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PVC Free Solutions

PVC-free initiatives

A large number of governments, local authorities, businesses, and various other organisations have agreed to restrict or phase out PVC and chlorine to various degrees. This demonstrates the feasibility of replacing chlorine and PVC with cleaner alternatives and shows that this is actually happening at an increasing level, in a large number of different countries and businesses.

For more information see the full report on Chlorine and PVC-free Restrictions and PVC-free Policies.

This lists specific actions taken by national and local governments, and other organisations, to restrict chlorine and PVC, as well as companies that have taken varying degrees of action to phase out the use of PVC. The report also gives details about many international agreements on the elimination and reduction of hazardous substances, in particular organochlorines.

Over the years there have been a number of international agreements on hazardous substances, and organochlorines specifically. The most notable recent agreement is the OSPAR agreement to 'move towards the target of cessation of discharges emissions and losses of hazardous substances by the year 2020', which is known as the 'generational goal'. This agreement was made by 14 countries discharging into the North East Atlantic, and the EU.

The most significant global initiative on hazardous substances is the development of a legally binding global convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which has prioritised 12 POPs for action, including dioxins and furans. The convention is due to be signed by the end of 2000.

Restrictions on PVC by cities and communities began in the German town of Bielefeld in 1986. Since then numerous restrictions have been enacted in Germany, and there are currently 274 communities and 6 Federal States which have confirmed their policies in writing. In the early 1990's many local authorities in Austria, The Netherlands and the Nordic countries also restricted PVC. In the late 1990's the trend spread to Spain, where 52 Spanish cities have been declared PVC free, and to the UK, Japan and the USA.

Sweden was the first country to propose national restrictions on PVC generally; in 1995 the Swedish Parliament voted to phase out both soft and rigid PVC, which led to following comment by the Swedish Minister for the Environment, Anna Lindh; 'The question is not whether to phase out PVC, but how to phase it out'. Acting on this commitment was postponed until 1999, when a new chemical strategy was made law in an Environment Bill, to implement the OSPAR generational goal. The strategy includes deadlines for voluntary phase outs of several PVC additives and a ban on phthalates in toys for children under three.

In Denmark a new strategy on PVC was announced in June 1999 by Environment Minister Svend Auken, partly in response to criticism of the voluntary efforts to recycle PVC waste that have been in place since 1991 in Denmark. The new strategy not only includes a sales tax on PVC of two Danish Kroner per kilogram of PVC, but also forbids the use of PVC additives that are harmful to health or the environment, including heavy metals and phthalate softeners. Where recycling is difficult or impossible, PVC would be substituted. The strategy also aims to limit incineration of PVC.

Most recently, in Germany the environment agency published a paper in June 1999 which called for an end to the use of phthalate softeners and a gradual phase-out of the use of soft PVC.

Partly as a response to these various national and local initiatives to restrict PVC in European countries, the European Union is currently exploring 'horizontal' measures to address the problem of PVC in the waste stream. This approach was announced after measures in a proposed Directive on End of Life Vehicles to ban the use of PVC in cars were removed following industry lobbying.

Since 1997, bans on phthalates in soft PVC toys have taken effect in Austria, France, Greece, Mexico, Norway and Sweden. In addition, Denmark, Finland, Germany and Italy are in the process of implementing bans. Recommendations for withdrawal of vinyl toys have also been made by the Belgian, Danish, Dutch, German, Filipino, US and Canadian health authorities.

PVC phase-outs by companies

An increasing number of companies are phasing out the use of PVC and chlorinated substances, in response to consumer demand, Greenpeace campaigns and pressure of regulations (in particular on the recyclability of materials, and stringent emission standards for incinerators). In many cases companies have also switched to alternative materials for functional reasons.

The trend began in the early 1990's in Scandinavia and the German speaking countries. Furniture retailer IKEA and toy manufacturer LEGO were among the first companies to initiate a phase out, and are now virtually PVC free. At the same time supermarkets in these countries began to phase out PVC in packaging, for example Migros in Switzerland and Tengelmann in German; supermarkets in countries like Austria and Germany are now virtually PVC free for packaging.

