OBSERVATION: Chemical roadmap

For the caustic-chlorine industry, the way ahead will be determined by evaluating its economic benefits vis--vis its environmental costs. As a multi-billion-dollar industry which employs millions of people the world over, the industry makes a major impact on global economic growth. At the same time, emerging research now shows that the products and processes of the industry and its subsidiaries are posing a serious threat to the environment.

Overview: Pollution unmasked

Rating Parameter

See Score Card Raw material sourcing phase To rate the companies on the raw material sourcing phase, grp used the following indicators: the quality of input salt, transportation of salt, self-sourcing of water (water harvesting) and the use of renewable and clean fuels.

The best and the worst

Pondicherry-based Chemfab Alkalis Ltd (cal) has been rated as the greenest caustic-chlorine company in India. With an overall score of 46.7 per cent, it has been given the Three Leaves Award.

OBSERVATION: Mercury rising

Although there has been a belated shift from the polluting mercury cell technology to the membrane cells, mercury pollution in India is still very high. India does not produce mercury and relies completely on imports. Between 1998-2001, the annual mercury imports stood at 170-190 tonnes, which is 10 per cent of the global mercury consumption.