VOC and Emission Reporting for Chemical Manufacturers
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and process emissions are central environmental topics for chemical manufacturers. Whether producing solvents, coatings, or pharmaceutical intermediates, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must increasingly demonstrate that their air emissions are measured, managed, and reduced.
This guide explains how to track and report VOC and air emissions in line with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs (VSME), using the Basic Module B4 – Pollution as the primary framework. For related guidance, see what pollutants SMEs need to measure and reporting solvent use and VOC emissions for manufacturers.
1. Why VOC and Emission Reporting Matters
Environmental and regulatory context
- VOCs contribute to air pollution and ground-level ozone, regulated under EU Directive 2010/75/EU (Industrial Emissions Directive).
- Many clients, particularly large manufacturers and pharma groups, require emission data from suppliers to meet their CSRD (EU 2022/2464) obligations.
- Transparent VOC and emission reporting helps SMEs demonstrate environmental compliance, reduce waste, and improve operational efficiency.
🧭 Relevant CSRD and VSME links:
- CSRD: ESRS E2 – Pollution
- VSME: Basic Module B4 – Pollution (Air, Water, Soil)
2. What Counts as a VOC or Air Emission
Under EU law, VOCs are organic compounds that evaporate easily and react with air to form smog. For SMEs, typical sources include:
| Source | Examples | Reporting Category |
|---|---|---|
| Solvent use | Paints, coatings, adhesives | VOC emissions |
| Process exhausts | Reactor vents, distillation, filtration | Total air emissions |
| Fuel combustion | Boilers, generators, dryers | CO₂, NOₓ, SOₓ |
| Storage losses | Tanks, drums, pumps | Fugitive emissions |
⚗️ Note: VOCs can include ethanol, acetone, toluene, ethyl acetate, and other volatile organic solvents.
3. Step-by-Step: How to Report VOC and Air Emissions
Step 1 – Identify Emission Sources
Map all processes where gases, vapours, or fumes are released:
- Mixing, drying, or coating operations
- Solvent storage and transfer points
- Heating systems and combustion units
- Ventilation or scrubber exhausts
Use process flow diagrams to pinpoint emission points. Mark which are measured and which are estimated.
Step 2 – Measure or Estimate VOC Quantities
You can report emissions based on:
- Direct measurement: Continuous emission monitoring (CEM), periodic testing, or gas analysis.
- Mass balance method:
VOC emitted = Solvent input - Solvent recovered - VOC in product - Emission factors: Use standard factors (e.g., from EMEP/EEA Air Pollutant Inventory Guidebook) when measurement isn’t feasible.
Example (mass balance):
- Solvent used: 12,000 kg
- Solvent recovered: 3,000 kg
- VOC in product: 500 kg → VOC emitted = 8,500 kg
Step 3 – Convert to Standard Units
Convert emissions into tonnes per year (t/y) or kilograms per product output (kg/t) for comparability. Also disclose CO₂, NOₓ, and SOₓ if fuel combustion or heating is used.
| Parameter | Value | Unit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VOCs | 8.5 | t/year | Mass balance |
| CO₂ | 42 | t/year | Energy bills |
| NOₓ | 0.3 | t/year | Estimate (boiler emissions) |
Step 4 – Describe Control Measures
Under VSME B4, companies should explain how emissions are controlled or reduced. Examples:
- Activated carbon filters or scrubbers on exhausts
- Closed-loop solvent recovery systems
- Low-VOC or water-based formulations
- Regular maintenance of tanks, gaskets, and seals
Example disclosure: “In 2024, ChemCore Ltd installed a condenser on its solvent recovery line, reducing VOC emissions by 26% and cutting solvent purchases by 1.4 tonnes.”
Step 5 – Report Accidents, Leaks, or Non-Compliance
Even minor incidents should be disclosed in your sustainability report:
- Number of spills or leaks involving VOCs or gases
- Corrective actions taken (e.g., containment, repairs)
- Any regulatory notifications or fines
Example: “No reportable VOC leaks occurred in 2024. One small vent seal failure was repaired within 24 hours.”
Step 6 – Summarise Results in Your VSME Report
| Indicator | Unit | 2024 Result | Trend vs 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total VOC Emissions | t/year | 8.5 | -15% |
| CO₂ Emissions | t/year | 42 | -5% |
| NOₓ Emissions | t/year | 0.3 | stable |
| VOC Recovery Rate | % | 25 | +10% |
| Environmental Incidents | # | 0 | unchanged |
Include your reduction initiatives and targets, even if qualitative.
“Target: Reduce VOC emissions by 10% in 2025 through solvent recovery expansion.”
4. Example: VSME-Aligned Emission Report
Company: ChemCore Ltd Sector: Solvent-based chemical manufacturing Employees: 48 Reporting Year: 2024 Module: Basic (B1–B11)
| VSME Disclosure | Topic | Example Data |
|---|---|---|
| B3 – Energy & GHG | 420 MWh total energy; 42 tCO₂e | 15% renewable |
| B4 – Pollution | 8.5 t VOCs, 0.3 t NOₓ, 0 spills | Solvent recovery system installed |
| B7 – Waste | 2.1 t solvent sludge recycled | 95% hazardous waste recovery |
| B9 – Health & Safety | 100% trained in chemical handling | 0 injuries |
| B11 – Governance | No fines or violations | ISO 14001 certified |
Narrative:
“ChemCore Ltd improved VOC management through condenser installation and better sealing. Emissions fell by 15% year-on-year. No environmental incidents occurred.”
5. Linking VOC Reporting to CSRD and ESRS
Under ESRS E2 (Pollution), CSRD-reporting companies must disclose:
- Air emissions of pollutants (including VOCs, NOₓ, SOₓ, PM)
- Pollution prevention measures and control systems
- Value chain impacts (suppliers’ emission data)
By reporting VOC data under VSME B4, SMEs provide structured, verifiable input to clients’ CSRD disclosures.
This helps small manufacturers show they are responsible suppliers, capable of contributing credible emissions data.
6. Quick Wins for Chemical SMEs
| Area | Practical Action | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Process Control | Install vapour condensers or filters | Cut VOC emissions |
| Material Substitution | Switch to low-VOC solvents | Compliance and cost savings |
| Monitoring | Introduce monthly solvent mass balances | Early detection of leaks |
| Maintenance | Regular seal and pump checks | Prevent fugitive losses |
| Reporting | Use VSME B4 tables and yearly summaries | Simplify compliance data |
7. How to Present VOC Data in Your Report
Include a short “Air Emissions Statement” section:
“In 2024, ChemCore emitted 8.5 tonnes of VOCs, a 15% reduction from 2023. The company recovered 25% of solvents used and upgraded extraction systems. Total GHG emissions were 42 tonnes CO₂e, with no reportable incidents.”
Attach:
- VOC measurement reports
- Calibration and maintenance logs
- Certificates of air emission compliance
- Correspondence with authorities (if applicable)
Key Terms
- CSRD – Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (EU 2022/2464).
- VSME – Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs (EFRAG 2024).
- B4 (Pollution) – Disclosure covering air, water, and soil pollution.
- VOC – Volatile Organic Compounds; organic chemicals that vaporise easily.
- NOₓ / SOₓ – Nitrogen and sulphur oxides; combustion-related air pollutants.
- Mass Balance – Calculation method for estimating solvent losses.
- ESRS E2 – European Sustainability Reporting Standard on Pollution.
- Emission Factor – Conversion rate from process activity to pollutant quantity.