were reduced to
1g/t. This accomplishment demonstrates that
full value chain cooperation with best practice is
achievable with the right commitment and
determination. The VECAP team will focus on
emissions to land for Deca-BDE to ensure a full
understanding of the practices in this area,
as well as the reduction of future potential
emissions to land.
INCREASING VECAP COVERAGE
The programme is being actively promoted in
the Asia Pacific region as well as being extended
to other flame retardant producers beyond
EFRA. The industry will also remain focused on
increasing volume coverage which this year
stood at 93% of the volume sold by EFRA
member companies. There will be a determined
effort by the VECAP team to continue to
encourage second-line users, including
distributors, to implement best practices.
ENHANCING UNDERSTANDING
OF PACKAGING WASTE
RECYCLING PRACTICES
The VECAP team will continue to focus on
improving the understanding of these practices.
Last year research revealed that authorities in
Italy and Spain recommend recycling or reuse
as the preferred option for spent packaging.
Gaining a deeper understanding in this area
will allow the VECAP team to move beyond the
current assumption that packaging residues
will lead to emissions. Best practices will be
recommended to those companies who recycle,
to avoid potential emissions.
WIDENING THE SCOPE
TO ENCOMPASS OTHER MATERIALS
The VECAP methodology can be applied to a
wide range of substances. The VECAP team is
still working on simplifying and generalising its
survey tools for this purpose and also intends to
widen the scope of the programme to include
other industries and additional products.
BROADENING THE SCOPE TO
ADDRESS THE ‘END OF LIFE’ OF FLAME
RETARDANT CONTAINING PRODUCTS
EFRA members have been participating in an
end-of-life working group
9
focusing on recycling
practices for products containing flame retardants.
In 2011, EFRA initiated a pilot study
10
on plastics
recycling from post-consumer flat panel displays
(FPDs). The project demonstrates how industry
is taking responsibility to address electronic
waste through investment into the research
of recycling solutions.
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
9
EFRA, End of Life section
www.cefic-efra.com/index.php?option=com_
content&view=article&id=97&Itemid=242&lang=en
10
EFRA factsheet
www.cefic-efra.com/images/stories/factsheet/201111%20-
%20Factsheet%20FPD%20Recycling%20Project_EN_final.pdf