OVERVIEW OF 2012
PROGRAMME RESULTS
In 2012, the VECAP programme operated under
a tougher financial climate than in previous
years. Despite the economic downturn, users
have remained committed to the VECAP
principles that underpin good environmental
performance. The VECAP team has also
continued to reach out to new users to identify
where the biggest improvements can be made
going forward and is working with second line
users to adhere to the programme’s values. In
addition to this, the team continues to encourage
certification, especially among users, and has
seen the number of VECAP certified sites
increase to 11 worldwide (see page 15 for
further information on VECAP certification).
The latest survey results demonstrate that
potential emissions of flame retardants continue
to decrease among users of HBCD and have
remained at the lowest achievable level among
users of TBBPA. The minor increase in potential
emissions of Deca-BDE was mainly due to
second line users (customers of customers)
joining the programme and not having
implemented the best practices yet. The
expansion to new users is a key objective of
the VECAP team, who are working closely with
these groups to raise awareness of the value
in using best available techniques.
The overall participation rate in the VECAP
programme in 2012 remained stable, covering
93% of total volume sold by EFRA member
companies. Participation increased among
users of HBCD and TBBPA supplied by EFRA
member companies, reflecting the ongoing
success of the programme to encourage users
to adopt environmental best practices.
Coverage of the programme for users of
Deca-BDE remained high but was affected by
the announced voluntary phase out in the US at
the end of 2012, which resulted in some users
transitioning to an alternative solution or to a
non-EFRA supplier. As the annual survey is
carried out on the basis of the volume sold the
previous year, the VECAP team is unable to
access users who have switched supplier in
the meantime.
Although flame retardants supplied by
non-EFRA members cannot be included in
this report, it is reasonable to assume that
users who procure volumes from different
sources will also handle these raw materials
with the same best practices as those supplied
by EFRA member companies.
Finally, in 2012, EFRA welcomed a new
member, Everkem
8
, who committed to participate
in the VECAP effort. This means that starting
from 2013, the surveys will be done by 4
companies, which should significantly increase
the programme coverage in Europe.
Second l ine users are suppl ied with flame retardants via a secondary channel, as opposed to direct customers who
receive suppl ies straight from a flame retardant producer.
There are two types of second line user:
Users who buy from distributors of flame retardants. These are typically customers or
agents of the flame retardant producer.
Users who buy from flame retardant formulators. This occurs in the textile industry where
formulators blend flame retardants and synergist with a latex binder and sell this liquid
formulation to finishers or backcoaters, who then produce the final fabric.
Introducing the principles of VECAP to second l ine users is sti l l a chal lenge as the EFRA member companies do not have
direct access to these users. The VECAP programme is a voluntary programme that rel ies on the initiative of distributors and
formulators to carry out VECAP surveys among their downstream users. The VECAP Product Stewardship Team is actively
encouraging distributors and formulators to reach out to these users.
REACHING OUT TO SECOND LINE USERS
2
1
The Voluntary Emissions Control Action Programme
ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2012
5
VECAP PROGRESS REPORT 2012
8
Everkem
www.everkem.it