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Annual Progress Report Showcases Accomplishments

Annual Progress Report Showcases Accomplishments - Vinyl Council Australia

October 12 2011

The 2010 Product Stewardship Program (PSP) Progress Report has showcased a significant amount of changes made towards improving environmental and health issues associated with the life cycle of PVC and PVC products. The program aims to diminish the environmental impacts of PVC over its life cycle on a yearly basis, each year showcasing significant progress.

A key deliverable under the program was the completion of the phase out of the use of lead stabilisers in Signatory products across all applications by the end of 2010.This has largely been completed, with only minor quantities being used during 2010 as customers transition to new formulations.

Each of the Signatories to the PSP addressed a series of commitments and set realistic time-frames for the delivery of key undertakings such as considering standards for importing and manufacturing of resin to end-of-life product recycling.

The Vinyl Council recognises that PVC products add significant benefit to society, including environmental benefit, as a function of their excellent performance, durability and affordability, and strives to maintain and improve these targets on a regular basis, demonstrating our commitment to improve and innovate manufacturing practices and products through the Program.

Significant developments in 2010
  • The recently reduced vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) emission standard of 30 grams per tonne of PVC produced was met by the local resin manufacturer, with emissions of 21.4 grams per tonne.
  • In early 2010, a new commitment to avoid mercury in the Vinyl Chloride manufacturing process was introduced.
  • Stakeholders representing diverse interests were engaged through a workshop to provide input on a process to develop a strategy for advancing PVC recycling in Australia.
  • Four new Signatory companies joined the Program in 2010.
  • The Product Stewardship Program commitments will be extended in 2011 to include a vinyl chloride emission standard for Emulsion PVC.
  • The Technical Steering Group has been developing a PVC industry Charter on Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions, to be adopted in 2011.

2010 Product Stewardship Annual Report

For information about the Product Stewardship Program please contact the Vinyl Council on 03 9368 6230 or email info@pvcproductstewardship.org.au