Average operating rate of US chlorine plants rises to 11-month high

ARLINGTON, Va. — The average operating rate of U.S. plants that make chlorine and caustic soda rose has reached its highest level in 11 months, Bloomberg reported.

According to trade group The Chlorine Institute, the industry’s average operating rate for plants that make the chemicals known as chlor-alkali climbed from 82% in June to 86% in July.

Plants on average ran at 83% in July last year and at 86% of capacity in August.

Chlorine is used to make vinyl products such as siding and polyvinyl chloride pipe. Caustic soda, produced in tandem with chlorine, is used to make pulp, paper and soap.