The European commissioner for the environment confirms thebody is reviewing PVC recycling progress

The European commissioner for the environment confirms the
body is reviewing PVC recycling progress
By Christopher Cundy

30 September 2003 – The plastics industry’s initiative on sustainable development of PVC – Vinyl 2010 – has gained public endorsement from European commissioner for the environment Margot Wallstrцm.

Answering a question on the EC’s long-awaited communication on PVC, Wallstrцm recently stated that the commission was continually reviewing progress towards the industry’s voluntary commitment to phase out lead stabilisers in PVC by 2015 and increase PVC recycling by an additional 200,000 tonnes by 2010.

Jean-Pierre De Grиve, executive director of the European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers, told PRW.com: “This is very strong encouragement for us. This is a confirmation that the commission is in favour of the 2010 project and is prepared to get involved in it.”

However, Wallstrцm could not confirm when the communication would appear. “A study is currently being carried out to compare life cycle assessments of PVC and other potential substitute materials in a range of applications. The first results are expected early in the new year.”

De Grиve said: “Apparently 95% of the decisions have been finalised, but there are still others under consideration.” He added that compared to other issues, such as the chemicals white paper, PVC “is not really a priority for the EU”.