Without the German contribution, PVC demand would have declined in Europe in 2005

Demand for PVC in Germany has continued to grow while it has declined in the rest of Europe, according to the AgPU association. Managing director Werner Preusker said that “alone in the last three years the demand for PVC in Germany has grown by 6.5%. In contrast, the European market without the share from Germany would have to bear a decline of 8.3% in the same period”.

Preusker told PRW.com during the AgPU annual meeting in Bad Godesberg that the success of German PVC window profile producers in strongly growing export markets has been a major factor in the growth. Demand for PVC in Germany in 2005 amounted to 1.65 million tonnes, production was 1.96 million tonnes. With 30% growth since 1997, Preusker said that the PVC industry has managed to maintain faster growth than that in its most important market, the building industry.

In AgPU’s 2005 sustainability report, the association said that around one-third of the certified 39,000 tonnes of PVC waste collected in Europe and returned to renewed material use has been provided by the widespread collection systems in Germany. PVC window profiles and roller blinds have made the largest contribution at 10,848 tonnes, with growth also coming from building products such as roofing, pipes and floor coverings.