PROGRESS

REPORT
2017
REPORTING
ON 2016 ACTIVITIES
VinylPlus Partners PROGRESS
REPORT
2017

IN 2016, THE CONTRIBUTORS WERE: Klöckner Pentaplast GmbH & Co. KG (Germany) Tarkett AB (Sweden) Launched in 2011, VinylPlus is the renewed 10-year Voluntary Commitment to sustainable development
Konrad Hornschuch AG (Germany) Tarkett France (France)
A. Kolckmann GmbH (Germany)
LINPAC Packaging PONTIVY (France)* Tarkett GDL SA (Luxembourg) by the European PVC industry. The VinylPlus programme was developed through open dialogue with
Alfatherm SpA (Italy)
Manufacturas JBA (Spain) Tarkett Holding GmbH (Germany)
Aliaxis Group (Belgium)
Marley Deutschland (Germany)
stakeholders, including industry, NGOs, regulators, civil society representatives and PVC users. The
Alkor Draka SAS (France) Tarkett Limited (UK)
Altro (UK)
Marley Hungária (Hungary)
TMG Automotive (Portugal) regional scope is the EU-28 plus Norway and Switzerland.
Mehler Texnologies GmbH (Germany)
Altro Debolon Dessauer Bodenbeläge GmbH & Co. Tönsmeier Kunstoffe GmbH & Co. KG (Germany)
MKF-Ergis GmbH (Germany)
KG (Germany)
MKF-Ergis Sp. z o.o. (Poland)
Uniroyal Global Limited, former Wardle Storeys (UK) This report summarises VinylPlus’ progress and achievements in 2016 in each of the five key sustainability
aluplast Austria GmbH (Austria) Uponor Infra Oy (Finland)
Molecor (Spain) challenges identified for PVC on the basis of The Natural Step (TNS) System Conditions for a Sustainable
aluplast GmbH (Germany) Veka AG (Germany)
Mondoplastico SpA (Italy)
alwitra GmbH & Co (Germany)
AMS Kunststofftechnik GmbH & Co. KG (Germany)
Nicoll (France) Veka Ibérica (Spain) Society.
Nicoll Italy (Italy) Veka Plc (UK)
Amtico International (UK)
Nordisk Wavin A/S (Denmark) Veka Polska (Poland)
Beaulieu International Group (Belgium)
Norsk Wavin A/S (Norway) Veka SAS (France)
The Progress Report 2017 has been independently verified by SGS, while tonnages of PVC waste recycled
Berry Plastics (Germany)*
Bilcare Research (Germany)
Novafloor (France) Verseidag-Indutex GmbH (Germany) and expenditures have been audited and certified by KPMG.
NYLOPLAST EUROPE BV (Netherlands) Vescom BV (Netherlands)
BM S.L. (Spain)
Omya International AG (Switzerland) Vulcaflex SpA (Italy)
BT Bautechnik Impex GmbH & Co. KG (Germany)
Perlen Packaging (Switzerland) A full glossary of abbreviations appears at the end. For detailed descriptions of the projects and activities
BTH Fitting Kft. (Hungary) Wavin Baltic (Lithuania)
CF Kunststofprofielen (Netherlands) Pipelife Austria (Austria) Wavin Belgium BV (Belgium) please visit www.vinylplus.eu.
CIFRA (France) Pipelife Belgium NV (Belgium)
Wavin BV (Netherlands)
Coveris Rigid Hungary Ltd (Hungary) Pipelife Czech s.r.o (Czech Republic)
Wavin France SAS (France)
Danosa (Spain)* Pipelife Deutschland GmbH (Germany)
Wavin GmbH (Germany)
Deceuninck Ltd (UK) Pipelife Eesti AS (Estonia)
Pipelife Finland Oy (Finland) Wavin Hungary (Hungary)
Deceuninck NV (Belgium) Wavin Ireland Ltd (Ireland)
Deceuninck SAS (France) Pipelife France (France)
Pipelife Hellas S.A. (Greece) Wavin Metalplast (Poland)
DHM (UK)
Pipelife Hungária Kft. (Hungary) Wavin Nederland BV (Netherlands)
Dickson Saint Clair (France)
DLW Flooring GmbH (Germany) Pipelife Nederland BV (Netherlands) Wavin Plastics Ltd (UK)
Döllken Kunststoffverarbeitung GmbH (Germany) Pipelife Polska SA (Poland)
Draka Polymer Films BV, former Alkor Draka Pipelife Sverige AB (Sweden)
Poliplast (Poland) PVC PRODUCERS CONTRIBUTING TO

Table of Contents
BV (Netherlands)
Dyka BV (Netherlands) Poloplast GmbH & Co. KG (Austria) VINYLPLUS IN 2016
Dyka Plastics NV (Belgium) Polyflor (UK)
Polymer-Chemie GmbH (Germany) INOVYN (Belgium, Germany, Italy, Netherlands,
Dyka Polska Sp. z o.o. (Poland)
Elbtal Plastics GmbH & Co. KG (Germany) Profine GmbH (Germany) Norway, Spain, Sweden, UK)
Epwin Window System (UK) Protan AS (Norway) Shin-Etsu PVC (Netherlands, Portugal)
Ergis SA (Poland) PUM Plastiques SAS (France) VESTOLIT GmbH (Germany) GOVERNANCE – p. 4 FINANCIAL REPORT – p. 24
FDT FlachdachTechnologie GmbH & Co. KG (Germany) Redi (Italy) VINNOLIT GmbH & Co. KG (Germany, UK)
Finstral AG (Italy) REHAU AG & Co (Germany) Vynova Group (Belgium, France, Germany, Management Board
REHAU GmbH (Austria)
FIP (Italy) Netherlands, UK) Monitoring Committee
Flag SpA (Italy) REHAU Ltd (UK) RECYCLED PVC TONNAGES – p. 25
Gealan Fenster-Systeme GmbH (Germany) REHAU SA (France)
Georg Fischer Deka GmbH (Germany) REHAU Sp. z o.o. (Poland)
STABILISER PRODUCERS CONTRIBUTING
Gerflor Mipolam GmbH (Germany) REHAU Industrias SA (Spain)
TO VINYLPLUS IN 2016 FOREWORD – p. 5 VERIFICATION STATEMENTS – p. 26
Gerflor SAS (France) RENOLIT Belgium NV (Belgium)
Gerflor Tarare (France) RENOLIT Cramlington Ltd (UK) Akdeniz Kimya A.S. KPMG Certification of Expenditure – p. 26
Gernord Ltd (Ireland) RENOLIT Hispania SA (Spain) Asua Products SA KPMG Report on Tonnages Recycled – p. 27
Girpi (France) RENOLIT Ibérica SA (Spain) Baerlocher GmbH VINYLPLUS CONTRIBUTION
Griffine Enduction (France) RENOLIT Milano Srl (Italy) SGS Verification Statement – p. 28
Gruppo Fabbri (Svizzera) S.A. (Switzerland) RENOLIT Nederland BV (Netherlands)
Chemson Polymer-Additive AG TO THE SUSTAINABLE
Galata Chemicals
Gruppo Fabbri Vignola SpA (Italy) RENOLIT Ondex SAS (France)
IKA GmbH & Co. KG DEVELOPMENT GOALS – p. 6
H Producter AS (Norway) RENOLIT SE (Germany)
Resysta International GmbH (Germany)
PMC Group TNS COMMENTARY – p. 29
Heytex Bramsche GmbH (Germany)
Riuvert (Spain) Reagens SpA
Heytex Neugersdorf GmbH (Germany)
Holland Colours NV (Netherlands) Roechling Engineering Plastics KG (Germany) Valtris Specialty Chemicals CHALLENGES
Icopal Kunststoffverarbeitungs GmbH (Germany) Salamander Industrie Produkte GmbH (Germany)
AND ACHIEVEMENTS – p. 8 APPENDIX – p. 30
IKA Innovative Kunststoffaufbereitung GmbH & Sattler PRO-TEX GmbH (Austria)
Co. KG (Germany) Schüco PWS Produktion GmbH & Co. KG (Germany) PLASTICISER PRODUCERS CONTRIBUTING Challenge 1 – p. 8 VinylPlus Voluntary Commitment Targets – p. 30
Imerys (UK) Serge Ferrari SAS (France) TO VINYLPLUS IN 2016 Cooperation Agreement – p. 32
Imperbel NV (Belgium) Sika Services AG (Switzerland) Challenge 2 – p. 13
Industrial Sedó SL (Spain) Sika Trocal GmbH (Germany) BASF SE Glossary – p. 34
DEZA a.s.
Challenge 3 – p. 14
Inoutic/Deceuninck GmbH (Germany) SIMONA AG (Germany)
Inoutic/Deceuninck Sp. z o.o. (Poland) Sioen Industries (Belgium) Evonik Performance Materials GmbH Challenge 4 – p. 17
Internorm Bauelemente GmbH (Austria) SKZ-Testing GmbH (Germany) ExxonMobil Chemical Europe Inc.
Jimten (Spain) SOTRA-SEPEREF SAS (France) LANXESS Deutschland GmbH
Challenge 5 – p. 19 THE EUROPEAN PVC INDUSTRY – p. 35
Kalan (France)* Stöckel GmbH (Germany) Perstorp Oxo AB

* Companies that joined VinylPlus in 2016

Governance PROGRESS
REPORT
2017

MANAGEMENT BOARD
VinylPlus is managed by a comprehensive board representing all European PVC industry sectors.
JOSEF ERTL
VinylPlus Board Chairman of VinylPlus
Mr Dirk Breitbach – Vice Chairman (EuPC – Compounding sector)
(a) 1 Mr Hans-Christoph Porth – ECVM 2010 (d)