The rejection of the use of PVC in packaging spread to France and Spain, with a major proportion of water bottling companies switching from the use of PVC to PET, including market leaders Nestle (owner of brand names Perrier, Vittel and others) and Evian.

In parallel, with increasing numbers of local authorities going PVC free, many new buildings were built with minimal use of PVC (for example avoiding PVC windows, doors, pipes, floorings, and cabling). The highest profile of these projects is the Sydney 2000 Olympics, which has avoided the use of PVC wherever possible, as well as incorporating many other environmental objectives such as the use of renewable energy.

Following the launch in 1997 of Greenpeace's 'Play Safe' campaign about the dangers of soft PVC toys, a large number of Toy companies are now phasing out the use of PVC, for example Italian market leader Chicco, Japans largest toy producer Bandai, Playmobil of Germany and Ravensburger of the Netherlands. A larger numbers of retailers have withdrawn these products from their shelves.

The move to phase out PVC is now expanding into other sectors, and other regions of the world, notably in the USA and Japan. Shoe and sports equipment manufacturers Nike announced in 1998 that they had begun a phase out. Telecommunications companies German Telekom and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone of Japan are also going PVC free.

Most recently Greenpeace has targeted the use of soft PVC in IV bags by the medical sector. Baxter International Inc. one of the world's largest medical supplies manufacturers is committed to exploring and developing alternatives to PVC and to substituting IV bags.

Alternatives to Selected PVC Uses

Greenpeace Pyramid of Plastics

For virtually all PVC applications, safer alternatives exist, using more sustainable, traditional materials - such as paper, wood or local materials. PVC can also be replaced by a variety of other, less environmentally damaging plastics, although most plastics pose some risk to the environment and contribute to the global waste crisis.

Greenpeace has developed a pyramid of plastics to assist those making material selection, to avoid PVC use. The guidance focuses on the toxic characteristics of the potential alternative materials. It provides a qualitative ranking based on environmental and health problems of PVC, addressing the production, additives, product emissions during use, disposal and recycling.

It does not include raw materials and energy inputs and therefore does not address all criteria of a life cycle analysis. It provides guidance for interim steps on the route to clean production. Ultimately we should ask why we are using these materials and whether or not they are necessary.

The pyramid of plastics is a ranking of plastics according to their hazardous characteristics. PVC, the most
problematic plastic, is at the top of the pyramid, and biobased plastics, the least polluting of the plastics, are at the pyramid's base. It represents an ongoing process to qualify the main plastics in the economy. More plastics can be added as necessary and qualifications may change depending new information on the material, such as in production processes or the use of toxic additives.

Additives

The addition of toxic additives can significantly change the environmental impacts of a plastic. For example,
chloroparaffins or brominated flame retardants in polyolefins or biobased plastic products with heavy metal stabilizers would significantly increase the hazard level of the plastic and therefore change its position on the pyramid of plastics. Furthermore, many additives are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and can cause serious environmental damage.

It is essential that the production of biobased plastics does not involve the use of genetically modified organisms (GMO's) or allow the patenting of life.

Key 1.Polyvinylchloride (PVC) 2.Polyurethane (PU), Polystyrene (PS), Acrylonitrile-butadienestyrene (ABS), Polycarbonate (PC) 3.Polyethylene-terephthalate (PET) 4.Polyethylene(PE), Polypropylene (PP) 5.bio-based polymers

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is unique in its high chlorine and additives content, which makes it an environmental poison throughout its life cycle. Vinyl chloride is a known human carcinogen. PVC releases dioxin and other persistent organic pollutants during its manufacture and disposal and cannot be readily recycled due to it chlorine and additive content. Furthermore, additives are not bound to the plastic and leach out.

Polyurethane (PU) is mainly used in insulation and soft/foamed products like carpet underlay. It uses several hazardous intermediates and creates numerous hazardous by-products. These include phosgene, isocyanates, toluene, diamines, and the ozone-depleting gases methylene chloride and CFCs, as well as halogenated flame retardants and pigments. The burning of PU releases numerous hazardous chemicals such as isocyanates, carbon dioxide, hydrogen cyanide, PAHs and dioxins.

