Epichlorohydrin Europe Transcript
Epichlorohydrin is a colourless liquid with an irritating chloroform-like odour.
ICIS covers the European and Asian ECH markets.
Reports are updated weekly and contract prices change monthly.
There are two production processes to make ECH. One of them is propylene-based and the other is glycerine-based. Most producers use the propylene route during which chlorine and propylene are used to make it.
In recent years glycerine-based applications have also become popular because of their green credentials.
Epichlorohydrin is used as a chemical intermediate together with bisphenol A in the manufacture of epoxy resins.
Epoxy resins are polymers used in the manufacture of adhesives, coatings and automotive [arts, aerospace and aircraft industries. Approximately three-quarter of ECH production is consumed by the epoxy resins sector.
ECH is used to make durable coatings for storage tanks, pipes, appliances and food and drink cans.
There are four main producers in Europe that supply the majority of the European market. Buyers in Europe mainly come from the water treatment, pulp and paper and epoxy resins industries.