Imagine the bringing together of a diverse group of industry representatives from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipe, cable, flooring, packaging, and consumer products, as well as their suppliers, into the one Product Stewardship Program. That was the challenge of the Vinyl Council of Australia.

Given the varied interests of different product manufacturers, Vinyl Council Chief Operating Officer Sophi MacMillan says Australian companies that are signatories to the program are demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability.

The program, established in 2002, was developed to address the health and environmental concerns associated with the manufacture, use and disposal of PVC products.  Initiatives address production and storage, additives, waste management, research, and public reporting.

FINDING SOLUTIONS TOGETHER

The program has seen a number of successes, ranging from improvements in manufacturing processes to endof-life solutions for products. A commitment to phase out lead stabilisers from signatory products is on schedule for 2008 for pipes, and 2010 for all other applications.  

Recycling rates are increasing with one Signatory incorporating ground PVC from vinyl bottles, industrial flooring off cuts and even HDPE (high density polyethylene) from plastic shopping bags into a range of flooring. The same organisation is investigating commercial uses for end-of-life flooring.

Another has embraced the latest in pipe technology to create pipe of the same strength and technical ability as traditional pipe, using significantly less plastic, thereby producing products that do the same job using less raw material.

Sophi MacMillan says the next challenge for the group is increasing end-of-life options for PVC products.  “While PVC recycling programs are well established in Australia, there are some missed opportunities and we want to close these gaps where possible,” she says. 

The group recently released its Vinyl-2-Life Action Plan with the goal of increasing recycling options for end-of-life, cable, pipe, floor covering, blister packaging and automotive products. 

Contact: Sophi MacMillan
Telephone: +61 3 9368 4857
Website: www.vinyl.org.au

Plastics – materials for our future

• SOCIAL PROGRESS: plastics provide affordable products giving more people access to higher standards of living, healthcare and information.
• ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: the plastics industry chain in Australia adds value to society. It employs more than 40,000 people and generates sales in excess of A$9 billion dollars a year.
• ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: plastics help save resources, fossil fuels and energy. Plastics products also save water and preserve food. Plastics consume just 4% of the world’s oil as feedstock.
• USING PLASTIC PRODUCTS SAVES ENERGY: 100kg of plastic parts in cars reduces oil consumption by about 12 million tonnes each year in Europe, reducing CO2 emissions by 30 million tonnes a year.
• PLASTICS PROTECT OUR FOOD: trays, bags, films and seals extend shelf life and prevent tampering.
• RENEWABLE ENERGIES RELY ON PLASTICS: solar panels, wind turbines.
• PLASTICS ARE TOO VALUABLE TO WASTE: this includes end-of-life. After serving a useful purpose, plastics can either be recycled or used as an alternative fuel. Plastic waste has a calorific value at least equal to coal and with lower CO2 emissions.
• PLASTICS MAKE OUR LIVES SAFER: airbags, seatbelts, baby seats, bike helmets, life jackets and medical devices are just some examples of life-saving products made of plastic.
• MORE THAN ONE BILLION PEOPLE IN THE WORLD LACK ACCESS TO SAFE WATER: plastics can save and distribute water economically, reliably and safely.
• RESPONSIBLE USE: the Australian Plastics industry takes an active role in managing its products and how they interact with people and the environment.