20 July 2009

LaSalle/Peru, IL
There is a lot of debate regarding the chemical industry’s role in the environment. A new study supported by the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) and the American Chemistry Council (ACC) revealed that the chemical industry is reducing emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) annually. By 2030, it is estimated that the GHG savings-to-emissions ratio could increase significantly as industry, policy makers, and other stakeholders provide further reduction steps.

McKinsey and Company, a global management consulting firm, conducted independent analyses of greenhouse gases emitted by the chemical industry. The Öko Institut, an independent environmental research and consulting institution in Europe, conducted a critical review of the analysis and reviewed the calculations.

Simply stated, for every unit of GHGs emitted by the chemical industry, society saves more than two units of GHGs through the use of chemistry products and technology. By 2030, it is estimated that the GHG savings-to-emissions ratio could increase to 4:1. For example, the production of insulation or advanced lighting generates a net reduction in GHG emissions during the life cycle of the products.

The study was initiated to help support further reductions in the industry’s greenhouse gas emissions while also encouraging the use of products that save energy and create a net emission reduction. The chemical industry is the first global industry to embark on such an initiative. ACC president and CEO Cal Dooley stated “Americans want a cleaner, greener future, and this analysis shows that chemistry already has a major role in helping the nation and world reduce GHG emissions.” Dooley continued, “For our part, U.S. chemical industry emissions have fallen 16% since 1990, and we’ll use this study to guide further operational improvement.”

Carus Corporation supports policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our efforts are driven in part by support for sustainable chemistry – making products that meet the needs of today’s consumers, working openly and ethically with government and our communities, and continually improving our products to improve their impact on the environment and future generations. Carus Corporation has a team of engineers and chemists focusing on making our production process more efficient, less energy-intensive, and more cost-effective. We have made significant improvements, and continue to evaluate new ways to produce products in a greener, more earth-friendly way.

Carus Corporation, founded in 1915, also has a facility in Belmont, NC. Carus is a world leader in permanganates, phosphates, and base metal catalysts, all of which Carus manufactures primarily for environmental applications. Carus Corporation is a member of the American Chemistry Council and an active participant in the industry’s award-winning Responsible Care® initiative, working to make life better, healthier, and safer through chemistry.