&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Pollution
Prevention and Toxics
7408
EPA 745-K-94-004 I/
May 1994
EPA's 33/50 Program
Company Profile
Aladdin Industries Inc.
Printed on Recycled Paper
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THE 33/50 PROGRAM
This Company Profile is part of a series of reports being developed by EPA to highlight the accomplish-
ments of companies participating in the 33/50 Program. The 33/50 Program is an EPA voluntary pollution
reduction initiative that promotes reductions in direct environmental releases and offsite transfers of 17 high-
priority toxic chemicals. The program denves its name from its overall goals — an interim goal of a 33%
reduction by 1992 and an ultimate goal of a 50% reduction by 1995. The program uses 1988 Toxics Release
Inventory (TRJ) reporting as a baseline. In February, 1991, EPA began contacting the parent companies of
TRI facilities that reported using 33/50 Program chemicals since 1988 to request their participation in the 33/50
Program. As of April, 1994, a total of 1,216
companies had elected to participate in the
Program, pledging to reduce emissions of the 17
target chemicals by more than 355 million
pounds by 1995. Companies are encouraged to
set their own reduction targets, which may vary
from the Program's national 33% and 50%
reduction goals. Company commitments and
reduction pledges continue to be received by
EPA on a daily basis.
17 PRIORITY CHEMICALS TARGETED
BY THE 33/50 PROGRAM
BENZENE
CADMIUM & COMPOUNDS
CARBON TETRACHLORIDE
CHLOROFORM
CHROMIUM & COMPOUNDS
CYANIDES
DICHLOROMETHANE"
LEAD & COMPOUNDS
MERCURY & COMPOUNDS
METHYL ETHYL KETONE
METHYL ISOBUTYL KETONE
NICKEL & COMPOUNDS
TETRACHLOROETHYLENE
TOLUENE
1,1,1 -TRICHLOROETHANE
TRICHLOROETHYLENE
XYLENES
Also referred to as methylene chloride
The 1992 TRI data revealed that releases
and transfers of 33/50 Program chemicals de-
clined by 40% between 1988 and 1992, surpass-
ing the Program's 1992 interim reduction goal
by more than 100 million pounds. This accom-
plishment, together with evidence from analysis
of facilities' projected releases and transfers of
the 17 priority chemicals, reported to TRI under
the Pollution Prevention Act, offers strong en-
couragement that the 33/50 Program's ultimate
goal of a 50% reduction by 1995 will be
achieved.
EPA is committed to recognizing compa-
nies for their participation in the 33/50 Program
and for the emissions reductions they achieve. The Program issues penodic Progress Reports, in which
participating companies are listed and highlighted. In addition, Company Profiles, such as this one, are being
prepared to provide more detailed information about companies that have written to EPA describing significant
emissions reduction initiatives. Information presented in these profiles is drawn primarily from the company s
written 33/50 Program communications and the annual TRI reports submitted by their facilities (including
Pollution Prevention Act data reported to TRI in Section 8 of Form R). All company communications to EPA
regarding the 33/50 Program are available to the public upon request.
EPA does not endorse the performance, worker safety, or environmental acceptability of any of the
technical options discussed in this Profile. Mention of any product or procedure in this document is for
informational purposes only, and does not constitute a recommendation of any such product or procedure,
either express or implied, by EPA.
For information on the 33/50 Program, contact the TSCA Hotline at (202) 554-1404 or contact 33/50
Program staff directly by phone at (202) 260-6907 or by mail at Mail Code 7408, Office of Pollution
Prevention and Toxics, U.S. EPA, 401 M Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 20460.
33/50 Program Company Profile: Aladdin Industries Inc.
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Aladdin Industries Inc.
Aladdin Industries Inc. reduced its releases and
transfers of 33/50 Program chemicals by almost
70,000 pounds (38%) from 1988 to 1992. More-
over, according to company officials, significant
additional reductions were achieved in 1993 and
the company has nearly achieved its program goal
of an 80.7% reduction. In addition to reductions
in 33/50 Program chemicals, Aladdin achieved a
99.8% reduction in releases and transfers of non-
33/50 TRI chemicals from 1988 to 1992. This has
moved the company close to achieving its other
goal of a 91.1% reduction in releases and transfers
of all TRI chemicals from a 1988 baseline.
I. CORPORATE BACKGROUND
Aladdin Industries Inc. is a manufacturer of
metal and plastic hardware for consumer and
industrial use. Located in Nashville Tennessee,
Aladdin produces a wide variety of products such
as lunch kits, thermos bottles, hospital trays, coffee
cups, lamps, and coolers.
