Q. What is Solutions Through Science?
A. Solutions Through Science (STS) is a partnership of vinyl and chlorine producers and users in Louisiana. Established in 2000, STS is a single voice for 13 member companies. STS works closely with the Vinyl Institute, the Chlorine Chemistry Division of the American Chemistry Council and the Louisiana Chemical Association. Our members are committed to serving Louisiana by providing products used everyday, volunteering in community activities and safely operating our facilities.
Q. Who are the member companies of Solutions Through Science?
A. Member companies include BASF Corporation, CertainTeed Corp., Dow Chemical Co., Formosa Plastics, Georgia Gulf Corp., Ineos Fluor Americas, Inc., OxyChem Corp., Olin, PPG Industries Inc., Rubicon, Inc., Shintech LA, Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. and Westlake Chemical.
Q. What do STS member companies make?
A. Our companies manufacture chlorine, caustic soda, vinyl resin, vinyl compound and other products made using these substances. All of these materials are then refined into products that are used in homes, offices, hospitals and communities around the world. Chlorine is one of the most important chemicals in use today, playing a role in almost every industry in North America and in thousands of products used in daily life. Chlorine is used to disinfect almost all of the drinking water systems in the United States, to manufacture 93 percent of all pharmaceutical products, to manufacture 86 percent of all crop protection products that help to ensure a plentiful supply of agricultural produce, and to manufacture vinyl, the world�s most versatile plastic.

Vinyl is used to make everything from food wrap to auto body parts. It is a trusted component of 25 percent of all medical products and devices made with plastic, including blood bags, heart catheters, tubing and surgical gloves. Vinyl is used to manufacture parts for appliances, computers and automobiles, in fiber optics and electronics, in consumer and institutional goods such as shower curtains, window blinds, footwear and credit cards. Vinyl is especially widely used in rebuilding/construction, in products such as water pipe, house siding, window frames, gutters and downspouts, floor tile, wall coverings, electrical wires and cable installation.
Q. Who uses these products?
A. Nearly everyone uses vinyl and chlorine products on a daily basis. These products can be found in almost all places including hospitals, schools, businesses and homes.
Q. Is it true chlorine provides end-use products such as fireworks and guitar strings?
A. Yes, chlorine chemistry provides the chief oxidizer used in modern fireworks. Also, strings on acoustic or �classical� guitars are most often made of drawn nylon, which is a product of chlorine chemistry.
Q. Are vinyl and chlorine really used in electronics and electrical applications?
A. Yes, vinyl and chlorine are used in most electronics such as computers, cell phones, stereos, televisions and CD/DVD players. In addition, vinyl and chlorine are used in electrical applications found in air conditioners, electrical cords, fiber optics, keyboards, power tools and appliances.
Q. What benefits do the chlorine and vinyl industries bring to Louisiana?
A.

The Louisiana chlorine and vinyl industries and the products we make are essential to our lives, our state and our economy. The chlorine and vinyl industries help Louisiana�s economy grow and prosper by offering good jobs with high paying wages and broad benefits. We pay state and local taxes to help support law enforcement, fire protection and other services benefiting local communities. We also buy goods and services from local suppliers, which in turn employ additional workers in the community.
Q. Do STS member companies safely operate its facilities?
A.

Our plants are operated safely and in an environmentally responsible manner. Our good performance is the result of hard work and dedication of the men and women who work in our facilities. We invest in clean and high tech equipment, which helps us minimize emissions. Advanced technology such as computer-operated control rooms and systems can detect a problem and will automatically shut down the plant until the problem is corrected.


Q. Why is backyard trash burning hazardous?
A.

Many Louisiana residents burn household waste in 55-gallon barrels or directly on the ground not fully realizing the practice is harmful to their health and to the environment. In addition it is illegal in both populated and rural areas. Click here to learn about the hazards of backyard trash burning and alternative methods to disposing of unwanted household trash.

See the Barrel Burn Brochure

If you would like to order a barrel burn brochure, please contact Beverly Smiley.