Due to their special properties, solvents have become an essential part of industrial production: they dissolve and dilute gases, liquids and solids without chemically changing them. Solvents are an integral part of paints, coatings and adhesives and are mainly used in surface treatment, e.g. for cleaning, degreasing and rinsing processes. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical industry also uses solvents. Large paint and coatings manufacturers, as well as the automotive industry, are global consumers of solvents.