Vinyl 2010 recycling project volumes up by 110%

Recycling of PVC waste through Vinyl 2010 projects rose by 110% in 2005 to 38,800 tonnes, according to the association’s 2006 Progress Report. While PVC recycling was up, the report found quantities of PVC available for collection were substantially lower than estimated. It puts this down to a combination of factors: the longer than expected lifetime of some PVC products; progress made in end of life recycling of products such as window profile; and the continuing attractiveness of waste export to the Far East.

The delayed implementation of the EU Landfill Directive has also slowed recycling growth. In Germany, where implementation has gone ahead, PVC recycling has increased significantly. Now in its sixth year, Vinyl 2010 implements the ten-year Voluntary Commitment of the PVC industry to sustainable development. In particular, it promotes the collection, recycling and reuse of PVC waste. Alongside recycling growth, the report also shows sales of lead stabilisers continued to fall, down by 20% since 2000 and ahead of the Vinyl 2010 mid-term reduction target of 15%.