Light, malleable, long-lasting and inexpensive. The invention of plastic revolutionised modern society, contributing to the development of humanity. But the abuse of disposable plastics has become a huge and serious environmental problem, calling for new measures and new approaches. And the chemical industry is part of the solution.
In the periodic table it is identified as Cl 17. It is known to the world as chlorine and is recognised as an important disinfectant. But the history of this natural chemical element has much more flavour to offer, not least because there is salt involved.
When Otto Bayer synthesised Polyurethane in 1937, he was far from imagining the potential of his discovery.
Man’s use of fertilisers, to improve soil quality, is as old as the practice of agriculture, dating back to the Neolithic period, more than twelve thousand years ago.
The purification of water with chlorine is among the four discoveries of Chemistry and Medicine that have revolutionised Society during the last two centuries.
Chlorine and some of its by-products, such as Sodium Hypochlorite, are essential for purifying water and disinfecting surfaces.