PVC industry's environmental work produces results
(May 30, 2005) The European PVC industry has released the fifth and until now most detailed report from the environmental program "Vinyl 2010," in which Hydro Polymers participates. The report shows that the goal-oriented environmental efforts are producing results, including in recycling systems.
 RECYCLING: The European PVC industry has established two projects to gain better access to PVC waste for recycling - primarily in used roofing, pipes and window extrusions. |
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"Vinyl 2010" is the voluntary program that the PVC industry in Europe uses. It comprises a 10-year plan to achieve sustainability for PVC within the entire plastics value chain.
Behind "Vinyl 2010" are producers of raw materials, additives and softeners, and companies that process PVC plastics. Through the program, the group sets clear goals, especially in phasing out lead-based stabilizers and in recycling products that are past their useful life span.
The results will be audited by independent professionals and a monitoring committee, which includes representatives from the EU Commission and the European Parliament.
 PVC AND THE ENVIRONMENT: Considerable progress has been made through the environmental program "Vinyl 2010," says Mikkel Heiberg Storm, head of environmental information in Hydro Polymers. |
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The most recent report focuses on 16 important waste-handling systems and other cutting edge projects throughout Europe. Here are some highlights:
- The goal to reduce use of lead stabilizers by 15 percent was achieved one year ahead of schedule. The Norwegian PVC industry has already phased out lead stabilizers.
- A recycling center in Stigsnæs, Denmark, is nearly complete and will have the capacity to handle 50,000 tonnes of PVC waste per year.
- A pre-study has been completed that shows that PVC waste from the construction industry can be used in the production of light concrete in certain building construction techniques.
"This reflects the thorough work the PVC industry has done in sustainable development. The report confirms the progress that is achieved through Vinyl 2010," says Mikkel Heiberg Storm, who is responsible for environmental information in Hydro Polymers and is chairman of the industry group PVC Forum Norway.
Jean-Pierre De Grève, secretary general for Brussels-based "Vinyl 2010," says in a statement that the PVC industry has come far in developing recycling systems, and that recycling technology is in place thanks to research, planning and big investments.
At the same time, he acknowledges there is a challenge in gaining more access to supplies of PVC waste for recycling plants. High collection costs, increased re-use and demand for PVC waste in Asia combine to reduce available supplies.
To increase access to PVC waste supplies, "Vinyl 2010" launched two new pan-European projects in 2004: "Roofcollect" to gather and recycle used roofing panels and "Recovinyl" to collect such used PVC products as pipes and window extrusions.
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