Our Voluntary Commitment - Vinyl 2010 The European PVC industry commitment to Sustainability

In 2000, the European PVC industry launched Vinyl 2010, a 10-year plan to enhance sustainability of its product and production over the full life cycle. This means continually 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.

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.
A 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 a social dialogue as well as training, health, safety and environmental standards, including transfer to EU new Member States.

No long-term programme can remain static so, as planned from the beginning, the Voluntary Commitment was subject to a mid-term revision of targets in 2005 to take into account practical experience, technical progress and the enlargement of the European Union. The revised Voluntary Commitment was rolled out across the EU-27 in 2007. A new programme and new objectives are under discussion for beyond 2010 to take into account the new challenges of Sustainable Development.