Mr Filipe Constant – ECVM 2010 2 Mr Maarten Roef – EuPC (Rigid PVC sector)(e)
Mr Alexandre Dangis – EuPC Mr Nigel Sarginson – European Plasticisers4
Dr Brigitte Dero – General Manager (ECVM 2010) Mr Arjen Sevenster – Controller (ECVM 2010)
Mr Joachim Eckstein – EuPC
Mr Stefan Eingärtner – Deputy General Manager
Mr Niels Rune Solgaard-Nielsen – EuPC (Rigid PVC sector)(f)
Mr Stefan Sommer – ECVM 2010 Foreword
Dr Josef Ertl – Chairman of VinylPlus(b) (ECVM 2010) Mr Chris Tane – ECVM 2010(g)
Mr Rainer Grasmück – Treasurer (ESPA3) Mr Remco Teulings – EuPC (Flexible PVC sector) VinylPlus’ commitment to sustainable development was tangible
Mr Andreas Hartleif – Vice Chairman (EuPC – Rigid PVC sector) (c) Mr Geoffroy Tillieux – Controller (EuPC)
in 2016 for each of the five challenges of the programme. I would first
Dr Zdenek Hruska – ECVM 2010 Mr Joachim Tremmel – European Plasticisers
like to mention our contribution to the movement towards a circular
Dr Ettore Nanni – ESPA Mr Christian Vergeylen – EuPC (Flexible PVC sector)
(a)
Until 6 October 2016 (e)
From 6 October 2016
economy, which is now one of the key objectives of EU policy.
(b)
From 15 April 2016 (f)
Until 6 October 2016
(c)
From 6 October 2016 (g)
Until 27 April 2016
(d)
From 27 April 2016 The circular economy is not only about waste communications has been reaffirmed by the VinylPlus
management, but also consists of continued efforts Board as a key component of our programme, to build
to do more with less. The driver is innovation, sustainability awareness along the value chain and in
MONITORING COMMITTEE
which creates ways to reduce emissions dialogue with stakeholders.
The VinylPlus Monitoring Committee guarantees an independent evaluation of the initiatives undertaken in the framework and the consumption of raw materials and resources.
of the Voluntary Commitment. It thus plays a fundamental role in ensuring VinylPlus’ transparency, participation and I must say that our commitment is seen and
accountability, and in providing guidance and advice. Open to external stakeholders, the Committee met twice in 2016, Innovation also improves energy and cost efficiency, recognized more and more outside VinylPlus. We are
in April and in December. and increases products’ useful life. The activities of extremely proud of the fact that our programme was
To ensure maximum transparency, the minutes of each Monitoring Committee meeting are published on the VinylPlus VinylPlus contribute to all these objectives. selected as a “Highly Commended” entry by
website after formal approval. Despite some challenges, we continued to increase The Circulars 2017, the prestigious circular economy
the volume of recycled PVC, which rose to 569,000 award programme run by the World Economic Forum
Members tonnes in 2016. That implies a saving of more than 1.1 and the Forum of Young Global Leaders. The programme
Mr Werner Bosmans – Directorate-General Environment (DG ENV), European Commission million tonnes of CO2. Unfortunately, legacy additives offers recognition to individuals and organisations
Prof. Alfons Buekens5 – Chairman of the Monitoring Committee remain an open issue, which has had a negative across the globe that have made notable contributions
Dr Alain Cavallero – Secretary General of ESPA impact on demand for recycled PVC. We are confident to the circular economy in the public and private sectors
Mr Alexandre Dangis – VinylPlus Board Member that the ever-increasing number of studies in support and in wider society. This is a great achievement for
Dr Brigitte Dero – General Manager of VinylPlus of PVC recycling and of recycled product safety can our entire industry.
Ms Martina Dlabajova(*) – Member of the European Parliament lead to balanced solutions that combine maximum None of these achievements would have been possible
Mr Joachim Eckstein – VinylPlus Board Member safety with increased potential for recycling. without the tireless efforts of people at all levels in our
Dr Josef Ertl – Chairman of VinylPlus
Our commitment to reducing energy consumption industry. It is one of the pleasures of my role to be able
Mr Rainer Grasmück – Treasurer of VinylPlus
by both resin producers and converters continues. to work closely with colleagues who bring such energy
Mr Sylvain Lefebvre – Deputy General Secretary, industriAll European Trade Union6
We also confirmed the commitment taken to the and dedication to our goals. People are the pillar of
Mr Eric Liégeois – Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW),
sustainable use of additives, documenting the our success.
European Commission
cessation of sales of lead stabilisers in the EU-28 and
Mr Nuno Melo(*) – Member of the European Parliament Josef Ertl
continuing to develop a methodology for evaluating
(*)
From 11 April 2017 the sustainable use of additives. All this has been Chairman of VinylPlus
carried out transparently and in constant dialogue
1
EuPC: European Plastics Converters (www.plasticsconverters.eu)
2
ECVM 2010: the formal legal entity of ECVM (The European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers – www.pvc.org), registered in Belgium
with our stakeholders – something demonstrated by
3
ESPA: The European Stabiliser Producers Association (www.stabilisers.eu) the credibility that our annual VinylPlus Sustainability
4
European Plasticisers: formerly ECPI (The European Council for Plasticisers and Intermediates), is a sector group within CEFIC, the European Chemical Industry
Council. European Plasticisers (www.europeanplasticisers.eu) is legally represented in VinylPlus by PlasticisersPlus, the legal entity registered in Belgium Forum is gaining each year. The central role of
5
Formerly Professor at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB, Free University of Brussels – www.vub.ac.be) and currently Invited Professor at Zhejiang University, China (www.zju.edu.cn)
6
IndustriAll: European Trade Union (www.industriall-europe.eu)

5
 PROGRESS
REPORT
2017

VinylPlus Contribution TARGET 9.5 TARGET 12.5 TARGET 13.1

to the Sustainable
CHALLENGE
CONTROLLED-LOOP
1 Research and development
– Programmes and
progress relating to
materials stewardship
Waste management Energy efficiency,
GHG emissions,
recycling
MANAGEMENT
Development Goals
TARGET 1.5 TARGET 3.9
On 25 September 2015, the General Assembly Disaster/emergency Occupational health
planning and response and safety
of the United Nations adopted the resolution
‘Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development’, a transformative plan
of action to address urgent global challenges
CHALLENGE
ORGANOCHLORINE EMISSIONS
2 TARGET 8.8 TARGET 9.4 TARGET 12.4
Labour/management Environmental Environment
over the next 15 years. Based on 17 Sustainable relations; Occupational investments
Development Goals (SDGs7), it seeks health and safety
not only to eradicate extreme poverty, but also
to integrate and balance the three dimensions
of sustainable development – economic,
social and environmental. TARGET 6.3 TARGET 12.4
Together, the SDGs form a comprehensive
global vision to ensure sustainable social
and economic progress worldwide.
CHALLENGE
SUSTAINABLE USE OF ADDITIVES
3 Water quality Environment

The SDGs define global sustainable

development priorities and aspirations for 2030
TARGET 7.3 TARGET 8.4 TARGET 12.2
and seek to mobilise global efforts around Energy efficiency Resource efficiency Energy and resource
a common set of goals and targets. efficiency
They call for worldwide action by governments,
business and civil society, and will shape future
policies, action plans and initiatives at the
CHALLENGE
SUSTAINABLE USE OF ENERGY
4 TARGET 13.1
AND RAW MATERIALS Energy efficiency,
international, national and regional levels.
GHG emissions,
While the SDGs primarily target governments, recycling
they recognize the key role that business can
and must play in achieving them.

VinylPlus aims to proactively contribute to

addressing the global challenges and priorities
TARGET 3.9 TARGET 4.4 TARGET 5.1
Occupational health Employee training and Gender equality

CHALLENGE 5
through its sustainability programme. and safety education
While PVC products can potentially play a role TARGET 4.7
in achieving many of the 169 targets within the SUSTAINABILITY Education for sustainable
SDGs, the following chart focuses on the direct AWARENESS development

contribution of the European PVC industry’s TARGET 8.8 TARGET 12.6 TARGET 17.7
Labour/management Reporting Knowledge transfer
Voluntary Commitment, based on the SDG
relations; Occupational TARGET 12.7 TARGET 17.16
Compass approach8. health and safety Procurement practices Partnership
https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdgs
7 TARGET 12.8 TARGET 17.17
http://sdgcompass.org
8
Product and service Partnership
information and labelling
TARGET 12.a
Support developing
6 countries 7
 PHOTO: COURTESY OF BEAULIEU NV
Resistant, easy to clean and maintain, PVC decking
is an excellent solution for outdoor surfaces.
PROGRESS
REPORT
2017

CHALLENGE 1 Converters and recyclers continued to express

concern over uncertainties in the implementation
of relevant EU regulations such as REACH11,
Vinyl plank floorings offer
CLP12 and Waste13. long-lasting comfort, they
are water resistant and
suitable for every room.
Industry-Sector Projects
for PVC Waste Management As announced in last year’s Progress Report,
CONTROLLED-LOOP MANAGEMENT: EPPA’s14 main activities in 2016 included the launch EPFLOOR18 was dissolved at the end of 2015, but the
of the ‘Hybrid Project’, aimed at developing and flooring industry remained committed to recycling
“We will work towards the more efficient use and monitoring the best available recycling technologies and to the Voluntary Commitment. ERFMI19 took over

control of PVC throughout its life cycle.” 9 for PVC window profiles made of hybrid materials; EPFLOOR’s rights and obligations for 2016.
the development of a voluntary standard for the A new initiative will be established in 2017.
controlled-loop recycling of PVC window profiles; ERFMI collected 4,207 tonnes of flooring waste
and the assessment of working conditions where (a 2.6% increase on 2015) and produced 3,811
PVC recyclates are present. tonnes of R-PVC. In 2016, the Association for
the Recycling of PVC Floor-Coverings (AgPR20)
The 2016 annual report by VITO15 stated that
celebrated its 25th anniversary.
RECYCLING TARGET TEPPFA members used about 62,000 tonnes of
16
Recovinyl was the main contributor, with a registered
10

volume of 560,492 tonnes of recycled PVC waste. PVC recyclates in 2015, a fall of almost 30% from The Fraunhofer IVV Institute (www.fraunhofer.de)
In 2016, PVC waste recycling within the VinylPlus 2014. This first decline since 2011 was mainly due CREASOLV project to investigate a solvent-based

PHOTO: COURTESY OF RESYSTA®

framework reached 568,696 tonnes, with a significant The recycling market remained quite stable to worries and uncertainties over the EU regulatory recycling process for difficult-to-recycle PVC waste,
increase in volumes in Austria, Germany, Italy, throughout the year, with some increase in cable framework on the use of recycled PVC. Advocacy including flooring, ended in 2016. These pilot-scale
Poland, The Netherlands and the UK. recycling and in demand for PVC waste for flooring. and communications activities continued in 2016 to experiments showed a reduction of legacy phthalates.
promote Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) Confirmation of technical feasibility would still be
9
Targets, deadlines and status of achievement are summarised in Appendix 1, p. 30
10
Recovinyl: set up in 2003, Recovinyl is the organisation aimed at facilitating PVC waste collection and
and EU Product Environmental Footprint (PEF), as well required, by testing the resulting material in actual
recycling in the framework of the European PVC industry’s Voluntary Commitments (www.recovinyl.com) as the use of recyclates in long-life, quality products. flooring production.

