Vestolit’s PVC production plant in Marl, Germany, is fully backward integrated, meaning that the monomer building blocks to produce PVC are manufactured at this same site. An important preliminary product is chlorine, which is produced by electrolysis using salt (sodium chloride). The salt reaches the site dissolved in water via pipeline. In Marl, Vestolit operates a modern membrane electrolysis facility, where the salt solution is separated into chlorine, caustic soda and hydrogen using an electric current.
Because electrolysis is an energy-intensive process, electrical energy is considered a raw material. By replacing a portion of the regular electric energy supply to renewable energy, Vestolit can reduce its carbon emissions. And additionally, offer a byproduct made from renewable energy: Caustic Soda Blue.
Why renewable energy?
To produce Caustic Soda Blue, Vestolit uses electricity generated from renewable elements that our blue planet is providing, such as wind, sunlight or water. The result is a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to conventionally produced Caustic Soda.
Where is Caustic Soda used?
Vestolit’s chlor-alkali products are used in many industrial and chemical production processes. Main areas of usage include water treatment, metal-working, cleaning and disinfection products as well as the manufacture of raw materials for computer chips and silicone production.