GREAT LAKES: SCIENTIFIC DATA, HEIGHTENED PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNS TO DRIVE STRONG GROWTH IN FR ADDITIVES

DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY – The use of flame-retardant (FR) additives is expected to experience strong growth in the next five years, according to Great Lakes Chemical Corporation (NYSE:GLK), a world leader in polymer additives technology. The anticipated growth is being attributed to two factors: (1) a more scientific-based approach to evaluating the effects of such additives on the environment and (2) an increased global emphasis on public safety.

Global Scientific, Environmental Factors

When politics drives the debate over additives, the discussion often boils down to the call for a ban on all fire-retardant chemicals, starting with halogenated compounds currently in high use. However, that position is increasingly at odds not just with trends in the marketplace, but also with recent scientific findings and the resulting adjustments in official attitudes.

When science drives the issue, the conclusions are far different. One global trend appears under way that is using science to confirm the key reason for using FR polymer additive technology in the first place–namely, that these products save lives and property.

A look at developments in a number of countries reveals the strength of this trend.

Sweden

Sweden has been generally credited with being most strongly against FR additives, with its Chemical Inspectorate providing the leading critical voice. Yet, in April 2001, the Chemical Inspectorate criticized as “inconclusive” research by environmental activists in their case against brominated FRs.

“Just because a fire retardant contains bromine doesn’t make it dangerous,” said Eva Ljung of the Chemical Inspectorate in remarks contained in the April 26 issue of Miljorapporten, an environmental advocacy magazine.

Of course, the Nordic countries are still looking closely and critically at FR products. In the past year, they’ve raised important questions about antimony, phosphate, and bromine-based FRs. But, again, the prevailing view highlights the role of these products in saving lives and property as the prime considerations.

Belgium

In Brussels, the European Commission and Parliament spent much time and many resources this year looking at brominated FRs in the context of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and hazardous substance ban (RoHS) directives. At one point, the commission considered banning all brominated FRs. Instead, the Parliament passed a law that will ban rarely used PBBs and PBDEs for electrical and electronic equipment.

Risk assessments are underway on two important FR additives–decabrom and octabrom; scientific data generated to date proves that these chemicals are environmentally acceptable.

Japan

In Tokyo, the Japan Environment Association has recently changed its ecolabel criteria for copiers, printers, and PCs. The change withdraws the exclusion of all BrFRs to just PBBs and PBDEs, products that have little impact on the marketplace. Pressure for this change has filtered up from Japanese OEMs, who recognize the superior recyclability of BrFR plastics and also the consumer demand for greater fire safety.

United States

In recent years, the National Academy of Sciences examined the effects on human health of 16 FR chemicals used to meet new furniture fire safety standards. The studies produced enough data for the Academy to definitively evaluate eight of these products. The Academy concluded that there were no significant environmental or health concerns related to the use of these additives.

This bill of health has generated additional investment by chemical manufacturers in the environmental and health impact of their products. The Polymer Additives division of Great Lakes, for example, has spent tens of millions of dollars in scientific research to fully understand the health aspects of its products.

“We have commissioned research in areas that although were never raised by regulators, were of concern to Great Lakes and our employees” says Anne Noonan, Vice President of Technology, Marketing, and Advocacy for Great Lakes’ flame retar

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