The doctoral thesis History of establishment and development of chemical industry in Vizcaya defended at the UPV / EHU, discussing the history of the chemical industry from a technological standpoint and business . The author, Luis Angel Garcia, the study has identified 13 companies focusing on chemical Vizcaya, and has based its argument primarily on interviews with workers.

As explained , the appearance of Bizkaia chemical industry was later than in other industries, because of the high investment and non- funded because that activity easily. This was due to low domestic demand for chemicals at the beginning of industrialization. In fact , it is concluded that most studied chemical factories were founded later , following the demand for chemical products from other productive sectors already established.

Garcia indicated that the strategic location of Bizkaia and logistics and transport infrastructure were decisive for the implementation of the chemical industry in the territory , together with the efforts of the bourgeoisie of Bilbao . Sent delegates to Paris to convince Nobel to yield its patent for the construction of the plant dynamite and French investors , which attracted to , inter alia , through the port of Bilbao and the rail network that communicated with the rest of the state.

In fact, like other companies to post ( Wood and coal tars , Nervión Metalquímica …) Dynamite benefited from its location close to the mines for production , and infrastructure to meet demands outside of Bizkaia.

Boom in the 60s, 70s and decline in recycling in the future

On the chemical evolution of Biscay in the twentieth century , in the 60s there was a significant phase of expansion , led by the sectors of plastics , synthetic fibers , fertilizers , and state level , also by sector cosmetics and detergents. The crisis of the 70s , however , particularly affected the chemical industry Vizcaya (with plant closures and takeovers by multinationals ), beginning a decline that has reached today, aggravated by the social response to environmental pollution and industrial relocation .

According to the thesis , in 1959 there were 11 chemical companies Vizcaya Spanish top 50 , five in 1973 and one in 1997 (UEE , with administrative headquarters in Madrid). The article also points to the current crisis has dented the chemical industry Bilbao , due to brake the motor industry , construction and the collapse of the sale of vehicles.

As positive , the thesis argues that this industry has a high degree of fragmentation in Bizkaia, and are small but very diverse in terms of expertise, facilitating the search for their own market share . It is also recalled that the chemical industry has reduced emissions vizcaína of greenhouse gases (20 %) and energy consumption over the past two decades.

Looking ahead , Garcia points to recycling companies (plastics , tires …) and heirs of the chemical industry leadership in the twenty-first century Bilbao . Special mention to the mechanical biological treatment plant is expected to open in 2012, and a future composting plant.

Source: UPV / EHU