Although Aladdin is a relatively small
generator of toxic chemical emissions,
the company feels an obligation as a
corporate citizen to reduce any emis-
sions generated.
Aladdin has used six 33/50 Program chemicals
in quantities reportable to TRI: chromium,
dichloromethane, methyl isobutyl ketone, toluene,
1,1,1 -trichloroethane, and trichloroethylene. These
chemicals have been used in the following applica-
tions at Aladdin:
Chromium is a component of a phospho-
ric/sulfunc acid solution used in the manufac-
ture of vacuum bottle thermoses.
Dichloromethane is used to join polystyrene
sheets in the production of hospital trays, as
well as to remove blemishes from the surface
of the tray. Dichloromethane reacts with the
polystyrene and softens the end of each sheet.
Two sheets are then joined end-to-end and,
when the polystyrene hardens, a single sheet is
formed.
Releases and Transfers of TRI Chemicals by
Aladdin Industries Inc.
(1000 pounds)
1988 1992
33/50 Chemicals
Chromium*
Dichloromethane
Methyl isobutyl ketone
Toluene
1,1,1 -Trichloroethane*
Trichlorethylene
33/50 Subtotal
Other TRI Chemicals
Total"
0
9
3
29
0
142
183
283
467
0
0
0
0
42
71
113
1
114
Chemical was first reported to TRI in 1989.
Columns do not sum to totals due to rounding.
• Methyl isobutyl ketone, toluene, and 1,1,1-
trichloroethane are used in a solvent blend for
the cleaning of silk screens. These silk screens
are used primarily to decorate plastic drinking
mugs.
• Trichlorethylene is used to remove petroleum
oils from the surface of metal parts prior to
welding and painting.
Aladdin reported 466,554 pounds of releases
and transfers of TRI chemicals in 1988, of which
183,216 pounds represented 33/50 Program chemi-
cals. In addition, Aladdin used lead and associated
compounds and xylenes in quantities below the
TRI reporting threshold. Table I, at the end of
this profile, presents Aladdin's 1988-1992 data on
releases and transfers of TRI chemicals.
II. CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL
STRATEGY
\
Although Aladdin is a relatively small genera-
tor of toxic chemical emissions, the company has
stated that, as a corporate citizen, it feels an
obligation to reduce any emissions generated.
Aladdin's ultimate objective is to eliminate the
emissions of toxic chemicals completely, primarily
33/50 Program Company Profile: Aladdin Industries Inc.
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through source reduction methods. However, in
cases where source reduction is not possible,
Aladdin is looking to other means of reducing
emissions such as treatment and recycling.
III. 33/50 PROGRAM GOALS AND
POLLUTION REDUCTION ACTIVITIES
Aladdin initially set a goal of reducing total
releases and transfers of 33/50 Program chemicals
by 32.5% from 1988 levels by 1995. This translates
into a reduction of 59,545 pounds. Aladdin's goal
was later revised to a reduction of 80.7% for 33/50
Program chemicals by 1995. This revised goal used
a 1989 baseline for some chemicals first used by
Aladdin in 1989 and translates into a reduction of
193,854 pounds.
33/50 Program Goals for
Aladdin Industries Inc.
Reductions in releases and transfers of 33/50
Program chemicals by 1995 from base year
Chemical
Chromium
Dichloromethane
Methyl isobutyl
ketone
Toluene
1,1,1-Tnchloroethane
Tnchloroethylene
Base
Year
1989
1988
1988
1988
1989
1988
Percent
Change
from
Baseline
100%
100%
100%
100%
42%
90%
In addition to these goals for 33/50 Program
chemicals, Aladdin also set a target for an overall
reduction in releases and transfers of all TRI
chemicals of 91.1%. Aladdin hoped to achieve
many of these reductions by eliminating the use of
chemicals, rather than chemical substitution or
recycling programs.
In order to meet its goals, Aladdin designed
in-house projects focusing on each of the chemicals
to be eliminated, controlled, or replaced. For each
of these projects, one staff member was appointed
project leader and had primary responsibility for
ensuring the project's completion. For each
project, a goal, target implementation date, base
year, and method for completion were articulated.
Aladdin identified discrete projects and
appointed project leaders to oversee its
program to reduce releases and trans-
fers of 33/50 Program chemicals.
