By shutting down the amalgam electrolysis facility, Spolana, which has been part of the Unipetrol Group since 2016, meets the European Commission Implementing Decision 2013/732/EU which orders the termination of mercury electrolysis in the EU countries. The production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is the basic feedstock for manufacturing a wide range of products, such as building and textile materials and of which Spolana is the Czech Republic’s only producer, will be preserved. „During this year, we have completed the preparations to launch a new PVC production process PVC to which we’ve been gradually switching. This will have no limitations whatsoever in terms of affecting quality or safety.“ explained Karel Pavlíček, Spolana CEO.
The chlorine that is necessary in the production of the intermediate EDC has been produced by mercury electrolysis so far. It’s now replaced by direct purchase of EDC. The uninterrupted continuation of PVC production is thus ensured in full production capacity. „This change won’t cause an increase in train traffic when supplying raw materials as these materials will only be rearranged,“ said Karel Pavlíček.
The part of the production site in question where the mercury technology facility was installed is about to undergo environmental remediation. The preparations commenced immediately after the production termination based on a project approved by the Regional Authority of the Central Bohemian Region. „The total investment in the termination of amalgam electrolysis facility and performing the subsequent remediation work amounts to roughly CZK 160 million. The remediation should be completed within the next two years,“ said Karel Pavlíček describing the process.
The termination of using mercury in production is yet another important step in the ongoing greening of Spolana’s production. „Spolana has long been an environmental bugaboo of the last century. We meet all emission limits on a long-term basis and we also invest tens of millions of crowns annually in the environmental protection. Next year, we’re going to commence construction of a new gas power block which is to replace the existing brown-coal-fuelled plant in 2019. By implementing this measure we will further minimize the environmental impacts of our production activities,“ concluded Karel Pavlíček.
Spolana also participates in supporting the surrounding environment. In cooperation with the Czech Fishing Association in Neratovice, it has been planting young carps into the Elbe River for three years now. In cooperation with ALKA Wildlife organization, Spolana takes care of a couple of peregrine falcons nesting inside its premises. Surroundings of the production site, in particular the final purification tank, is a popular haven for a number of protected and endangered animal species. The cleanliness of the site is proved by presence of river otter, European teal and river kingfisher, i.e. animals highly sensitive to the quality of the environment.