Our mission

The mission of the European Solvents Industry Group (ESIG) is to promote the safe and sustainable use of oxygenated and hydrocarbon solvents in Europe and to ensure that the regulatory framework relevant to the manufacture, storage, distribution and application of these solvents is based on sound science and best practice.

We provide our members with advice and guidance to comply with the latest legislation, while encouraging members to share ESIG insights and advice with all parties that use or handle their solvent products.

ESIG only deals with ‘organic’ solvents, specifically oxygenated and hydrocarbon varieties. These two types are the most commonly used in Europe. Halogenated solvents consist of chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents, which fall outside of ESIG’s mission.

Oxygenated solvents are used when high solvency power is needed. They include substances like alcohols, ketones, esters, and glycol ethers. They can also be used in water-based formulations such as detergents and water-based paints.

Hydrocarbon solvents are typically used in applications where there is low solvency power and separation from water is required. They include substances like paraffinic, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons.