BRUSSELS, Belgium — The brominated flame retardant industry releases its third annual report on the Voluntary Emissions Control Action Programme (VECAP). The key findings in the report include that about 90% of packaging residues of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are controlled effectively in Europe, via regulated and controlled disposal; direct air and water process emissions of Deca-BDE are falling throughout Europe in the plastics and textile sectors; and VECAP has implemented the industry's obligations under REACH to engage downstream users in the management of chemicals.

VECAP was initiated in 2004 by the European industry sector comprising FR manufacturers and their user chain in the plastics and textile sectors. From its initial European focus, the program is currently also being implemented in the U.S., Canada, and Japan, with a significant part of the customer chain committed to the program. For example in North America, 79% of Deca-BDE users and 60% of the TBBPA users have already committed to VECAP. After the launch in January 2007 of the program in Japan, significant progress has been achieved and 88% of HBCD users are now committed to VECAP.

The program aims to increase awareness and understanding of chemicals management throughout the supply chain. "This report shows that by proactively applying housekeeping rules and best practices which are simple and low-cost, industry can contribute to an efficient management of chemicals throughout the supply chain," said Veronique Steukers, Ph.D., chair of the organization of European manufacturers of brominated flame retardants EBFRIP.

The VECAP program has evolved from being a tool to control emissions during the handling and use of brominated flame retardants to becoming a system to manage chemicals in the workplace which can be applied to a far wider range of processes and raw materials. During 2007, the focus of VECAP was to address levels of residues left during handling, cleaning, and disposal of used packaging. In the past year, users of brominated flame retardants have introduced and promoted best practice beyond existing legislation to manage these potential sources of emission. This has been done by making direct contact with customers and waste management companies to raise awareness on this waste as well as by developing specific best techniques and good housekeeping rules to assure minimal waste generation during processing and materials handling.

For more information, contact Phil Hope, sector group manager, EBFRIP, +32 2 676 7230, pho@cefic.be.