MOSCOW (MRC) -- SPOLANA (part of Unipetrol) from Neratovice has been granted an approval to change the integrated permit and extend the utilization of amalgam electrolysis for the production of chlorine and caustic soda until November 30, 2017, as per Unipetrol's press release.
The company also undertook proper steps to carry out a subsequent ecological remediation of the shutdown operation.
"We appreciate the forthcoming attitude of all stakeholders. Extension of the current permit by five months will enable us to complete preparations for launching an alternative way of PVC production and then proceed smoothly without any limitations affecting quality and safety," explained Karel Pavlicek, CEO of Spolana, adding: "The site will then undergo extensive remediation. We will thus make another significant step in greening of our production."
Spolana, which has been part of the Unipetrol Group since 2016, is the only Czech producer of caprolactam and PVC, basic feedstock for manufacturing a wide range of products, such as building and textile materials. For its production, the company uses the principle of amalgam electrolysis which is to be replaced by an alternative production method using externally purchased material EDC. Introduction of alternative manufacturing process would be the next step. Spolana is currently evaluating the membrane electrolysis project.
"Our priority is production safety and minimization of environmental impacts. Recently, we have invested several dozens of millions of crowns in modernizing production technologies as well as optimizing energy efficiency," concluded Pavlicek.
Spolana a.s. is one of the largest chemical manufacturing companies in the Czech Republic and the only manufacturer of PVC and caprolactam also producing sodium hydroxide and ammonium sulphate. It currently employs over 700 people.
Unipetrol, a.s. controls companies, which are active in the petrochemical industry in the Czech Republic. In 2005, Unipetrol became part of PKN ORLEN Group, the largest processor of crude oil in Central Europe. Unipetro Group is mainly focused on processing of crude oil, distribution of fuels and petrochemical production. In all of these areas, Unipetrol Group is an important player in the Czech Republic and also on the market in Central Europe. In the Czech Republic, the group is one of the most important companies with regards to turnover and employs almost 4,500 people. Unipetrol is 63%-owned by Poland’s state-controlled PKN Orlen petrochemicals and oil group.
MRC