Phosphonates (also known as phosphonic acids) are a broad family of organic molecules based on carbon, oxygen, phosphorus and hydrogen. They are widely used in detergents, but also have applications in medicine, personal care, water purification, ceramics and the processes of various industries ranging from oil and petroleum to paper and textile production.

Phosphonates Europe is a Sector Group of the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic). Its members are companies who manufacture phosphonates within Europe.

The Sector Group acts to:

• Provide European manufacturers of phosphonates with a forum where they can meet and discuss regulatory issues affecting the industry.
• Promote the phosphonate industry's views and opinions to European Union institutions.
• Maintain dialogue with other European and international associations which represent manufacturers along the phosphonate value chain.
• Impart and improve public knowledge about phosphonates, their uses and their benefits to society.