Is the electrolysis a very energy intensive process? Is its use sustainable?
Electrolysis of salt is a basic process to get important raw materials used in the chemical industry. Some 9 million tons of chlorine are yearly produced in Western Europe and used in more than half of all chemical activities. Electrolysis plants consume a substantial amount of energy but despite this, overall, PVC production uses less energy than the production of most alternative polymers that are 100 % oil-derived materials ; this is demonstrated by comparative eco-profile data. Chlorine is mostly used to produce plastics like PVC (34%), polyurethanes (23%), polycarbonates and silicones. A smaller amount is used to disinfect 98% of Western Europe’s drinking water and to produce other chemicals. Sodium hydroxide, or caustic soda, produced during the electrolysis is important for the manufacture of paper, soap and textiles and other applications. Hydrogen, also produced during the electrolysis is either used in chemistry or to generate energy. Since both chlorine and sodium hydroxide
