European success in PVC recycling

EU – Global demand for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has increased steadily over the last decade – and energy efficiency drives promise to push consumption even higher, according to a new report from UK market analyst GBI Research. Europe has been concerned with PVC sustainability for some time and the EU’€™s Vinyl 2010 programme was aimed primarily at securing voluntary commitment to the enhancement of sustainable production and use of PVC, it is noted. This programme proved to be a major success: during 2010, some 260 842 tonnes of post-consumer PVC was recycled, exceeding the 10-year target of 200 000 tonnes.
Based on this achievement, the EU has launched a Vinyl Plus scheme which is expected to further the cause of PVC sustainability in the region.
More than 65% of global PVC demand now stems from Asia, with China responsible for the majority. Consumption in developed countries such as Japan is broadly stable, but growing economies with large populations such as India and China offer huge potential. Analysts therefore believe that Asia-Pacific demand will drive the PVC market in the future and that, consequently, it is vital to engage this region in Europe’€™s sustainability effort so as to enhance energy efficiency and promote industrial recycling.
Having stood at 22.19 million tonnes in 2000, global PVC demand increased to 32.3 million tonnes in 2011. Consumption is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.9% between 2011 and 2020 to reach 49.5 million tonnes in 2020.
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