To test energy and material recovery from PVC waste,

PVC recycled within the Vinyl 2010 and VinylPlus frameworks 100 tonnes of shredded post-consumer PVC flooring

PHOTO: COURTESY OF PROTAN

were supplied by AgPR to Oreade-Suez 21 in France,
ESWA recycled
17
an energy recovery company that uses the SOLVAir®
5,082 tonnes of roofing
and waterproofing (www.solvairsolutions.com) treatment system for the
membranes in 2016 control of air emissions. The recovered NaCl (salt) is
through its project
Roofcollect® purified by Resolest (www.resolest.fr) and used in a
(www.roofcollect.com), Solvay plant to produce soda ash, thus replacing virgin
a 56.4% increase
from 2015. NaCl. Further trials will be undertaken in 2017.

11
REACH: Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (http://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/chemicals/reach/index_en.htm)
12
CLP: Classification, Labelling and Packaging of substances and mixtures (http://echa.europa.eu/regulations/clp/legislation)
13
Waste Framework Directive and related legislation (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/legislation)
14
EPPA: European PVC Window Profile and Related Building Products Association, an EuPC sectoral association (www.eppa-profiles.eu)
15
VITO: Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek (Flemish Institute for Technological Research – www.vito.be)
16
TEPPFA: European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association, an EuPC sectoral association (www.teppfa.eu)
17
ESWA: European Single Ply Waterproofing Association, an EuPC sectoral association (www.eswa.be)
18
EPFLOOR: European PVC Floor Manufacturers, an EuPC sector group (www.epfloor.eu)
19
ERFMI: European Resilient Flooring Manufacturers’ Institute, an EuPC sectoral association (www.erfmi.com)
20
AgPR: Arbeitsgemeinschaft PVC-Bodenbelag Recycling (Association for the Recycling of PVC Floor-Coverings – www.agpr.de)
21
http://www.industriesduhavre.com/industries/oreade.html

8 9
 PHOTO: COURTESY OF NOVAFLOOR
In the framework of the PROGRESS
Turquoise project, I.déel REPORT
(http://i-deel-in.com) was set up
as a company to commercialise 2017

PHOTO: COURTESY OF VINYLOOP FERRARA

Novafloor (www.novaplak.com)
products. Novafloor’s formwork
sheets – made of 100% recycled
PVC and marble powder,
and recyclable – will be used in
new Paris subway stations.
It aims to collect and recycle non-contaminated scheme to improve the collection and recycling of
PVC medical products from UK hospitals, such as PVC waste. The project involved DAE srl, the Italian VinyLoop®
In 2016, ERPA 22 and IVK Europe23 carried out a (www.vinyloop.com)
IV solution bags, oxygen masks, oxygen tubing and agent of Recovinyl, and Plastic Consult
strategic review of their recycling schemes with is a physical, solvent-based
anaesthetic masks. The project currently involves nine (www.plasticconsult.it). The analysis showed that less technology that can
the objective of creating a structure to act as a link recycle difficult-to-treat,
hospitals, with another three in the process of joining. than half of the PVC potentially available for recycling end-of-life PVC waste
between the different participants in the product
In 2016 it collected 1,394 kg of PVC waste, including in is currently being recycled. This is mainly because and produces high-quality
value chain: converters (IVK/ERPA members), R-PVC compounds.
excess of 60,000 oxygen masks and tube sets. collection points are scattered around the territory and
recyclers and customers of IVK/ERPA members.
the majority of recyclers are micro and small enterprises,
The new structure, which includes a project manager recycled PVC. Since the use of legacy additives may
which are affected more by the complex regulatory
dedicated to the recycling of PVC films and coated be restricted by legislation, VinylPlus is committed to

COURTESY OF RECOMED
framework. Several meetings were organised with the
fabrics, is expected to facilitate closer cooperation addressing the issue in cooperation with regulatory
competent authorities, and discussions are ongoing to
among converters, recyclers and customers, RecoMed, winner authorities.
of the Sustainability set up a pilot project to collect and sort end-of-life PVC
as well as to improve post-consumer recycling. INOVYN Awards 2016,
is extending products in the Venice area. In the past few years, VinylPlus has contributed
In total, 24,061 tonnes of rigid PVC films (including
its scheme to veterinary to discussions on legacy additives by supporting
PVC packaging, PVC-aluminium pharmaceutical clinics and university In 2016, the VinyLoop Ferrara plant produced 3,777
training facilities. research and a considerable number of studies.
blister and PVC-PE composite films) were recycled tonnes of R-PVC, a decline of 16.2% from 2015.
All the studies conducted so far confirm that
in 2016 within the VinylPlus framework, as were 8,187 VinyLoop® has been granted REACH authorisation29
In Denmark, the WUPPI27 scheme focuses on recycling PVC waste containing legacy additives
tonnes of post-consumer PVC coated fabrics. to sell R-PVC containing DEHP. Nevertheless, the
the collection and recycling of rigid PVC. WUPPI can be considered a viable option, since health
air-monitoring and bio-monitoring controls ECHA30
currently works with a Dutch recycler, due to the fact and environmental exposures are well within the
Other Recycling Projects requested of downstream users caused unease in the
that Danish legislation forbids the use of recyclates acceptable levels.
Since 2015, VinylPlus has supported the recycling market, reducing demand for VinyLoop® R-PVC.
containing legacy substances.
consortium Resysta® (www.resysta.com/en/), In 2016, VinylPlus commissioned two further studies
which produces a wood-like material based on rice In Italy, WREP, a joint technical project led by PVC to FABES (www.fabes-online.de) to consolidate
husks and PVC, recyclable after use. Forum Italia 28 aimed to define the amount of PVC
LEGACY ADDITIVES the results of its previous study, which evaluated
The consortium includes a number of VinylPlus available for recycling in Italy; evaluate the quantities Legacy additives are substances that are no longer migration models for cadmium, lead, tin and zinc in
partner companies in several industry sectors. currently recycled; and devise a pilot collection used in new PVC products but that can be present in both rigid and flexible PVC – and for DEHP in just
flexible PVC. The first study – aimed at determining
the diffusion and partition coefficients of lead,
cadmium, zinc and DEHP from recycled PVC in
COURTESY OF HORNSCHUCH

water, saliva and sweat – confirmed that migration

The Ebene project

rates from both rigid and flexible PVC are very low.
on end-of-life The second study investigated the migration

PHOTO: COURTESY OF RESYSTA®

professional
furniture was initiated behaviour of chemicals from PVC flooring, focusing
in France in 2014 on DEHP. The study was concluded in December
by SFEC24. In 2016,
the project focused 2016. However, since DEHP solubility in water is
on enhancing recycling.
extremely low and it tends to form colloid solutions,
the study concluded that additional data might be
RecoMed is a partnership project between the British
needed to fully understand the migration behaviour.
Plastics Federation (BPF25) and Axion Consulting26
(the UK agent of Recovinyl), launched in the UK in 2014. Arche Consulting (www.arche-consulting.be) was
commissioned by VinylPlus to carry out two risk
22
ERPA: European Rigid PVC Film Association, an EuPC sectoral association (www.pvc-films.org) Resysta® products provide a sustainable alternative to tropical wood assessments of lead migration, one for PVC waste
23
IVK Europe: Industrieverband Kunstoffbahnen e.V. (Association of Coated Fabrics and Films – www.ivk-europe.com) for several applications. They thus help safeguard forests and provide a
SFEC: Syndicat Français des Enducteurs Calandreurs, the French Association of Calenderers (www.sfec-services.org) during storage and the other for recycled PVC during
24
recycling option for rice production waste.
25
BPF: British Plastics Federation, the leading trade association for the UK Plastic Industry (www.bpf.co.uk)
26
Axion Consulting: resource recovery expert, a division of Axion Recycling Limited (www.axionconsulting.co.uk) use. Both studies demonstrated that the risks to
27
WUPPI: Danish company set up to collect and recycle rigid PVC (www.wuppi.dk) http://www.vinyloop.com/en/products-en/reach-and-clp.html
29

28
PVC Forum Italia: the Italian association of the PVC value chain (www.pvcforum.it) ECHA: European Chemicals Agency (http://echa.europa.eu)
30
human health and the environment are controlled.

10 11
 PHOTO: COURTESY OF LOOP.PH, LONDON, UK
COURTESY OF MOLECOR
PVC pipes offer excellent hydraulic properties, including The Horticultural Spa & Apothecary Experience developed
for example higher flow rates than traditional pipes of the by the design studio Loop.pH employs a soilless method for
same bore. cultivating plants where the roots are misted with nutrients
inside an inflatable PVC membrane.

A further study was carried out in 2016 by CATS

CONTROLLED-LOOP COMMITTEE
Consultants GmbH (www.catsconsultants.com):
Regulatory constraints related to the presence of
‘Health Risk of Occupational Lead (Pb) Exposure
legacy additives are still considered a major threat
in Conventional PVC Recycling and Converting
to recycling post-consumer waste. There is evidence
Operations’. The study showed that in general
that both Pb (lead) and DEHP, present as legacy
lead levels in blood were within the normal range
additives in recyclates, continue to impact recycling
for not exposed population. However, a few (5%)
markets. However, the VinylPlus Controlled-Loop
occupationally exposed individuals had values at a
Committee (CLC) recommended maintaining the
level where subclinical and reversible neurotoxicity
target of recycling 800,000 tonnes per year by 2020
may start to occur. It was not possible to make a
and continuing to strive for additional volumes via
direct link between current occupational exposure
the Recovinyl scheme.
and these blood levels, as some of these 5% of
individuals had either previously been exposed to While confirming the overall recycling target for 2020,

