Chemical Industry Faces Sustainable Growth Acid Test

12:00 AM @ Monday - 01 January, 1900

(VEN) - Sustainable development and environmental protection are matters that interest businesses operating in the chemical sector. Vietnam Economic News' Tuan Nghia spoke with Dr. Chu Van Nguyen, the head of the Technical Department of the Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem).

What are your comments on the awareness and capability of Vinachem member companies in the field of environmental protection?
The domestic chemical sector grew strongly in the past 10 years with the growth rate reaching 10-12 percent from 2006-2010. However, due to the rapid growth of the chemical sector, the environmental protection pressure that faces chemical businesses is becoming heavier. Overall, the directors and staff members of Vinachem member companies have become aware of the need to protect the environment in the process of expanding production and trade. Those companies have invested considerable amounts of money in environmental protection. They have paid more attention to ensuring industrial hygiene by creating a sanitary working environment for workers. Compared with the past, Vinachem member companies now face less environmental problems.
What technologies has Vinachem applied in the waste treatment process?
Vinachem's products are diverse, including several hundred kinds which belong to 18 categories. To treat the waste that is discharged in the process of making each kind of product, we apply a specific technology. For example, in the process of producing sulfuric acid (H2SO4), it is necessary to treat the polluting substances in sulfur dioxide (SO2). To do this, we have made technological changes in order to increase the transformation and absorption efficiency and minimize waste. Specifically, the Lam Thao Fertilizers and Chemicals Company has changed entirely the H2SO4 production technology by making a shift from applying the single-effect absorption technology of the 1950s and 1960s to applying the double-effect absorption technology. This change has helped the company reduce considerably fuel consumption and SO2 emissions. The production process varies from one product to another but generally, most Vinachem member companies have made technological changes to minimize waste. A problem is that Vinachem still lacks environmental experts.
Reality shows that some chemical companies are not willing to invest large amounts of money in building waste treatment systems. What do you think must be done to improve the situation?
I think that to develop the chemical industry in a sustainable manner, companies in this sector cannot ignore the environmental protection task while promoting production and business. However, some chemical companies still face numerous difficulties. Big companies are financially capable to invest in building new production facilities or modernizing technologies to minimize waste, but many small-sized companies are financially incapable to do that. Moreover, the qualifications of technical staff members remain limited. Therefore, small-sized chemical companies must seek updated information about cleaner production methods and technologies that can be applied to minimize environmental pollution. These companies must seek assistance and consultancy from Vinachem.
How does Vinachem assist chemical companies?
Every year, we organize training courses on environmental protection for companies which Vinachem has invested in. Through this activity, we disseminate the latest regulations and legal documents related to environmental protection and at the same time exchange experience with companies in this field. Vinachem actively supports chemical companies' projects and plans which aim to make technological changes and build environmental protection facilities. We have spent large amounts of money on environmental protection projects of chemical companies with 100 percent of State capital, sometimes VND100 billion on one project.
Nguồn:VEN
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