Statement regarding the dioxin emission issue

Thermphos continues to work for a sustainable future

As a follow up of the recent media attention concerning the dioxin emission of our Vlissingen plant, the board of directors of Thermphos wishes to explain Thermphos’ position on this issue and our ongoing efforts to create sustainable solutions.
+	By end 2014 at the latest, Thermphos will commission a state-of-the-art, high-tech gas-cleaning installation, resulting in a dioxin emission that is lower than the standard of 0.1 nanogram per cubic metre. Since there is no comparable installation in the world, Thermphos has to especially design and test such equipment for the phosphorus industry. This takes time. Naturally, Thermphos will do its utmost to have the installation up and running as soon as possible.
+	Thermphos and the competent authority have agreed on a temporary emission level of 0.4 nanograms per cubic meter. Thermphos will do everything in its power to produce within this tolerated standard.
+	What has Thermphos been doing so far to reduce the emission of dioxin?
	o	We measured on our initiative and as part of our compliance program, that dioxins were being emitted. We immediately informed the authorities on this matter. In May 2009 the authorities confirmed our measurement.
	o	A dedicated team of both internal and external experts is continuously working on the optimisation of our process, quantifying, benchmarking and evaluating possible solutions.
	o	We have optimised feedstock and process conditions to provide the lowest possible dioxin emission levels.
	o	Early 2010 we identified the potential end-of-pipe solution.
	o	We have commissioned a temporary installation for the capture of dioxin based on active carbon injection.
+	We have commissioned a temporary installation for the capture of dioxin based on active carbon injection.
+	For 40 years, Thermphos has been a good and reliable employer, with roots in the Zeeland community. Thermphos Vlissingen offers direct employment to some 470 people and indirectly to over a thousand others. Thermphos takes its responsibility towards these people and their families very seriously.
+	Solving these issues is an integral part of our strategy to create a sustainable phosphorus production based on the cradle-to-cradle principle. This involves closed-loop product chains and processes that are geared towards environmental sustainability and the prevention of depletion of raw materials. This is especially important for the phosphate chain. Phosphate is an irreplaceable raw material for artificial fertiliser, and therefore essential to food supply. At the current rate of usage, phosphate stocks are expected to run out in 50 - 120 years. As the only phosphorus producer in the world, Thermphos is modifying its processes in order to extract phosphorus from infinite raw materials, such as sewage sludge, bone meal and manure.

 

In the coming weeks we will, together with the authorities, measure the impact of our improvements. Of course, you will be informed on any relevant development. If, in the mean time, you have any additional question or remark, please contact your Thermphos’ business partner.