PVC (poly(vinyl chloride)) is a commodity thermoplastic polymer, with the third largest global tonnage (35 million tonnes in 2007)), after LDPE and PP. The industry is not only important because of polymer supply and its role in the chlor-alkali business but also in terms of additive producers, compounders, product manufacturers and end-users. PVC is a uniquely versatile polymer that is used in a large range of applications in many industry sectors. This versatility is due to its compatibility with many additives, particularly plasticisers and heat stabilisers.
There have been various concerns over the perceived environmental and health impacts of PVC, covering the whole lifecycle. These cover vinyl chloride monomer, the use of heavy metal (particularly lead) based heat stabilisers and the migration of phthalate plasticisers from flexible PVC. End-of-life issues, covering incineration (HCl and dioxin emissions), landfill disposal (leaching out of heavy metals and phthalates) and suitable recycling options, also promote much debate.
Some of these environmental challenges are being addressed by the PVC industry in Europe under the auspices of the Vinyl 2010 sustainable development initiative. This makes a voluntary commitment, on a ten year plan, to enhance its sustainability profile by minimising environmental impacts associated with each stage of the PVC lifecycle and covers manufacturing, resource efficiency and recovery.
The VinylSUM research network was established to review existing research carried out on PVC sustainability, identify knowledge gaps, suggest research topics and apply more general lifecycle thinking to the discussions. Another significant role is to be recognised as a source of impartial information to all stakeholders.