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.
However, as with any manufactured product, there are impacts which need to be understood, characterised and addressed along the PVC product life cycle. The PVC industry in Australia has demonstrated its commitment to improve and innovate its manufacturing practices and products through this Product Stewardship Program. Below, we provide a summary of the industry's achievements.
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Significant developments in 2010
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- 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.
- The phase out by the end of 2010 of the use of lead stabilisers in Signatory products across all applications has largely been completed, with minor quantities being used during 2010 as customers transition to new formulations.
- 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.
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2010 Product Stewardship Annual Report
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Previous Significant Program Developments
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- Introduction of a new, lower target for VCM emissions from Australian resin manufacturing of 30 grams per tonne of PVC produced. The Australian resin manufacturer met this target in 2009.
- Continued advancement in the phase out of the use of lead stabilisers from product by the target date of end of 2010. Lead stabiliser use by Signatories has now been reduced by 95% between 2005 and 2009.
- Progressive amendment of Australian PVC pipe standards to reflect the voluntary removal of lead stabilisers from pipe products, achieved at the end of 2008.
- Encouragement of Signatories to embed Program commitments in their business management systems through extension of the Environment Management commitment.
- Consideration and development of a new commitment to avoid mercury in the supply chain (adopted in early 2010).
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- PIPA members phased out use of lead stabilisers in pipes and fittings
- Medical waste recycling trial launched
- VCM emissions from resin manufacturing below the Commitment standard
- Life cycle training undertaken by two Signatories
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- Two Signatories completed the removal of heavy metal stabilisers from products ahead of schedule.
- A new Commitment was agreed on the use and phase out of heavy metal pigments.
- Vinyl Chloride emission standards in manufacturing were met.
- An increased number of Signatories met the Program's Minimum Standard for Environmental Management of their operations.
- Growth of the Pipe Recovery Program continued.
- Recycling trials for end-of-life and installation flooring waste were initiated.
- The Code of Practice for the Use of Lead and Cadmium - including the commitment to phase out lead and cadmium stabilisers - was updated and revised.
- An evaluation of the implementation and effectiveness of the Program over the past 5 years (2002-2007) was conducted.
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- The Code of Practice for Use of Lead and Cadmium in PVC Products in Australia reviewed and updated
- A reduction in VCM emissions per tonne of PVC produced by resin manufacturer
- Good progress made on implementing substitutes to lead stabilisers by the pipe/fitting and cable sectors
- Expansion of the commitment to remove heavy metals from PVC products
- Initiatives to incorporate life cycle thinking into product strategies
- Geographical extension of pipe/fittings waste recovery and recycling
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Copies of our annual progress reports and a Five Year Evaluation report are available to download on our Publications page.
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