PVC-U AND THE ENVIRONMENT
2Pages

PVC-U AND THE ENVIRONMENT Presenting the facts about sustainability and recyclability of PVC-U materials. INTRODUCTION The European PVC industry has, over recent years, initiated a number of far reaching policies that have been incorporated into the Voluntary Commitment to the European Commission, Vinyl 2010, demonstrating that the whole life cycle of PVC is sustainable. ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS PVC is one of the most successful modern synthetic materials. It makes excellent use of scarce resources, is long-lasting and safe in production, use and disposal. The effect of PVC on health and the environment, from manufacture to disposal, has been more thoroughly researched than almost any other synthetic material. PVC-U stands for polyvinylchloride-unplasticised. It is used in the manufacture of rigid PVC such as ❑ trunking and rainwater systems ❑ window and door profile ❑ many other building industry products PVC-P is the plasticised form of PVC that uses plasticisers to create flexible products: ❑ water bottles and blood bags ❑ stethoscopes and medical tubing ❑ electrical cabling PVC-C (CPVC) is Chlorinated Polyvinylchloride. CPVC is a thermoplastic pipe used extensively for: ❑ hot and cold water distribution systems ❑ potable water piping ❑ No harm to the environment from dioxin emissions. ❑ 100% recyclable products mean prolonged on-going usage. ❑ Environmental benefit from PVC-U remaining inert in landfill. ❑ Excellent fire performance from PVC-U with significantly less fire propagation than many other materials. ❑ Low intrinsic (43%) oil content – only 4% of the world’s oil is used for plastics. ❑ Easy to manage and install, PVC-U is a lightweight and durable material. ❑ No painting or repainting is needed, ensuring a reduced use of chemicals. ❑ No requirement for chemical treatments as PVC-U is tough and resistant to weather and corrosion. ❑ PVC-U has a long life cycle and less energy is required to produce it compared with other materials such as wood. ❑ A cost-effective and sustainable choice by comparison with steel, copper and aluminium. MANUFACTURE The manufacture of PVC-U does not require the use of plasticisers PHTHALATES A group of chemicals designed to plasticize products i.e. make them softer and more flexible - bottles, blood bags, medical tubing, electrical cables. FACT: Phthalates are NOT included in the manufacture of PVC-U (rigid) products. The EC ruled that the use of cadmium based stabilisers and pigments were prohibited after 2001. FACT: Marshall-Tufflex has not used cadmium-based stabilisers or pigments since 1999. The European vinyl industry has committed to the EC to completely phase out the use of lead stabilisers and pigments by 2015. FACT: Marshall-Tufflex already uses lead-free formulations for mouldings and extrusions.

FIRE PERFORMANCE A cost-effective, sustainable choice and comparable with other materials such as steel, copper, aluminium and wood. Independent research commissioned by BEAMA in 2006/7 has resulted in a positive report for PVC-U. ❑ Current research shows that PVC-U is ❑ PVC-U does little to contribute to the spread of a fire. It is inherently flame retardant….has a expected to have a life cycle of approximately low heat of combustion and a low burning rate. ❑ PVC-U contributes less to heat release and fire ❑ PVC-U has excellent weathering resistance and no painting or re-painting is...