In 2000, the European PVC industry started a 10-year plan to enhance sustainability of its product and production over the full lifecycle. This means relentlessly improving production processes and products, investing in technology, minimising emissions and waste and boosting collection and recycling. 

The programme is based on the ‘Voluntary Commitment' signed by Vinyl 2010's four member associations. After publication, the Commitment received a wide range of comments during extensive public and political consultations, including from the European Commission's Directorate General Environment and Directorate General Enterprise. These led, in 2001, to a revised and expanded document.

The main commitments are:

• Compliance with ECVM Charters on PVC production standards.
• A plan for full replacement of lead stabilisers by 2015, in addition to the replacement of cadmium stabilisers that was achieved in March 2001.
• The recycling by end 2010 of 200,000 tonnes/year of post-consumer PVC waste
• The recycling of 50% of the collectable available PVC waste for windows profiles, pipes, fittings and roofing membranes in 2005, and flooring in 2008.
• An R&D research and development programme on new recycling and recovery technologies, including feedstock recycling and solvent-based technology.
• The implementation of a social charter signed with the European Mine, Chemical and Energy Worker's Federation (EMCEF) to develop social dialogue, training, health, safety and environmental standards, including transfer to EU accession countries.

No long-term programme can rest static so the text provides for a mid-term revision of targets in 2005 and definition of new objectives in 2010 to take into account technical progress and EU enlargement. 

Further information