To date, Aladdin has completed the following
projects:
• All trichloroethylene usage was eliminated
during 1993. Trichloroethylene was required
to remove petroleum oils from metal parts
during metal forming processes. Synthetic
lubricants are now used in place of petroleum
oils and are removed from parts with an
aqueous alkaline cleaner. The water from the
alkaline cleaning process is treated on-site.
• Dichloromethane use was completely elimi-
nated from the facility as of 1993 by replacing
the polystyrene used in trays with
polypropylene. Previously, the polystyrene
trays were cut from a sheet and blemishes
around the edges were removed using
dichloromethane. Since the polypropylene
trays are now injection molded, there are no
blemishes to remove.
• Toluene and methyl isobutyl ketone were
completely eliminated from the Aladdin facili-
ty as of 1993 by replacing a thinner containing
toluene and methyl isobutyl ketone with a
thinner containing 25% toluene and 75%
1,1,1-trichloroethane. This thinner was later
replaced with a thinner containing acetone in
place of the toluene. The company is current-
ly investigating options to eliminate the 1,1,1-
trichloroethane from this formulation.
• Aladdin eliminated all releases and transfers of
chromium, along with two non-33/50 TRI
chemicals - phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid -
- as of 1992. Using a newly installed on-site
waste treatment facility, Aladdin removes toxic
materials from a water mixture containing
chromium, phosphoric acid, and sulfuric acid.
Fifty percent of the water is recycled, while the
33/50 Program Company Profile: Aladdin Industries Inc.
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remainder is of sufficient quality to discharge
to the sanitary sewer. The sludge is of suffi-
cient quality to be considered nonhazardous
and is disposed of in a landfill. Prior to the
installation of the on-site treatment facility, all
of these wastes were transferred off-site for
treatment or disposal.
In addition to its reduction of releases
and transfers of 33/50 program chemi-
cals, Aladdin has achieved reductions
of 99.8% for non-33/50 TRI chemicals.
• Aladdin eliminated its lacquer painting process
by switching to a dry powder coating, thereby
eliminating the use of lead, xylenes, and
ketones. Small quantities (not reportable to
TRI) of lead, xylenes, and ketones were previ-
ously used at Aladdin in its painting process
for thermos bottles.
In addition to the completed projects de-
scribed above, Aladdin is planning two additional
activities to further reduce the releases and trans-
fers of 33/50 Program chemicals:
• Fully automate a cup decorating process that
uses a thinner comprised of 25% acetone and
75% 1,1,1-trichloroethane. By switching the
process from semi-automatic to fully automat-
ic, a significant decrease in the amount of
thinner used should result, thereby reducing
emissions of 1,1,1-trichloroethane.
• Replace the thinner containing 1,1,1-trichloro-
ethane with a formula containing no 33/50
Program chemicals. Aladdin is attempting to
completely eliminate its use of 1,1,1-trichloro-
ethane in part because of the 1996 phaseout of
the chemical under the Clean Air Act. Alad-
din is currently working with several local
chemical companies in an attempt to identify
an alternative formulation.
IV. PROGRESS TOWARDS 33/50
REDUCTION GOALS
As a result of these efforts, Aladdin is well on
its way to meeting its 33/50 goals. As of the end
of 1992, releases and transfers of 33/50 Program
Aladdin's Progress
Toward Meeting 33/50 Goals
500 r
1988 1989 1990 1991
1992
33/50 Goal: 80.7% reduction in releases and
transfers of 33/50 chemicals by 1995
chemicals had been reduced 38% from the 1988
baseline. Aladdin has also achieved a reduction of
99.8% in releases and transfers of non-33/50 TRI
chemicals, primarily by eliminating discharges of
phosphoric and sulfuric acids. Overall reductions
of releases and transfers of TRI chemicals were
76% for the period 1988 to 1992.
Significant additional reductions were achieved
in 1993. Releases and transfers of all 33/50 Pro-
gram chemicals except for 1,1,1-trichloroethane
have been eliminated completely. These reduc-
tions were projected in the company's Pollution
Prevention Act data (see Table II) and company
officials confirmed that the actions were completed
in 1993. These reductions have occurred despite a
significant increase in production.
With the completion of the 1993 projects,
Aladdin has nearly achieved its 1995 goals. The
company's Pollution Prevention Act data for 1994
indicate that Aladdin intends to maintain its low
emission levels.
33/50 Program Company Profile: Aladdin Industries Inc.