Polystyrene (PS) is widely used for foam insulation and also for hard applications like cups and toys. Its production involves the use of known (benzene) and suspected human carcinogenic substances (styrene and 1,3-butadiene). Styrene is also known to be toxic to the reproductive system. PS can be technically recycled, but recycling rates are low, although still higher than for PVC.

Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) is used as a hard plastic in many applications like pipes, car bumpers and toys (hard building blocks). ABS uses a number of hazardous chemicals. These include butadiene and styrene (see above) and acrylonitrile. Acrylonitrile is highly toxic and readily absorbed by humans by inhalation and directly through the skin. Both the liquid and its vapor are highly toxic. Acrylonitrile is classified as a probable human carcinogen as are styrene and butadiene.

Polycarbonate (PC) is used for products like CDs and refillable milk bottles and is usually made with the highly toxic phosgene -derived from chlorine gas. PC does not need additives but does need solvents for its production, such as methylene chloride, a carcinogen. Other solvents used may include chloroform, 1,2-dichloroethylene, tetrachloroethane and chlorobenzene. A number of processes have been developed to reclaim polycarbonate from compact discs and PC milk and water bottles, for downcycling into lower quality products such as crates or building applications, or for mixing in small quantities with virgin material for higher grade products such as bottles.

Polyethylene-Terephthalate (PET) is made from ethylene glycol and dimethyl terephthalate. PET is generally used in packaging (e.g. bottles) and often contains additives such as UV stabilisers and flame retardants. PET recycling rates are high compared to other plastics.

Polyolefins such as Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP) are simpler polymer structures that do not need plasticizers, although they do use additives such as UV and heat stabilizers, antioxidants and in some applications flame retardants. The polyolefins pose fewer risks and have the highest potential for mechanical recycling. Both PE and PP are versatile and cheap, and can be designed to replace almost all PVC applications. PE can be made either hard, or very flexible, without the use of plasticizers. PP is easy to mold and can also be used in a wide range of applications.

In comparison with PVC, PE and PP use fewer problematic additives, have reduced leaching potential in landfills, reduced potential for dioxin formation during burning (provided that brominated/chlorinated flame retardants are not used), and reduced technical problems and costs during recycling.

Bio-based Polymers Biodegradable plastics from renewable sources (bio-based) are seen as a promising alternative for plastic products which have a short life cycle or are impractical to recycle, such as food packaging, agricultural plastics and other disposables.

Bio-based plastics can be made out of products obtained from raw materials produced by a natural living or growing systems, such as starch and cellulose. The advantage of bio-polymers is that they readily degrade and can be composted. Natural polymers include cellulose (from wood, cotton), horn (hardened protein) and raw rubber. Converted natural polymers include vulcanized rubber, vulcanized fibre, celluloid and casein protein.

Construction applications, such as pipes, fittings, sidings, and window profiles, account for over 50 percent of PVC consumption. Other PVC uses include furniture, wall and floor coverings, automobiles, electronic equipment, wire and cable coatings, packaging, and medical devices.

The most appropriate substitute depends upon the qualities required for each PVC application.

ALTERNATIVES

Pipes and Ducts
Electrical Cables and Wiring
Flooring
Windows
Packaging
Toys
Other Products

PVC Alternatives - Summary Table

PVC Alternatives Database

PVC-Free Pipes and Ducts

One of the largest uses of unplasticised PVC (known as u-PVC) is in rigid pipes for above ground and underground drainage, electrical cables and gas pipes.

For underground sewage or water pipes vitrified clay pipes are suitable and are very durable. The expected service life of a clay pipe is commonly given as 100 years. Clay pipes also have a high resistance to chemicals in waste water. Alternative materials to PVC in sewage pipes may perform better over time: the city of Nyborg in Denmark reported that the PVC main sewage pipe had become extremely brittle and required frequent replacement. In the UK, Anglian Water specify polyethylene or ductile iron pipes in their mains renovation programme. Neither do they allow developers to use PVC pipe in new sewage schemes for engineering reasons. HDPE pipes are more flexible and shock resistant.

