Aug 13 2010
Chloroform (CHCl3) is primarily used for the synthesis of Hydrochlorofluorocarbon-22 (HCFC-22). The organic compound is also used as a laboratory reagent (particularly orthoformates), and finds application as an extraction solvent for pharmaceutical products.
The global chloroform market has been witnessing a continuous downfall and the trend is expected to continue owing to the adoption of stringent regulatory framework for ozone depleting substances such as HCFCs, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and carbon tetrachlorides (CTCs). The adoption of Montreal Protocol in 1987, focused on reducing the production and consumption of ozone depleting chemicals, and the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, aimed at countering the threat of global warming and climate change, have contributed substantially to the decline in demand for chloroform. Efforts for phasing out the use of ozone depleting chemicals have gained momentum across developing countries, which are expected to lead to a decline in the consumption of chloroform.
Europe and the United States accounts for more than 70% of the chloroform consumed globally, as stated by the new market research report on chloroform. In the US, chloroform has been largely phased out as the refrigerant market increasingly opted for alternatives due to rising environmental concerns. Chloroform was used for producing HCFC-22, a commonly used propellant in air conditioners. However, chloroform was later identified as a substance with ozone depleting potential, and a greenhouse gas.
Globally, about 90-95% of the chloroform is used as a precursor for HCFC-22, which is used in refrigerants and fluoropolymers such as polytetrafluoro-ethylene (PTFE). The demand for HCFC-22 in fluoropolymers is expected to witness growth, though the product’s demand in emissive applications, such as refrigerants, is expected to witness a gradual decline. However, growing environmental concerns and implementation of stringent regulations have contributed to a contraction in demand for HCFC-22 across majority of the developed countries in the past decade. In addition, several developing countries have also agreed to phase out the use of HCFCs in emissive applications.
The United States government’s commitment towards the depletion of Ozone Depleting Substances has significantly affected the demand for Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), Halons, and carbon tetrachloride (CTC). Such government measures have also enhanced the usage of alternatives to CFCs and HCFCs. As part of a pre-determined schedule, the United States has been phasing out the production and consumption of HCFCs for emissive applications, including refrigerants. From 2020 onwards, HCFC-22 would be produced only for use as feedstock and for export purposes. Consequently, the consumption of chloroform in the United States is expected to register a negative compounded annual growth rate of 4.9% over the analysis period.
Though majority of the countries from Asia-Pacific are developing, the region is making active efforts for phasing out ozone-depleting chemicals (ODCs) as per the specifications of international regulations. Further, rising political pressures in several countries for phasing out elements that deplete the ozone layer are also contributing to the decline in production of ODCs. In this regard, several countries have successfully ceased the production of methyl chloroform.
Major players profiled in the report include AkzoNobel Industrial Chemicals B.V., Alfa Aesar, Ercros S.A., Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited, INEOS Chlor Limited, Occidental Chemical Corporation, Solvay S.A., SRF Ltd., The Dow Chemical Company, among others.
The report titled “Chloroform: A Global Strategic Business Report” announced by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., provides a review of market trends, applications overview, regulatory scenario, and recent industry activity. The study analyzes market data and analytics in terms of volume consumption for the years 2007 through 2015 for the following geographic markets - The United States, Europe, and Rest of World.
Source: http://www.strategyr.com/