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V. SUMMARY OF ALADDIN'S
EXPERIENCE
Aladdin Industries has made dramatic progress
in reducing releases and transfers of 33/50 Program
chemicals. This effort has been supplemented with
a reduction of releases and transfers for non 33/50
TRI chemicals of 99.5%, primarily through the
elimination of discharges of phosphoric and sulfu-
ric acids. These achievements are especially
noteworthy in light of the fact that, during this
time, Aladdin has experienced a sharp increase in
production.
Aladdin has completely eliminated all releases
and transfers of chromium, dichloromethane,
methyl isobutyl ketone, toluene, and trichloro-
ethylene. Furthermore, they are collaborating with
several chemical manufacturers to identify a meth-
od for eliminating use of their only other 33/50
chemical - 1,1,1-trichloroethane. Through these
continued efforts, Aladdin has virtually met its
goals of an 80.7% reduction in releases and trans-
fers of 33/50 Program chemicals, and a 91.1%
reduction of all TRI chemicals.
33/50 Program Company Profile: Aladdin Industries Inc.
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Table I
Aladdin Industries Incorporated
Releases and Transfers of TRJ Chemicals, 1988-1992
(all data from TRI unless otherwise noted)
Chemical
Chromium
Dichloromethane
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone
Toluene
1,1,1 -Trichloroethane
Trichloroethylene
33/50 Program Chemicals
Non-33/50 Chemicals
All TRI Chemicals
Percent Change, 1988-1992
33/50 Program Chemicals
Transfers Percent
Off-site . Change
Total Air Transfers for Treatment/ Total Releases Base- 1992
Emissions to POTWs Disposal/Other and Transfers (1) Total Releases
Year (pounds) (pounds) (pounds) (pounds) and Transfers (2)
1989
1990
1991
1992
1988
1988
1988
1989
1990
1991
1989
1990
1991
1992
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
0
0
0
0
8,570 (3)
2,948 (3)
29,483
10,400
5,412
4,850
57,000
26,708
31,790
42,428
142,215
121,964
117,354
117,772
70,905
183,216 (3)
189,364
149,474
154,412
113,333
0
0
0
1
1
183,216 (3)
189,364
149,474
154,413
113,334
-38%
Non-33/50 Program TR] Chemica
All TRI Chemicals
-38%
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
133,118
0
0
0
0
133,118
0
0
0
0
--
-100%
-100%
426
1,160
664
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
426
1,160
664
0
150,220
65,435
178,406
113,602
500
150,220
65,861
179,566
114,266
500
—
-100%
-100%
426
1,160
664
0
8,570 (3)
2,948 (3)
29,483
10,400
5,412
4,850
57,000
26,708
31,790
42,428
142,215
121,964
117,354
117,772
70,905
183,216 (3)
189,790
150,634
155,076
113,333
283,338
65,435
178,406
113,603
501
466,554 (3)
255,225
329,040
268,679
113,834
-38%
-100%
-76%
-100%
-100%
-100%
-100%
-26%
-50%
-38%
-100%
-76%
Notes: (1) 1991 and 1992 Total Releases and Transfers do not include on- or off-site recycling or energy recovery.
(2) Base year is first year that chemical was reported to TRI.
(3) Includes data provided to the 33/50 Program in company Progress Reports.
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Table U
Aladdin Industries Inc.
Pollution Prevention Act Reporting (1)
Chemical
Chromium
Toluene
1,1,1 -Trichloroethane
Tnchloroethylene
33/50 Program Chemicals
Non-33/50 Chemicals
All TRI Chemicals
Year
1991
1992
1994
1991
1991
1992
1994
1991
1992
1994
1991
1992
1994
1991
1992
1994
1991
1992
1994
Recycled
Off-site
(pounds)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
52,520
39,122
0
52,520
39,122
0
0
0
0
52,520
39,122
0
Treated
On-site
(pounds)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
57,975
167,301
178,685
57,975
167.301
178,685
Treated
Off-site
(pounds)
664
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
664
0
0
113,831
555
537
114,495
555
537
Percent
Change
Quantity 1991-1994
Released Quantity
(pounds) Released
0
0
0
4,850
31,790
42,428
43,280 36%
117,772
70,905
0 -100%
154,412
113,333
43,280 -72%
1
1
1 0%
154,413
113,334
43,281 -72%
Total
Production
Related
Wastes
(pounds)
664
0
0
4,850
31,790
42,428
43.280
170,292
110.027
0
207,596
152,455
43,280
171,807
167,857
179,223
379,403
320,312
222,503
Percent
Change
1991-1994
Production
Related Waste
-100%
36%
-100%
-79%
4%
-41%
Notes- (1) Actual data for 1991 and 1992. projections for 1994.
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