For above ground drainage, ie. soil and vent pipes and guttering, materials such as zinc, cast iron, copper, galvanized steel or aluminium can be used as an alternative. Metal guttering has a longer service life although it may require some maintenance. A new urban development in Leidsche Rijn, near Utrecht in the Netherlands, which will provide over 30,000 new- built houses and 700,000 m2 of office space, is minimising the use of PVC. In particular the water and sewerage system will be PVC free. Some of the first stages of the housing project have already been built.

It is possible to substitute PVC in electricity cables with polyethylene (PE) and steel. The UK gas industry now only uses medium density polyethylene (MDPE) pipe because it is more flexible than PVC pipe.

PVC Alternatives Database

PVC-Free Electrical Cables and Wiring

All the alternative cable types have better properties than PVC in the event of a fire. They generate less smoke, do not release hydrochloric acid or dioxins and have fire-resistant qualities which match or outstrip PVC. All PVC-free cables cost more at present but will drop in price as consumer and municipalities demand safer material use. (IMAGE OF CABLES)

The use of PVC-free electrical cables is growing, particularly in the transportation sector, where safety is critical. Many underground railway systems in the USA and Europe use PVC free cables (also known as low-smoke, zero-halogen or LSOH cables); Vienna, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Bilbao and London all avoid PVC cables underground. Similarly, Eurotunnel, Deutche Bahn, P & O Cruises and the US Navy all specify PVC free cables.

Electrical cables manufacturers have already developed and marketed several halogen-free alternatives to PVC cable as a result of concern over PVC combustion emissions. When cable is designated halogen-free this means it cannot contain PVC or any other organo-chlorine based chemicals.

The main alternative power cables in the high and medium voltage rangeuse polyethylene as an insulation and sheathing material. Rubber sheathed cables are also available. For low voltage uses such as domestic wiring, the alternatives are polyethylene or rubber insulated halogen free cables.

PVC Alternatives Database

PVC-Free Flooring

Alternatives to PVC flooring are easy to find, are competitively priced and perform as well as, if not better than PVC.

Natural materials. Ceramic tiles and marble are highly durable. Stone and terrazos are also traditional, durable materials. When a softer floor surface is required, wood, cork and linoleum can be used. Cork is indigenous to the Mediterranean region. It is hard- wearing, very sound absorbent and popular because it is agreeable to walk on due to reflection of warmth and its natural bounce. Cork floor coverings are available with untreated or sealed surfaces. Types which are sealed with artificial resins (polyurethane) or PVC should be avoided.

Wood. Wood is a natural alternative to PVC flooring which is very durable and can be renovated by planing or sanding. Increasingly, reclaimed wood floors are available. If using new wood it is important to source wood from certified forests where clear-cutting and other environmentally damaging practises are banned.

Linoleum once dominated the market for elastic floorings before the 1950's trend for synthetic materials. Linoleum is made of renewable materials and consists mainly of vegetable linseed oil to which a natural resin is added. The mixture is spread on hessian fabric and the surface treated with water-based acrylic 'dispersion' paint. Linoleum has very low flammability, is antistatic, light resistant, sound-absorbent, resistant to fats and oils and has a natural antibacterial effect.

Renovation: Cork and wooden flooring can be renovated and for that reason, these flooring have a longer durability which often justifies the higher costs of fitting. Linoleum can also be partially renovated to repair normal wear and tear.

Synthetic materials for special cases could be rubber and other polymers.

Rubber. Several companies produce rubber floor coverings. Particularly in situations such as airports or sports stadiums where floor coverings have to met great demands in durability, rubber floor coverings have proven effective. Rubber flooring which contains chlorine-based ingredients should be avoided. Ethylene propylene diene (EPDM) type rubber is recommended by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency as an alternative to PVC.

Other polymers. Polyolefin floor coverings (PP and PE) are now offered by leading flooring manufacturers such as the German company DLW and the British company Amtico. The main application for polyolefin flooring is for industrial use but flooring for domestic use is also available. They are non-flammable, sound absorbent and resistant to wear and tear.

