Flammability guide: Update 2022

Static electricity is one of the main hazards associated with flammable solvents. Learn about the potential sources of static electricity and how to safely handle solvents in the workplace via our updated best practice guide. In June 2022, ESIG has updated the Flammability Guidelines to explain the main characteristics of solvent flammability and provide recommendations for safe handling and use.

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Solvents and the Green Deal

ESIG presents its view on Green Claims.

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FOCUS: Trends in Solvents VOC emissions

This factsheet published in April 2020 and updated inQ1/2022 gives an overview of which solvents can be found in indoor air and explains why VOC solvents are still present in dedicated applications.

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ESIG Solvent VOC emission inventories 2020

ESIG has finalised its 2020 solvent volatile organic compounds (VOC) emission inventories and results do seem in line with previous numbers: Solvent VOC emissions have stabilized in the EU28 since 2008.

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ESIG Solvent VOC emission inventories 2019

ESIG has finalised its 2019 solvent volatile organic compounds (VOC) emission inventories and results do seem in line with previous numbers: Solvent VOC emissions have stabilized in the EU28 since 2008.

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ESIG Solvent VOC emission inventory 2018

ESIG has finalised its 2018 solvent volatile organic compounds (VOC) emission inventories and results do seem in line with previous numbers: Solvent VOC emissions have stabilized in the EU28 since 2008 staying at just under 2000 ktonnes.

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FOCUS: Solvents and VOCs

This factsheet published in April 2020 gives an overview of which solvents can be found in indoor air and explains why VOC solvents are still present in dedicated applications. A technical paper published at the same time shows the industry’s commitment to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and improving indoor air quality.

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VOCs and Indoor Air Quality

This updated technical paper from 2020 shows the industry’s commitment to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and improving indoor air quality.

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FOCUS: Solvents and ESIG

This Factsheet gives an overview of what solvents are, which solvents are in ESIG’s portfolio, for which applications they are used and how they are regulated in the EU.

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ESIG and the solvents industry

This Factsheet explains the role of the European Solvents Industry Group (ESIG).

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Overview “Solvents at Work”

The Solvents@Work campaign is part of our continuous effort to encourage responsible and safe handling of solvents. This document gives you an overview of all the tools (videos, posters, guidelines etc.) that we have developed to help downstream users comply with the highest level of health, safety and environmental standards.

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Solvents Generic Exposure Scenarios (GES) under REACH

ESIG published an article in the June 2019 edition of the European Coatings Journal on its Ge­neric Exposure Scenarios (GES), which are THE solvents industry standard in Europe today to ensure REACH compliance through the supply chain.

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Solvents: one word, many solutions

Solvents are an invaluable solution for industries that range from pharmaceuticals and microelectronics to domestic cleaning, personal care and printing. Find out the variety of ways solvents are present in and enhance our everyday lives.

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Measuring solvent vapour concentrations in the work environment

Measuring exposure to solvent vapours is key to understand whether the controls you have in place are sufficient to protect workers’ health. Learn about the available techniques and how to design effective measurement programmes for your workplace.

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ESIG VOC emission inventory 2016-2017

The ESIG Solvents VOC inventory 2016-2017 show that VOC solvents emissions in the EU have stabilized since 2008.

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Solvent Transfer—Efficiency of Risk Management Measures

This paper determines what airborne protection is needed to transfer volatile solvents in a workplace. The proposed measures enable to reduce the average emissions by over 90%.

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What are solvents?

This Factsheet explains how solvents make it possible to process, apply, clean or separate materials.

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Solvents & the environment

This fact sheet shows how the solvents industry has implemented measures to address concerns about environmental performance and has worked with industry partners, scientists and legislators to further explore the need and the means to improve air quality in a cost-effective manner.

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Solvents & Ozone

This fact sheet  shows what part the solvents industry plays in reducing ozone peaks and how it has substantially reduced its emissions to contribute to air quality in Europe.

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The solvents family

For many products to perform effectively, solvents are simply essential. Everyday, we benefit from the diverse range of available solvents and their unique properties. Read this brochure to learn more about solvents.

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Solvent VOC emissions inventories (2015)

The updated ESIG Solvents VOC inventories are out now with the 2015 estimated emissions. The technical paper shows that VOC solvents emissions in the EU have stabilized since 2008.

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Calculating the vapour pressure of hydrocarbon Solvents from simple physico-chemical properties

Determining the vapour pressures for solvents with low volatility can be difficult and time-consuming. This 2002 paper by Erik Olsen explains how to use a simple calculation tool to determine whether solvents are VOCs under the definition of the EU Solvent Emissions (NEC) Directive.

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Carbon content of commonly used solvents

This fact sheet shows the amount of Carbon included in some of the most commonly used solvents. The list is divided between family (Alcohols, Esters, etc.), solvent, CAS number and Carbon content (%m).

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Safe use of gloves

Gloves are key to safely using solvents at work. Learn about best practice from experts you and your team can rely on.

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Solvents@work poster

Ensure everyone at your workplace knows the do’s and don’ts for safely using solvents.

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10 tips for the safe use of gloves

Get 10 safety tips for using gloves that are simple and easy for anyone to understand.

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RCP for setting occupational exposure limits for hydrocarbon solvents

This paper from July 2017 provides an update on the application of the reciprocal calculation procedure (RCP) method to calculate occupational exposure levels for hydrocarbon solvents taking into account recent toxicological information and changes in regulatory requirements.

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Key lessons learned from European Air Quality legislation

The objective of this position paper is to share some of the key lessons learnt from the EU air quality legislation. This May 2017 paper shows the industry’s commitment to improve air quality.

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Air quality challenge in China and Asia

The objective of this technical position paper is to propose a way forward in improving (primarily Chinese) air quality by highlighting the need for accurate emissions inventories and air quality modelling. This April 2017 paper shows the industry’s commitment to improve air quality world-wide.

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EU Ecolabel

ESIG recognises that the EU Ecolabel has significant potential to promote the most sustainable products. This February 2017 paper demonstrates the industry’s continuous commitment to improve its products’ environmental footprint.

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New emissions targets under NEC

ESIG is committed to working with EU institutions to improve air quality and implement the National Emission Ceilings (NEC) Directive while preserving the competitiveness of European industry. This June 2015 paper outlines our views on the NEC review in the European Parliament.

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GES application & interpretation under REACH

This May 2011 scientific paperexplores how generic exposure scenarios have been developed, applied and interpreted under REACH.

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