Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) emissions

 

The downward trend shown in recent years in the emission of halogenated and non-halogenated VOCs could not be continued in 2007. Emission of halogenated VOCs reduced slightly to 156t, from 161t in 2006. Emission for non-halogenated VOCs increased, from 1583t in 2006 to 1925t for 2007. While emission of halogenated VOCs came predominantly from Sandoz (93%), emission of non-halogenated VOCs came from the Sandoz (72%), Pharma (25%) and Consumer Health (3%) Divisions.

 

VOC emission targets and outlook

VOCs are precursors of photochemical (tropospheric) ozone creation that leads in turn to smog and related detrimental effects on health and the environment. Halogenated VOCs can also contribute to emissions of greenhouse gases. Novartis emphasizes reductions in VOC emissions in operations worldwide and targets have been set for both halogenated and non-halogenated VOC emissions for the period 2005-08. Novartis achieved a further reduction in emissions of halogenated volatile organic compounds in 2007 to 156 tons, beating the interim target of 160 tons set for that year. Due to significant lead times required to change production processes, however, the target of 30 tons originally set for 2008 is now seen as too ambitious. Halogenated VOC emissions are expected to remain unchanged during 2008 but Novartis is committed to further reductions once process improvements become feasible in future years.
Emissions of non-halogenated VOCs increased during 2007, to 1 925 tons from 1 583 tons a year earlier. The increase resulted from a substantial expansion of production processes requiring solvents. Still, a reduction of 13% in emissions of non-halogenated VOCs is targeted for 2008 and additional abatement measures will be implemented in coming years.