Solvent volatile organic compound emissions stabilise

Solvent volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions have stabilised in the EU28 since 2008 at just under 2 000k tonnes, with Member States’ total estimates at some 30% or more above the industry’s estimates. This is shown by updated solvent VOC emission inventories, published by the European Solvents Industry Group (ESIG). The industry has shown continuous commitment to improving air quality, reducing VOC emissions from solvents by more than 60% since 1990.

The ESIG inventories are based on an aggregation of true sales data obtained from the association’s member companies. ESIG inventories are an approach mentioned in the European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (EMEP)/European Environment Agency (EEA) air pollutant emission inventory guidebook 2016. They can be used when Member States have no activity data  or at least serve as a comparison for national inventories.

Following the publication of the new data, ESIG will organise a webinar for EU Member State air quality experts and/or officials to demonstrate the approach, provide explanations on how the available numbers can be further disaggregated and highlight the findings.