CHALLENGE 2
lead at the workplace, or lived in old houses. the detailed analysis carried out by the CLC as part
of the mid-term review showed that the objective of
RDC Environment (www.rdcenvironment.be) and
developing and exploiting innovative technology to
BIPRO (www.bipro.de) are currently carrying out a
recycle 100,000 tonnes per year of difficult-to-recycle
study of the socio-economic impact of hazardous
PVC material by 2020 can no longer be considered
classification of post-consumer PVC waste.
realistic. None of the explored technologies or
The study began in July 2016, and conclusions are
projects – some of which are promising but still at ORGANOCHLORINE EMISSIONS:
expected in June 2017.
an experimental stage – is expected to be able to
contribute sufficient recycling quantities by 2020 to
“We will help to ensure that
Cadmium Restriction
EU Commission Regulation 494/2011 set a limit for
achieve this objective. The target was consequently persistent organic compounds do
polymers of 100 ppm of cadmium, with a derogation
withdrawn. Nevertheless, VinylPlus will continue to
pursue efforts to find technically and economically
not accumulate in nature and that
of up to 1,000 ppm allowed in specified rigid PVC
viable solutions for difficult-to-recycle PVC. other emissions are reduced.” 34
construction products for cadmium originating
from recyclate. These limits are to be reviewed by The Committee focused in 2016 on two promising
31 December 2017. In 2016, the EU Commission technologies for the recovery of energy and material
asked ECHA to carry out a review of the cadmium from PVC on the basis that higher volumes may
restrictions by September 2017. As part of this review, need to be treated by these means. An interesting
ECHA contracted VITO, which had already in 2009 31 development emerged from the SOLVAir® process
developed an impact assessment of various possible developed by Solvay33 to treat residues of flue gas
SAFE TRANSPORT are aimed at reducing their environmental impact
options to reconcile the recycling of PVC waste still treatment using sodium bicarbonate. This is being
There were no transport accidents in Europe in the production phase.
containing legacy cadmium with the restrictions of actively followed up by the CLC, especially since
with VCM release in 2016. The last audit carried out by DNV36 at the beginning
Annex XVII32 of REACH. To contribute to the review, the EcoLoop feedstock recycling technology
of 2012 showed 96% full compliance, 1% partial
the PVC industry is modelling the amount of waste that (www.ecoloop.eu) no longer appears to be a short-
compliance and 1% non-compliance; 2% of all
could arise up to 2050, as well as its cadmium content. term option. The second option is the Halosep PVC RESIN INDUSTRY applications of the standards could not be verified.
process, which recovers chlorine in the form of salts PRODUCTION CHARTERS The resin industry is continuing to work on –
31
For further information also see Vinyl 2010 Progress Report 2011, from incineration waste residues such as flue gas
‘REACH and Recycling’, p. 35-36 (http://www.vinylplus.eu/uploads/Modules The Industry Charters for suspension (VCM &
35
and is committed to – achieving full compliance by
/Documents/Executive_Summary/Progress%20Report%202011/vinyl2010_ treatment waste (FGW) and HCl scrubber liquid.
progress_report_2011_English.pdf) S-PVC Charter) and emulsion (E-PVC Charter) PVC the end of 2020.
32
Annex XVII: Restrictions on the manufacture, placing on the market and use Having obtained LIFE funding from the EU, the
of certain dangerous substances, preparations and articles of the REACH
Regulation (http://www.reach-compliance.eu/english/REACH-ME/engine/sources
Halosep technology will be used in a demonstration 34
Targets, deadlines and status of achievement are summarised in Appendix 1, p. 30
/reach-annexes/launch-annex17.html) plant for the treatment of fly ash in Copenhagen, 35
The ECVM Industry Charters are available at http://www.pvc.org/upload/documents/ECVM_Charter_VCM__PVC.pdf
33
http://www.solvay.com/en/markets-and-products/featured-products/ and http://www.pvc.org/upload/documents/Emulsion.pdf
solvair-solutions.html Denmark (www.stenametall.com/lifehalosep). 36
DNV: Det Norske Veritas, a Norwegian testing and verification organisation (www.dnv.com)

12 13
 PROGRESS
REPORT
Pb stabilisers consumption 2017
in the EU-28
120,000

100,000

CHALLENGE 3
80,000 Two scientific papers by Dr Dekant and Prof. Bridges
TARGET

Tonnes
60,000 ACHIEVED! were published in Autumn 2016 in Regulatory
Toxicology and Pharmacology40. The first independent
40,000
study developed a Quantitative Weight of Evidence
20,000
(QWoE) methodology for the assessment of
0 reproductive and developmental toxicity and its
SUSTAINABLE USE OF ADDITIVES: 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
application for the classification and labelling of

“We will review the use of PVC additives and move Source: ESPA Pb stabilisers
chemicals. The second paper, commissioned by
European Plasticisers, applied the QWoE in a case
towards more sustainable additive systems.” 37 study to assess the classification and labelling of
DINP, DCHP and DnHP. Key conclusions showed
that, based on existing data, DINP does not warrant

PLASTICISERS any classification.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF GERFLOOR

European Plasticisers (former ECPI) estimates
REACH Authorisation
confirm a positive trend in Europe for High Molecular
ECHA’s Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC)
Weight (HMW) Ortho-phthalates, cyclohexanoates,
and Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) expressed
terephthalates and other plasticisers, accompanied
their support in September 2014 for authorising
by a progressive decline in the use of Low Molecular
companies that had applied for Authorisation to
Weight (LMW) Ortho-phthalates. This trend was
continue to use DEHP in both virgin and recycled
corroborated by a review study of phthalates
PVC and DBP in specific applications41.
exposure in Europe conducted by Holger M. Koch
and published in the International Journal of Hygiene The European Commission in April 2016 definitively
and Environmental Health38 in November 2016. granted Authorisation for the use of DEHP in recycled
The study showed a significant drop in exposure to soft PVC42. Authorisation for the use of new DEHP
key LMW phthalates in Germany from 1988 to 2015, in products is still pending.
while exposure to HMW phthalates stayed relatively
steady despite increasing consumption.
Regulatory Updates
The evaluation and Risk Management Option
Studies and Research Analysis (RMOA) conducted by the French authorities
An epidemiology study, commissioned by European on DINCH and DOTP concluded that no danger
Plasticisers and carried out by Maastricht University or risk is identified under REACH; therefore, no
Pb (LEAD) REPLACEMENT (www.maastrichtuniversity.nl), was published in additional risk management measures are needed43.
By the end of 2015, ESPA members had completed Annals of Epidemiology in August 2016. The study
39

the replacement of lead-based stabilisers for PVC examined the reliability of scientific papers that report PVC pipes are resistant to earth movement,
an association between phthalate exposure and health high pressure peaks or even earthquakes.
applications in the EU-28. This achievement was
verified in 2016 by an external audit company. effects such as obesity, asthma and reduced fertility.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF MOLECOR

The market switch had already been confirmed at the
beginning of 2016, as a public consultation called 37
Targets, deadlines and status of achievement are summarised in Appendix 1, p. 30
38
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1438463916303431
by ECHA registered very few requests to continue 39
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1047279716301946
PVC sport floors can be specifically designed to meet the 40
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0273230016302574;
different need of every sport. utilising lead-based stabilisers. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S027323001630280X
41
http://echa.europa.eu/addressing-chemicals-of-concern/authorisation/applications-
for-authorisation-previous-consultations
42
http://www.plasticsnewseurope.com/article/20160429/PNE/160429802/
commission-authorises-dehp-use-for-recycled-soft-pvc
43
http://www.ecpi.org/mediaroom/no-regulatory-risk-management-action-needed-
dehtp-dinch-anses-confirms/
14 15
 COURTESY OF HORNSCHUCH
In upholstery, PVC shows great PVC window profiles provide
versatility in terms of patterns, prints excellent thermal insulation.
and textures.

The Public Activities Coordination Tool (PACT) lists

CRITERIA FOR THE SUSTAINABLE
the substances for which a risk management option
USE OF ADDITIVES
analysis (RMOA) is under development. The evaluation A methodology named ASF (Additives Sustainability
of ATBC conducted by ANSES under the PACT RMOA
44
Footprint) is being worked out by the VinylPlus
concluded that there is “low priority for further work”45. Additives Task Force together with TNS, to develop

CHALLENGE 4
a systematic framework to evaluate the use of
The evaluation of DINCH, DEHTP, ATBC and TXIB in
substances utilised as additives in PVC products
toys and childcare articles also conducted by ANSES
from the perspective of sustainable development.
showed no risk for the use of these substances46.
It is an evolution from the previous EPDplus and

In 2014, the European Commission and Member takes into account the current standard
States endorsed a four-year re-evaluation showing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and the
EU Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) scheme
no risk for DINP and DIDP in consumer applications SUSTAINABLE USE OF ENERGY AND RAW MATERIALS:
excluding toys and childcare articles that can be put together with the TNS criteria for sustainability.
“We will help to minimise climate impacts through

PHOTO: COURTESY OF INTERNORM

in the mouth, which are restricted47. In spite of this, The work started with PVC window profiles in 2016,
the Danish EPA submitted a dossier to ECHA in 2016,
proposing that DINP be classified as a reproductive
and will continue with flexible applications in 2017.
reducing energy and raw material use, potentially
agent under the CLP Regulation. The Danish dossier
Additive producers continued in 2016 to provide
converter associations with the most recent data
endeavouring to switch to renewable sources
is still pending.
to help them update their Life Cycle Assessments and promoting sustainable innovation.” 49
A proposal to restrict DEHP, BBP, DBP and DiBP was (LCAs) and EPDs. ESPA completed LCAs for two of
submitted to ECHA48 in April 2016. RAC’s and SEAC’s its main family of calcium-based stabilisers, and is
opinions are expected in 2017. working on LCAs for liquid mixed-metals stabilisers.

PVC window
ENERGY EFFICIENCY

COURTESY OF INTERNORM
profiles can play
an important role
PVC resin producers’ commitment to improve energy in reducing energy
losses in buildings.
efficiency by 20% from 2007 levels is considered
a major contribution by the sector to achieving the EU
PHOTO: COURTESY OF POLYFLOOR

20/20/20 package50 objective of a 20% reduction

in CO2 emissions by 2020.