PVC Alternatives Database

PVC-Free Windows

Despite the claims made for PVC-u windows (PVC-u stands for unplasticised PVC) wooden window frames have advantages over PVC. PVC-u windows do degrade, they are not maintenance free and worst of all they cannot be repaired where necessary.

Developments in timber window design and finishing products mean that modern, high performance timber windows need minimal maintenance and potentially have a significantly longer life than PVC-u.

High performance, double-glazed, timber windows need not cost more than PVC-u equivalents. In the UK the National Housing Federatin and some local authorities have found PVC-u window frames to be more expensive in terms of initial capital cost and more expensive or equal to timber over the lifetime of the windows.

A new chemical-free preservative that transforms non-durable wood (poplar, spruce, eucalyptus) into a hardwood quality type of product has won a recent environmental technology award in the Netherlands. The process involves 'scientifically cooking and baking' the wood fibres allowing mechanical properties to be maintained or even improved. The wood can also be moulded.

Reclaimed wood or local timbers can be used. In general wooden windows can last for over fifty years and even after that time can be renovated whereas PVC windows have to be totally replaced after 20 - 25 years.

PVC Alternatives Database

Look out for sustainable timber

Timber is repairable, adaptable and durable. From well managed sources it is a sustainable, environmentally friendly resource. Independent certification by the Forestry Stewardship Council should be sought as proof of acceptable forestry practices. As long as care is also taken in the choice of preservatives, paints and stains, timber windows are by far the best environmental choice.

Polyolefins. In Berlin, where PVC restrictions on building are in force, new polyolefin windows from a German company Helling were installed by the City Council in May 1996. In Austria leading PVC window manufacturing company, Internorm, announced that they are developing a VC/chlorine-free plastic window frame.

PVC Alternatives Database

PVC-Free Packaging

In the past years the use of PVC in packaging is declining, although at different rates within the European Union. This is as a result of the ongoing public and scientific PVC debate as well as the developments in non-PVC plastics such as PET and PP. The German government's position is that halogen-free plastic packaging is more environmentally friendly than chlorine containing plastics such as PVC because of the disposal problems linked to chlorine materials (particularly incineration).

Many major European supermarket chains such as SPAR, BILLA, ADEG (Austria), IRMA (Denmark), TENGELMANN (Germany), Ica, Konsum and other Swedish supermarket chains have totally eliminated PVC food packaging. Others are in the process of phasing it out, like Waitrose (UK) Migros and Co-op (Switzerland). In Japan, Ito-Yokade Co and many other supermarkets and convenience stores are eliminating PVC wrapping. Many big water bottling companies such as all of the Nestlé owned brands have phased out PVC water bottles. Also non-food retailers such as The Body Shop (cosmetics) and IKEA (furniture) have long ago eliminated PVC packaging.

PVC-Free Toys

PVC is just one of many materials used in the production of toys. In addition to natural materials such as textiles, non-PVC products with similar properties such as natural rubber (latex) or polyolefines are widely used as an alternative to soft PVC toys such as teethers or squeezable animals for babies. For rigid toys a plastic alternative for PVC would be polyolefines but of course also natural materials such as wood make good toys.

A big advantage of non-PVC soft toys is that they are free of plasticiser additives which leach out of the toys. Especially in baby toys the documented leaching rates of phthalate plasticisers from PVC toys are alarmingly high.

Other PVC Products

Fashion Wear And Furnishings

PVC, or imitation leather, is increasingly used in fashion and furnishings. Plant based natural materials such as organic cotton, sisal, jute and hemp fabrics have less of an ecological footprint, particularly if grown organically. Similarly bamboo, wood and other renewable materials are preferable. Non-chlorinated plastics are preferable to PVC but have their own ecological problems.

Disposable PVC Products

PVC plastic is used in a lot of short-life, disposable products. These items include inflatable and children's toys, belts, bags, food packaging, water bottles, cosmetic packagings, office equipment such as filing trays, pens, and a myriad of other things. It is difficult to tell PVC (number 3 label) from other plastics. Check before you buy any plastic product, ask the retailer for PVC-free products and seek renewable alternative materials.