About vinyl

PVC and additives for a climate-neutral future

Thanks to innovation and investments, bio-attributed and bio-circular PVC resin and non-fossil additives and compounds are available on the market and are already being used in climate-friendly products. A recent example is Sweden’s first fossil-free pre-school in Gothenburg, where the piping system is made of bio-attributed PVC that gives a CO2 saving of 90% compared to conventional PVC.

The European PVC industry is committed to advancing towards carbon neutrality, which is one of the targets in the new 2030 VinylPlus Commitment.

Two decades of sustainable development – and the journey goes on

Sustainable development, climate action and circular economy are common phrases today. But for the European PVC industry, these concepts are far from new. In 2000, the whole industry value chain, from raw material and additive producers over converters to recyclers, joined forces in the VinylPlus® Commitment, committed towards sustainable development. Achievements so far include recycling of over 8.1 million tonnes of PVC that has saved the climate for 16.2 million tonnes CO2, phasing out unwanted substances, reducing energy consumption, engaging with stakeholders and raising awareness at global level.

A recyclable and recycled material

Recyclable materials are needed to build a resilient Europe. Not only is PVC (or vinyl) primarily used in very long lasting building products with a service life of 100 years or more; it is one of the most recyclable materials that exists on our planet. PVC can be recycled 8 to 10 times without degradation of functional properties.

PVC is not only recyclable; it is increasingly being recycled. Since 2000, more than 8.1 million tonnes of PVC have been recycled into new products through the VinylPlus programme. VinylPlus has committed  to recycle at least 900.000 tonnes/year by 2025 as part of the EU Commission’s Circular Plastics Alliance. In 2030, at least 1,000,000 tonnes PVC/year must be recycled into new products.

Using recycled PVC helps meet resource-efficiency targets and allows the preservation of natural resources. It has been calculated that CO2 savings of up to 92% are achieved when PVC is recycled: recycled PVC’s primary energy demand is typically between 45% to 90% lower than virgin PVC production.

Furthermore, according to a conservative estimation, for each kg of PVC recycled, 2 kg of CO2 are saved. On this basis, CO2 savings from PVC recycling in Europe is now at around 1.6 million tonnes of CO2 saved per year. Since 2000, more than 16.2 million tonnes have been saved!