Converters, too, are striving to increase their energy

efficiency. However, it must be noted that raw
PVC is largely used
in hospitals as it materials production represents more than 80% of
helps to create safe the energy demand in the life cycle of a PVC product. Evaluation of available data to assess PVC
environments, thanks
to its unique hygienic Therefore, from a life-cycle perspective, savings converters’ energy consumption continued in 2016.
properties.
at the converting levels cannot have a substantial The analysis conducted so far for each EuPC sector
44
ANSES: the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (www.anses.fr) impact on the overall energy use. The complexity group shows that EPPA and TEPPFA can follow an
45
http://www.consultations-publiques.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/RMOA_ATBC_vf_public.pdf
46
https://www.anses.fr/en/system/files/CONSO2013SA0176RaEN.pdf and variety of operations in the converting sectors approach based on the EPD data, and that for ESWA
47
For further information: ‘Evaluation of new scientific evidence concerning DINP and DIDP’
(http://echa.europa.eu/ documents/10162/31b4067e-de40-4044-93e8-9c9ff1960715)
mean that an overall target would be meaningless, and ERFMI this exercise was ‘too complex’ for the
48
https://echa.europa.eu/registry-of-submitted-restriction-proposal-intentions/-/substance-rev/13107/term
as would targets for many of the subsectors. So PVC specificity of their production processes. The assessment
49
Targets, deadlines and status of achievement are summarised in Appendix 1, p. 30
50
https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/strategies/2020_en converters are committed to reporting annually their was still ongoing for IVK and ERPA, while investigations
51
EATS: European Automotive Trim Suppliers Association (www.trimsuppliers.eu)
52
EDEFA: European Decorative and Stationery Plastic Foils Association (www.edefa.org) gains in energy efficiency. for EATS51 and EDEFA52 would start in 2017.

16 17
 PHOTO: VINYLPLUS
Debating sustainable cities
at the VinylPlus Sustainability Forum 2016.
PROGRESS
REPORT
2017
256,607 tonnes of PVC window profiles were
recycled in 2016 within the VinylPlus framework.

SUSTAINABLE FOOTPRINT

PHOTO: COURTESY OF REHAU

As reported in previous years, a dedicated VinylPlus
Task Force identified the EU Product Environmental
Footprint (PEF) approach currently under
development as a promising start. VinylPlus will
continue to monitor developments in the EU PEF
and will consider potential VinylPlus Sustainability

CHALLENGE 5
Footprint metrics after the EU PEF pilot phase53
has been completed.

EPPA Industrial Energy Saving 2007-2013

The energy consumption of the ‘top three’ PVC
RENEWABLE RAW MATERIALS
window profile extrusion companies, measured over VinylPlus will continue to monitor developments
the period 2007-2013, resulted in a 23% saving for in the production of PVC resin and additives
the energy consumption per tonne of PVC product from renewable raw materials, and will produce
(profile and dry blend). Around 145.6 MJ of electrical an updated Status Report by the end of 2020.
energy are now provided from renewable sources. The Status Report54 on renewable raw materials SUSTAINABILIT Y AWARENESS:
completed in 2015 showed that PVC production from
The peer group, which included 11 PVC window renewable resources is technically feasible, “We will continue to build sustainability awareness
profile extrusion companies, reduced its specific
energy consumption per tonne by 9% from 2009
but not yet fully sustainable either from an economic across the value chain – including stakeholders inside
and outside the industry – to accelerate resolving
or an environmental point of view.
to 2013.
PVC roofing membranes ensure
excellent insulation.
our sustainability challenges.” 55
TEPPFA
TEPPFA’s members are committed to reducing their
energy consumption by 5% from 2010 levels by the

PHOTO: COURTESY OF PROTAN

end of 2020. No significant change could be
identified since the last EPD studies (2009 data),
mainly due to the insufficient accuracy of the
STAKEHOLDER DIALOGUE Since 2013, the annual VinylPlus Sustainability

available data, even though enhanced efficiency

AND COMMUNICATIONS Forum organised by VinylPlus has brought together
VinylPlus is committed to raising awareness stakeholders from academia, government bodies,
solutions have already been implemented in
of sustainability at all points on the value chain, the UN, the European Commission, NGOs, retailers,
production plants: new LED lighting in factories,
as well as among other stakeholders – whether architects, designers and all sectors of the PVC
AC motors instead of DC for extruders and more
they be inside or outside the PVC industry. industry. At the Forum, they discuss achievements
efficient cooling systems.
VinylPlus also promotes frank and open dialogue and innovations and explore the way forward
The next EPD update will provide more-reliable data with all stakeholders, third parties, institutions to a more-sustainable low-carbon future.
to compare the average consumption estimate of 530 and organisations in different communities – The 4th VinylPlus Sustainability Forum, ‘Smart Vinyl
kWh per tonne of product reported in the current EPD technical, political and social. for Our Cities’, took place in Vienna, Austria,
(issued in Q2 2016, based on 2013 data). in April 2016.
In April, VinylPlus contributed to the PVC
53
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eussd/smgp/ef_pilots.htm Formulation 201656 conference in Cologne, The third Partnering for VinylPlus Communication
54
http://www.vinylplus.eu/uploads/docs/Report_on_Renewable_Raw_Materials.pdf
55
Targets, deadlines and status of achievement are summarised
Germany, with a presentation entitled, ‘EPDplus, Event was held in Bonn, Germany, in June 2016
in Appendix 1, p. 30 the new comprehensive VinylPlus approach for to share best practices and a common vision for
56
http://www.amiplastics-na.com/events/Resources/Programme
/PVC%20Formulation%202016%20Programme.pdf assessing the sustainable use of PVC additives’. VinylPlus communications. It was attended by 25

18 19
 PROGRESS
REPORT
Twitter is an effective and versatile tool for VinylPlus
communications with its stakeholders. This was
Brigitte Dero (VinylPlus),
Sylvain Lefebvre (industriAll Europe)
2017
confirmed by the number of followers of VinylPlus’ and Emma Argutyan (ECEG)
Twitter account – @VinylPlus_EU – more than after signing the Cooperation
doubling in 2016 Agreement.

PHOTO: VINYLPLUS
VinylPlus @VinylPlus_EU • 9 set 2016
#FridayFact: 500,000 tonnes of PVC recycled save 1 million tonnes
VinylPlus participated in the EU Conference on In December 2016, VinylPlus was selected as a
#CO2ow.ly/1o79301TwTJ
Plastics, held in Rotterdam, The Netherlands in “Highly Commended” entry by The Circulars 2017,
December 2016. Approximately 300 participants an initiative of the World Economic Forum and the
contributed to the development of the European Forum of Young Global Leaders. The Circulars is
Strategy on Plastics. one of the world’s premier circular economy award
programmes, offering recognition to individuals
In 2016, VinylPlus published a new brochure on ‘Vinyl
umbrella of the EU Commission Decision 98/500/EC and organisations
in European Stadiums’58, highlighting how the use
promoting the dialogue between the social partners that have made notable
of PVC combines environmental responsibility and
in the sectors at European level. contributions to the
architectural potential. The fact sheet ‘Showing the
circular economy in
Path for a Circular Economy’59 maps out the role of This joint commitment on the European PVC industry
the public and private
VinylPlus in improving environmental protection in a defines areas and subjects of joint activities of all
sectors and in wider society.
representatives of the VinylPlus Communications sustainable and economically viable way. three parties within this intensified cooperation for the
Committee, the PVC Network and Sector Groups period of 2016-2020.
United Nations
linked to VinylPlus. Cooperation Agreement of the Social
These areas and subjects will be fully linked VinylPlus continues to engage in a proactive dialogue
Partners of the European Chemical SSDC60
In September 2016, the VinylPlus sustainability to the European Chemical Industry Sectoral Social with the UN. Vinyl 2010 (the predecessor of VinylPlus)
and VinylPlus on the European PVC Industry
programme was presented at the ‘Transition to the Partners’ 2015-2020 Roadmap and will focus on the was registered as a Partnership with the Secretariat
Green Economy’ conference held in Bratislava,
57 In order to review and update the Social Dialogue following priorities: of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable
Slovakia. The conference was held to attract Charter dated October 2000 and part of Vinyl 2010, Health & Safety Development (UNCSD) in 2004. The VinylPlus
the attention of all relevant stakeholders and create VinylPlus and IndustriAll61 have developed a new Voluntary Commitment was included in the Rio+20
Education / training
a space for informed discussion of the key questions cooperation agreement to be included in the PVC Registry of Commitments in 2012. VinylPlus is now
Knowledge transfer
over the transition to a green economy. Industry Voluntary Commitment. registered as a ‘SMART’ partnership on the UN
Sector evolution Partnerships for Sustainable Development Goals
‘Circular Economy in Practice’ was the theme of This agreement was endorsed by ECEG (European
Platform63. Since 2013, VinylPlus has been a member
the VinylPlus fourth stakeholder meeting, which took Chemical Employers Group)62 and formally This commitment to intensify cooperation has been
of the Green Industry Platform (GIP), a joint initiative
place in Rome, Italy, in October 2016. The objective signed on 24 February 2017 between VinylPlus agreed by VinylPlus on behalf of ECVM, ESPA and
of the United Nations Industrial Development
was to discuss the contribution of the PVC industry to and the European Chemical SSDC (made of ECEG European Plasticisers (former ECPI). EuPC,
Organization (UNIDO) and the United Nations
the circular economy. The meeting was attended by and IndustriAll) set up at the end of 2004 under the VinylPlus’ fourth member, agreed to be involved
Environment Programme (UNEP).
representatives from Italy’s Presidency of the Council as well. The Cooperation Agreement will be updated
of Ministers; Ministries of Environment, Economic accordingly.
Development and Health; and National Health Institute.
Sharing best practices and fostering The Cooperation Agreement is included in Appendix
cooperation at the Global Vinyl Council
2 of this Progress Report.
In October 2016, VinylPlus contributed to the Global meeting in Melbourne, Australia. STEPHAN SICARS
Chemical Industry European Convention in Florence,
UNIDO
Italy, with a presentation on ’15 Years of Circular Engaging Globally
Economy in Practice – The European PVC Industry Vienna, April 2016
VinylPlus actively shares experience, knowledge
COURTESY OF VINYL COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA

in Action’. and best practices with the other regional PVC

associations at a global level. VinylPlus participated
“The role of VinylPlus aligns very well with
57
http://www.t2ge.eu/content/program in Vinyl India® 2016 in April, the 6 th International
58
http://www.vinylplus.eu//uploads/Modules/Documents/vinyl- the Sustainable Development Goals.
in-european-stadiums-180416.pdf PVC & Chlor-Alkali Conference in Mumbai. It also
59
http://www.vinylplus.eu//uploads/Modules/Documents/showing-the-path- VinylPlus allows industry to come together
for-a-circular-economy-300516.pdf participated in the bi-annual meetings of the GVC
60
SSDC: Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee
(Global Vinyl Council), in Vienna, Austria, in April and
and discuss the main characteristics
61
IndustriAll European Trade Union represents workers across supply chains
in manufacturing, mining and energy sectors across Europe
in Melbourne, Australia, in May. of sustainability and how they can
62
ECEG: European Chemical Employers Group. ECEG is the European employers’
organisation representing the interests of the chemical, pharmaceutical, contribute. VinylPlus can make that visible
rubber and plastics industries at the European level (www.eceg.org)
63
https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/partnership/?p=91 for Governments, for civil society...”

