CEO outlook remains positive
CEO outlook remains positive - Vinyl Council Australia
| Media Statement 27 July, 2009 A survey has revealed a strong sense of pride and optimism surrounds the future of the Australian PVC industry despite businesses in the industry continuing to work hard to tackle sustainability issues and a challenging economic climate. Conducted by Enhance Management for the Vinyl Council of Australia (VCA), the purpose of the survey was to gauge and understand the outlook of PVC industry executives and their perceptions of the long-term sustainability of the industry, global influences from a supply and demand perspective, and the impact of these factors on their businesses. A key finding was that despite global economic pressures on businesses in the industry, the PVC industry remains committed to addressing areas that will assist in developing and fostering sustainable production and consumption approaches across the supply chain. The survey found strong growth in the industry over the last five years with the downturn commencing in late 2008 as economic conditions deteriorated. The survey identified a sustainability gap but found that the industry has the impetus to remain confident while it faces several adverse challenges. Challenges include tackling PVC’s negative perception, increased competition from imports, Free Trade Agreements, possible carbon pollution regulations, lack of industry scale and issues around waste management and recycling. Many in the industry have also had to suspend research and development due to economic hardship. Executives have suggested rising energy costs would hurt the industry yet could ultimately bring success if the cost of PVC compares favourably to other polymers. Respondents include manufacturers of vinyl resin, vinyl compounds, vinyl and recycled vinyl products and suppliers of additives and services to PVC product manufacturers. The Vinyl Council of Australia (VCA) is working to advance the sustainability of the vinyl, or PVC, industry in Australia. Its members are drawn across the supply chain of the vinyl industry. |
| For further information: contact Neva Law, Vinyl Council of Australia, directly on 03 9368 4857 and 0405 772 700. |
| Visit www.vinyl.org.au and www.pvcproductstewardship.org.au |