20 21
 PROGRESS
REPORT
2017
VINYLPLUS JOINT COMMUNICATIONS PROJECTS
Each year VinylPlus
co-funds a range of projects
with the aim of expanding the
scope of its communications
activities. Thirteen projects64
Recycling Kit for Pipes
were implemented in 2016,
Flexible PVC in Our Cities: and Windows
by five European industry Lead Stabiliser
interactive infographic To raise awareness of PVC
sector organisations and Substitution: Yes we can…
A computer-generated PVC Goes Bio recycling in the building and
and we have already PVC Recycling
six national PVC associations. Promotion of PVC as a key construction sector. The
achieved it in the EU! interactive infographic showing
the multiple uses of rigid and Improve the collection and material for the bio-economy recycling kit developed by PRE
Boosting the image of
Affordable Homes – flexible PVC in everyday life. recycling of PVC post-consumer and circular economy. PVC with TEPPFA and EPPA, shows The New Age of PVC
VinylPlus’ engagement Pipes: designers,
ecological, cost-efficient The infographic is available at: waste with an online map pipes are needed in agriculture the different stages of the
towards a sustainable use of authorities, utilities
and social http://www.plasticisers.org/ of collection points in France. and pulp processing, as well recycling processes, where a
additives by promoting the
Conference aimed at municipal where-is-pvc-used as for fences, terraces, and new application is formed with Objective: open a dialogue with
PVC stabilisers industry’s Project led by SNEP66
decision makers, planners and can be shared with railing systems. PVC profiles recycled content. Italian utilities and explore
achievement of replacing lead- Geographic scope: France
and architects involved in or interested parties. are also used in energy-saving the possibility of cooperation
based stabilisers in the EU-28 Project led by PRE68
responsible for municipal and applications. Geographic scope: EU
in two fields of interest for PVC
by the end of 2015. Project led by
private building projects, as Forum and VinylPlus: piping and
European Plasticisers Project led by FIPIF67
Project led by ESPA well as to window and flooring Geographic scope: EU Geographic scope: Finland
waste. Informing and sensitising
Geographic scope: EU
manufacturers. designers, engineers and
municipalities over the benefits
Project led by AGPU 65 of PVC pipes and the PVC
Geographic scope: Germany
industry’s contribution to the
Outreach to National
PHOTO: COURTESY OF NOVAFLOOR

Association Members Not circular economy.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF REHAU

in TEPPFA
Project led by
TEPPFA Roadshows with SME PVC Forum Italia
Geographic scope: Italy
pipe producers who are not
TEPPFA members, the TEPPFA
Energy- and Resource-
Forum and an e-magazine. Achieve Acknowledgement
Efficient Building Products
Media Field Trip: exploring for Public Procurement Target: pipe producers, for PVC Denmark’s Closed-
the PVC value chain the pipes sector and associated Loop Recycling
Promotion of PVC products,
Promotion of VinylPlus’ stakeholders and European The project aims to study,
via relevant Green Public Promotion of PVC as
and European Plasticisers’ policy makers; stakeholders document and mitigate
TURQUOISE Procurement (GPP) media, as the Sustainable Material
commitment to sustainability from the plastic pipes industry; resistance to the use of PVC-U
sustainable solutions in public of Choice for Windows
The TURQUOISE project was and members of national in building products in the
through a media trip in procurement by demonstrating – aimed at architects,
aimed at developing Novafloor associations that are not public area.
Germany. Journalists were their energy- and resource- specifiers and installers
visibility in France. in TEPPFA.
shown production and recycling efficiency, and their low whole-
That included associated Engagement with UK specifiers Project led by WUPPI
plants, and had the opportunity life cost. Geographic scope: Denmark
communications tools to Project led by TEPPFA and installers of PVC products
to see the plants in operation Geographic scope: EU
increase sales of Novafloor’s and promotion of the VinylPlus
and get to know the people that Project led by AGPU
100%-recycled PVC products. Geographic scope: Germany scheme and PVC’s sustainability
work in the industry.
credentials. Implementation of
Project led by SFEC similar projects in other EU states.
Geographic scope: France Project led by
European Plasticisers
Geographic scope: EU Project led by EPPA
Geographic scope: UK-EU
64
http://www.vinylplus.eu/community/communications-projects/2016-2
65
AGPU: Arbeitsgemeinschaft PVC und Umwelt – the German
association of the PVC value chain (www.agpu.com)
66
SNEP: Syndicat National de l’Extrusion Plastique
(http://snep.org/presentation-du-snep/)
67
FIPIF: Finnish Plastics Industries Federation (www.plastics.fi/eng/)
68
PRE: Plastic Recyclers Europe: the association of the European
plastic recyclers (http://plasticsrecyclers.eu/)

22 23
 PROGRESS
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2017

Financial Report Recycled PVC Tonnages

Industry expenditure remained stable or only slightly increased in 2016. The table below summarises the tonnages of PVC recycled within the VinylPlus
The increase in total expenditure (+€526,000 compared to 2015) reported framework in the period 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2016, by initiatives of
below is mainly due to a change of scope of the reporting, which now also EuPC sector groups and sectoral associations, and by Recovinyl.
includes national and sectoral co-funding for communications projects,
for a total of €327,000 in 2016. The complete Report of Factual Findings regarding the Agreed-Upon Procedures
(“AUP”) Engagement can be found at page 27.
Expenditure by VinylPlus, including EuPC and its members, and national and
sectoral co-funding for communications projects, amounted to €5.55 million
in 2016.

Waste management and technical projects, including

national and sectoral co-funding amounting to 21% 68% Project Type of PVC Tonnage recycled Tonnage recycled
of total industry funding in 2015 in 2016
EPCoat Coated fabrics 10,853* 8,187*
Communications, including national and sectoral
18% (incl. Recovinyl)
co-funding amounting to 6% of total industry funding
Post-consumer
Overheads and Voluntary VinylPlus total Flooring Recycling
14% Flooring 3,938* 3,811*
Commitment development expenditure in 2016: initiative (formerly
€5.55 million EPFLOOR)
EPPA Window profiles
232,757** 256,607**
(incl. Recovinyl) & related profiles

ESWA –
Flexible PVC 87,537 91,811
ROOFCOLLECT® which consists of: which consists of:
and Recovinyl
WASTE MANAGEMENT TOTAL EXPENDITURE INCLUDING EUPC ESWA – Flexible PVC 3,249* 5,082*
AND TECHNICAL PROJECTS AND ITS MEMBERS ROOFCOLLECT®
FIGURES IN €1,000s 2015 2016 Recovinyl Flexible PVC 84,289** 86,729**
Films and coated fabrics related projects 167 206 applications

Flooring related projects 577 570 TEPPFA Pipes & fittings 49,412** 57,005**
EPPA 339 377 (incl. Recovinyl)

ESWA/Roofcollect® 101 107

ERPA via Recovinyl
Recovinyl 1,761 1,700 (incl. CIFRA and Rigid PVC films 24,371** 24,061**
Studies, start-up & pull concept 43 175 Pack-Upgrade Project)

TEPPFA 578 547

EATS (automotive trim recovery) 6 0 Recovinyl Cables 106,044 127,214
Ebene (furniture recycling) 19 26 (incl. VinyLoop Ferrara)

Medical applications recycling 46 44

Resysta consortium
®
10 10 TOTAL 514,913 568,696

TOTAL PROJECTS 3,645 3,762

* Tonnage including Norway and Switzerland

** Tonnage including Switzerland

24 25
 PROGRESS
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2017

Verification Statements
KPMG CERTIFICATION OF EXPENDITURE KPMG REPORT OF FACTUAL FINDINGS REGARDING THE AGREED-UPON PROCEDURES
Independent Accountants’ Report on Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures (“AUP”) ENGAGEMENT: TONNAGES OF PVC RECYCLED IN THE EU-28 (PLUS NORWAY AND/OR
SWITZERLAND) IN 2016, WITHIN THE DIFFERENT PROJECTS OF VINYLPLUS
To the Management of VinylPlus b. Verify that these costs are recorded in the financial To the General Manager of VinylPlus AISBL  tonnages of PVC recycled in the EU-28 plus
We have performed the procedures agreed with statements 2016 of VinylPlus AISBL. (hereafter “VinylPlus”) Switzerland in 2016, within the operations of Recovinyl;
you and enumerated below with respect to the costs of the We found no exceptions as a result of applying We have performed the procedures agreed with you and Recycling confirmations regarding PVC flooring;
supported charges for the different projects of VinylPlus, this procedure. enumerated below with respect to the tonnages of recycled Extracts of Recovinyl internal audit tracking system
as included in the VinylPlus Progress Report for the period c. For project ESWA, for all individual expenses greater PVC (within the following projects of VinylPlus) in 2016: on audit status for relevant companies; and
from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 prepared by than EUR 100, agree these expenses to the supporting in the EU-28 by the sector association The Communication from the concerned projects of
the management of VinylPlus. document and verify that they were incurred between European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association VinylPlus,
January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016. (hereafter “TEPPFA”);
Scope of Work obtained by management of VinylPlus and/or the Senior
Our engagement was carried out in accordance with: We found no exceptions as a result of applying in the EU-28 (plus Norway and Switzerland) within Project Controller, Mr Geoffroy Tillieux;
this procedure. the ROOFCOLLECT system by the members of the
International Standard on Related Services (‘ISRS’) 2. Verify, in sheet “VinylPlus 2016” the mathematical accuracy
d. For project ESWA, for all individual expenses greater sector association European Single ply Waterproofing
4400 Engagements to perform Agreed-Upon Procedures of the calculations (to avoid double counting), regarding the
than EUR 100, verify that these expenses are recorded Association (hereafter “ESWA”) and by the sector
regarding Financial Information as promulgated by the quantities of recycled PVC in 2016;
in the accounts of the contractor no later than December association European PVC window Profile and related
International Federation of Accountants (‘IFAC’); building Products Association (hereafter “EPPA”); 3. Verify, in sheet “Table for progress report” (which contains
31, 2016.
the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants the table for publication in the VinylPlus Progress Report
We found no exceptions as a result of applying in the EU-28 (plus Norway and Switzerland) by the
issued by the IFAC. Although ISRS 4400 provides 2017), the mathematical accuracy of the calculations in
this procedure. (members of the) Arbeitsgemeinschaft PVC-Bodenbelag
that independence is not a requirement for agreed-upon column E regarding the tonnages recycled in 2016, based on
Recycling (hereafter “AgPR”);
procedures engagements, you have asked that we also e. For project Recovinyl, reconcile costs declared in the the concerned tonnages mentioned in sheet “VinylPlus 2016”.
table presenting the supported charges for the different in the EU-28 (plus Norway and Switzerland)
comply with the independence requirements The table mentioned above is reproduced in the VinylPlus
projects of VinylPlus with the income recognized within the EPCoat project by the members of the
of the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants. Progress Report 2017, at page 25 with a total recycled tonnage
in financial statements of Recovinyl AISBL. Industrieverband Kunststoffbahnen e.V. (hereafter “IVK”); and
We confirm that we belong to an internationally-recognized for 2016 of 568,696 tonnes.
We found no exceptions as a result of applying in the EU-28 (plus Switzerland) within the operations
supervisory body for statutory auditing. We report our findings below:
this procedure. of Recovinyl,
VinylPlus’ management is responsible for the overview, with respect to the procedures 1, 2 and 3, we found
f. For project not covered by the above procedures, as at April 3, 2017, set forth in the accompanying engagement
analytical accounting and supporting documents. no exceptions.
obtain confirmation of costs from legal entity managing letter dated March 31, 2017. Our engagement was undertaken
The scope of these agreed upon procedures has been Because the above procedures do not constitute either an audit
or contributing to the project. in accordance with the International Standard on Related
determined solely by the management of VinylPlus. or a review made in accordance with International Standards on
Services (ISRS 4400) applicable to Agreed-Upon Procedures
We are not responsible for the suitability We found no exceptions as a result of applying this Auditing or International Standards on Review Engagements we
Engagements. The procedures were performed solely to assist
and appropriateness of these procedures. procedure, which represents 22.45% of total expenses. do not express any assurance on the tonnages of recycled PVC
you in evaluating the tonnages of recycled PVC within the above-
Because the procedures performed do not constitute either Note that financial statements of VinylPlus AISBL, TEPPFA mentioned projects of VinylPlus in 2016 and are summarized as within the above-mentioned projects of VinylPlus in 2016, as of
an audit or a review made in accordance with International AISBL and Recovinyl AISBL are certified by KPMG. follows: April 3, 2017.
Standards on Auditing or International Standards on Review Had we performed additional procedures or had we performed
Engagements, we do not express any assurance on the Use of this Report With regard to the MS Excelspreadsheet “KPMG calculation_
an audit or review of the financial statements in accordance with
consoTrecycled_VinylPlus (2016)” for the accounting period
cost statement. This report is intended solely for the information and use
January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016, prepared by management International Standards on Auditing or International Standards
of the management of VinylPlus board, and is not intended
Had we performed additional procedures or had we of VinylPlus, regarding the tonnages of recycled PVC (within the on Review Engagements, other matters might have come to our
to be and should not be used by anyone other than these
performed an audit or review of the financial statements above-mentioned projects of VinylPlus) in 2016, we performed the attention that would have been reported to you.
specified parties.
in accordance with International Standards on Auditing following procedures: Our report is solely for the purpose set forth in the first paragraph
or International Standards on Review Engagements other of this report and for your information and is not to be used for any
KPMG Réviseurs d’Entreprises/Bedrijfsrevisoren 1. Verify, in sheet “VinylPlus 2016” (which contains detailed
matters might have come to our attention that would have other purpose or to be distributed to any other parties, except for
Statutory Auditor represented by calculations for the management of VinylPlus), whether
been reported to you. publication for informational purposes in the VinylPlus Progress
the quantities mentioned in the columns H, L, M and N,
Report 2017. Should any third party wish to rely on the report for any
Sources of Information regarding the quantities of PVC that have been recycled
purpose they will do so entirely at their own risk. This report relates
in 2016 by the different projects of VinylPlus, agree with
This report sets out information provided to us by the
quantities that are mentioned in the: only to the tonnages of recycled PVC within the above-mentioned
management of VinylPlus in response to specific questions DOMINIC ROUSSELLE, projects of VinylPlus in 2016 and items specified above and does not
or as obtained and extracted from VinylPlus information Partner Reports of Factual Findings regarding the Agreed
extend to any financial statements of VinylPlus, taken as a whole.
and accounting systems. Upon-Procedures (“AUP”) Engagements performed
Mont-Saint-Guibert, April 11, 2017 by KPMG Réviseurs d’Entreprises SCRL civile/KPMG KPMG Réviseurs d’Entreprises/Bedrijfsrevisoren
Procedures and Factual Findings Bedrijfsrevisoren burg. CVBA on request of the legal Statutory Auditor represented by
a. Obtain the breakdown of costs declared in the table entities listed below, concerning:
presenting the supported charges for the different  tonnages of PVC flooring recycled in the EU-28
projects of VinylPlus, as included in the VinylPlus plus Norway and Switzerland in 2016, by the
Progress Report related to the activities of the year 2016 (members of the) AgPR;
and verify the mathematical accuracy of this. DOMINIC ROUSSELLE,
 tonnages of flexible PVC recycled in the EU-28 Partner
The total expenses amount to KEUR 5,547. plus Norway and Switzerland in 2016, within
We found no exceptions as a result of applying the ROOFCOLLECT system by the members of Mont-Saint-Guibert, April 6, 2017
this procedure. the ESWA; and

26 27
 PROGRESS
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TNS Commentary on VinylPlus Progress Report for 2016
The Natural Step acts as an external advisor, stakeholder intermediary and capacity builder to VinylPlus. Our comments here are
SGS INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION STATEMENT ABOUT THIS VINYLPLUS based on our ‘outside-in’ sustainability perspective on the industry and from engaging directly with VinylPlus throughout the year.

PROGRESS REPORT 2017

Celebrate the Wins but Avoid Complacency A business-NGO collaboration requires a good deal of trust and
SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, dialogue between people to stay on the path and we appreciate
The verification did not cover the following: We are pleased to observe continued year-on-year progress
the opportunity to give critical input and advice to VinylPlus.
testing and certification company. We are recognized within the VinylPlus industry sustainability roadmap for the
The underlying data and information on which At the same time, we provide a well-recognized open-source
as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. PVC sector in Europe, as reported in this publication. In some
the desk-top review documentation is based; framework and a set of peer-reviewed principles to interpret
With more than 90,000 employees, we operate a respects, 2016 was a year that created both momentum and
the scientific requirements for sustainability and define paths
network of more than 2,000 offices and laboratories The tonnage of PVC waste recycled recognition. In particular, the audited confirmation that lead
to reach it. Each industry or actor can use these methods to
around the world. (verified by KPMG); substitution from European PVC production is complete,
interpret their challenges, set priorities and deliver results that
an award acknowledging VinylPlus’ contribution to the circular
SGS was commissioned by VinylPlus to provide an match stakeholder expectations.
The chapter Financial Report economy and supportive messages from, and engagement
independent verification of the “Progress Report 2017”. (verified by KPMG); with, key stakeholders. These wins should be celebrated and We make this point to encourage more actors to communicate
This report presents the commitments and used as motivation. how they are actively using such tools and share the results
The chapter KPMG Certification of Expenditure; they are achieving on their own. A focus for us is also to provide
achievements made by the VinylPlus project in 2016. At the same time we continue to face urgent and mounting
additional guidance to enable that to occur, and in 2016 we
The chapter KPMG Limited Review of Tonnages. sustainability challenges, and there is an acknowledgement of
The purpose of the verification was to check the undertook activities with VinylPlus to communicate how The
difficulties in hitting certain targets and in meeting increasing
statements made in the report. SGS was not involved Natural Step’s approach provides the rationale and scientific
in the preparation of any part of this report or Verification Results stakeholder demands. For example, our Dutch representatives
guideposts for the circular economy.
participated in the VinylPlus Sustainability Forum this year
the collection of information on which it is based. Within the scope of our verification, VinylPlus has
This verification statement represents provided objective evidence of its performance
and gave a clear message that downstream actors and public Staying up to Date with Sustainability Science
sector organisations are in need of tools to help understand
our independent opinion. in relation with its commitments in the VinylPlus and select PVC products that meet the highest sustainability and Business application
programme. performance and management standards. We again emphasise We feel it is also relevant to communicate updates to research
Verification Process It is our opinion that this “Progress Report 2017”
the relevance of and need for the VinylPlus labelling scheme as underpinning The Natural Step, since the VinylPlus platform
a critical tool in light of this. builds upon it. The sustainability principles (system conditions)
The verification consisted of checking whether represents VinylPlus’ performance in 2016 in a have recently undergone a major revision with a new set of
the statements in this report give a true and fair reliable way; this report reflects the effort of VinylPlus Continued Work Needed to Secure a Place criteria and definitions for social sustainability. It is a priority
representation of VinylPlus’ performance and to comply with its new Voluntary Commitments of
for PVC Products for us now to ensure that all our stakeholders take note of
achievements. This included a critical review of the June 2011. these developments69 to stay up to date and make use of the
The policy framework for the circular economy in Europe and,
scope of the Progress Report and the balance IR PIETER WETERINGS additional guidance now available.
in particular, high-level investigations on a roadmap for plastics
and the unambiguity of the statements presented. We can also observe that setting science-based targets is
SGS Belgium NV demonstrate how far we are from a sustainable society and the
potential for change in resource flows within the economy. becoming an increasingly recognized approach for individual
Certification and Business Enhancement
The verification process included Certification Manager These conversations will continue to influence the PVC market, businesses. New developments such as the Future-Fit
Business Benchmark70 translate The Natural Step’s thinking into
the following activities: 22 March 2017
and indeed stakeholders will continue to ask where PVC
a set of ‘must-have’ goals for each organisation to contribute
products can be responsibly used in the circular economy
Desktop review of project-related material and under what conditions. A clearer European stance on to sustainability and make a credible contribution to the UN
and documentation made available by VinylPlus performance expectations and a focus on the applications Sustainable Development Goals. We urge VinylPlus, its member
such as plans, agreements, minutes of meetings, where PVC offers the most sustainable value would go a long organisations and its stakeholders to acknowledge the “line in
presentations, technical reports and more; way in the dialogue in Europe and with the PVC industry globally. the sand” we need to reach and to work together to address the
sustainable performance gap.
Communication with VinylPlus personnel The additives used in PVC formulations are critical in
responsible for collecting data and writing various determining functional benefits, different applications for PVC The Path Ahead
products, impacts and management regimes. Therefore, we
parts of the report, in order to discuss Looking forward, and as noted in previous commentaries,
believe this topic is a priority and we welcome the additional
and substantiate selected statements; we believe VinylPlus should continue to make progress across all
studies looking into specific additives, including the conditions
of the five sustainability commitments. In particular, we suggest
Communication with some members of the for safe and responsible use of legacy additives in recycled PVC.
there be a strong focus on developing the industry’s contribution
Monitoring Committee. In 2016 we also engaged more directly in the VinylPlus Additives to the circular economy, ensuring that PVC additives are assessed
Task Force and can state that there is renewed progress against a credible and holistic set of criteria and promoting the
on piloting the Additive Sustainable Footprint methodology and uptake of labelled products that set the performance benchmark
criteria for assessing the sustainable use of additives. and deliver a clear signal to the market.
This is a priority as a building block for showing where attention
is needed, where progress is being made and as a context for LENA JOHANSSON,
discussion with policy-makers and other stakeholders. Project leader
Making Use of TNS Support and Methods RICHARD BLUME,
From The Natural Step’s point of view, we constantly evaluate Senior Advisor
See special issue of Journal of Cleaner Production and in particular
69
our ability to influence industry and support its transformation
Broman, G.I. and Robèrt, K.H., 2017. A framework for strategic sustainable
toward sustainability. This is connected to our engagement and The Natural Step Stockholm
development. Journal of Cleaner Production, 140, pp.17-31.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/09596526/140/part/P1. the use of methods we promote – both are available to anyone
70
See http://futurefitbusiness.org committed to the journey of sustainable development.

28 29
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Appendix 1 2017

VINYLPLUS VOLUNTARY COMMITMENT TARGETS

CONTROLLED-LOOP 1. Recycle 800,000 2. Exact definitions 3. Develop and exploit innovative technology to recycle 4. Address the issue

TARGETS
1 MANAGEMENT:
“We will work towards the more efficient
tonnes/year of PVC by
2020. > ongoing
and reporting concept to
be available by end 2011.
100,000 tonnes/year of difficult-to-recycle PVC material
(within the overall 800,000 tonnes/year recycling target)
of ‘legacy additives’
and deliver a status report
use and control of PVC throughout > achieved by 2020. > withdrawn (see p. 12) within each annual
its life cycle.” VinylPlus Progress Report.
> ongoing

ORGANOCHLORINE EMISSIONS: 1. Engage with 2. Develop a plan to deal 3. Compliance with 4. Risk assessment for 5. Target zero-accident

TARGETS
2 “We will help to ensure that persistent
organic compounds do not accumulate
external stakeholders
in the discussion on
with stakeholder concerns
on organochlorine
the PVC resin Industry
Charters by first Quarter
the transportation of major
raw materials, in particular
rate with VCM release
during transportation in
in nature and that other emissions organochlorine emissions emissions by end 2012. 2012. > partially VCM, by end 2013. the next 10 years.
are reduced.” during 2012. > achieved > achieved achieved (see p. 13) > achieved in 2015 > ongoing
3.a. Achieve full
compliance by 2020.
CHALLENGES

SUSTAINABLE USE 1. Lead (Pb) replacement 2. Robust criteria for 3. Validation of the robust criteria for the ‘sustainable use 4. Other PVC additive

TARGETS
3 OF ADDITIVES:
“We will review the use of PVC additives
in the EU-27 by end 2015
(extended to the EU-28 in
the ‘sustainable use
of additives’ to be
of additives’ in conjunction with the downstream value chain,
with status report by end 2014. > partially achieved
producers and the
downstream value chain
and move towards more sustainable 2014). > achieved developed, with status will be invited to participate
3.a. Develop a methodology for the sustainable choice
additive systems.” report by end 2012. in the ‘sustainable additives’
of additives for profiles and flexible applications.
> achieved in 2014 initiative. > ongoing
3.b. Develop a systematic framework methodology,
taking into account the EU PEF concept.

SUSTAINABLE USE OF ENERGY 1. Establish Energy 3. Define targets for 4. Energy Efficiency Task 5. Establish Renewable 6. Renewable Materials
TARGETS

4 AND RAW MATERIALS:

“We will help to minimise climate
Efficiency Task Force by
end 2011. > achieved
specific energy reduction
for converters by end 2012.
Force to recommend suitable
environmental footprint
Materials Task Force
by end first Quarter 2012.
Task Force’s status report
by end 2012.
impacts through reducing energy > partially achieved71 measurement by end 2014. > achieved > achieved + extended
and raw material use, potentially 2. PVC resin producers to 3.a. PVC converters will
> delayed (waiting for the
6.a. Updated status report
endeavouring to switch to renewable reduce their specific energy EU PEF pilot phase results)
report their gains in energy by the end of 2020.
sources and promoting sustainable consumption, targeting 20%
efficiency year on year.
innovation.” by 2020. > ongoing

SUSTAINABILIT Y AWARENESS: 1. VinylPlus web portal to 4. A public, and 6. A VinylPlus product label 8. ESPA stabiliser 11. A review of progress
TARGETS

5 “We will continue to build sustainability

awareness across the value chain –
go online in summer 2011.
> achieved
independently audited,
VinylPlus Progress Report
will be launched by end
2012. > launch achieved
producers will actively
promote VinylPlus outside
towards the globalisation
of the approach will be
including stakeholders inside and outside will be published annually in 2014; implementation the EU-28. > ongoing undertaken by end 2015.
the industry – to accelerate resolving 2. VinylPlus Monitoring and proactively promoted to being reviewed > achieved
our sustainability challenges.” Committee, which will key stakeholders. With the 9. VinylPlus will increase
meet a minimum of twice first edition being published 7. ECVM will take an active the number of programme 12. A Social dialogue
a year, will be established in 2012. > achieved + role in promoting VinylPlus participants by 20% commitment endorsed
by end 2011. ongoing within international PVC compared to 2010 by end by the EU Sectoral Social
> achieved + ongoing industry organisations 2013. > not achieved72 Dialogue Committee for
5. Annual external worldwide. > ongoing the Chemical Industry will
3. A VinylPlus Membership stakeholder meetings 10. VinylPlus will engage be included in the VinylPlus
71
Converters are striving to increase their energy efficiency. However, due to the Certificate will be launched will be organised, with five global brand programme by the end
complexity and variety of operations in the converting sectors, an overall target
would be meaningless, as would targets for many of the subsectors. end 2011. > achieved commencing in 2012. holders by end 2013. > of 2016. > achieved +
72
Even if the target was not achieved in 2013, VinylPlus continued and will continue > achieved + ongoing partially achieved ongoing
to work on increasing the number of programme participants
+ ongoing

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Appendix 2 2017

COOPERATION AGREEMENT OF THE EUROPEAN CHEMICAL SECTORAL SOCIAL

DIALOGUE COMMITTEE AND VINYLPLUS ON THE EUROPEAN PVC INDUSTRY
The industry associations ECVM, ECPI and ESPA on Development of the PVC Industry in Europe Specific Focus on Recycling Facilities EMMA ARGUTYA
the one hand and EMCEF73 on the other hand agreed
The regular meetings of the European SSDC One needs to take into account that most of recyclers Director General
in 2000 to a social dialogue on important issues
of the Chemical, Pharmaceutical, Rubber and are SMEs and only a small part of the recyclers ECEG
for all involved partners, as part of the Vinyl 2010
Plastics Industries cover views on the EU legislative (10-20%) use SDS-R today. EuPC*/PRE have already
programme.
developments affecting the sectors concerned, taken some actions to substantially increase this
As part of the 2015 VinylPlus revision and following including the PVC industry in Europe. figure. To support these activities in Europe the SSDC
the formal enlargement of the scope of the European Together with experts from VinylPlus, ECEG and together with VinylPlus will work on implementing this
Chemical Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee IndustriAll Europe will intensify their exchange on the project with the following objectives:
(SSDC) in 2015 to include, among others the plastics issues at stake and the progress on decided actions
preparation of a brochure providing a detailed
sector as well, VinylPlus, in charge of implementing and subsequent decisions to be taken in the SSDC
overview of health and safety aspects in the SYLVAIN LEFEBVRE
the voluntary programme of the European PVC with regard to the European PVC industry.
plastics recycling sector, in order to make sure
industry, and ECEG / IndustriAll Europe, together Deputy Secretary General
that the workers’ protection is continuously
representing the European Chemical SSDC, Health and Safety and Environmental ensured in the different steps of the recycling
industriAll Europe
have agreed to intensify their cooperation. Standards process. This brochure should be made available
This cooperation agreement on the European PVC
In the EU, the production, use and recycling of PVC in several languages (minimum EN, FR, DE, ES
Industry defines areas and subjects of joint activities
applications and their raw materials are governed and IT)
of all three parties within this intensified cooperation
by the respect of high safety and environmental
for the period of 2017-2020 (3 years) (with an annual organisation of workshops in several EU Member
standards. These high standards guarantee a safe
evaluation of the cooperation at the Plenary of States with the objectives to cover large parts
production and use of PVC applications. Such high
the SSDC). of the European plastics recycling sector
standards require continuous research and BRIGITTE DERO
to disseminate the findings and information.
These areas and subjects will be fully linked to the implementation of new scientific findings and General Manager
European Chemical Industry Sectoral Social Partners’ a clear focus on health and safety as well as VinylPlus
2015-2020 Roadmap and will focus on the following environmental issues. Training and Lifelong Learning
priorities: At company level, appropriate and comprehensive High technological standards as well as a qualified,
information and training of the workforce are an competent and motivated workforce are prerequisites
Health & Safety for high environmental, health and safety standards
important precondition for handling PVC and its
Education / training raw materials safely. in the PVC industry.

Knowledge transfer The SSDC will together with VinylPlus discuss PVC A high level of continuous training (throughout the
R&D programmes and findings, with the objective working life) is essential for employment security
Sector evolution
to improve dissemination of information and training within the PVC industry and also for the creation of
Objectives programmes in order to manage risk exposures safely. employment opportunities in allied industries.
The SSDC together with VinylPlus will discuss the
Agenda One envisaged action is to discuss with the
need to develop further specific training geared to
Consultative Commission on Industrial Change
Expected results the needs of the PVC industry. A particular attention
(CCMI74) the possibility of launching a study on
will be paid to digital transformation and the
The European Chemical Social Partners will actively industrial changes in the converting sector and/or in
development of job content in this respect.
engage with key stakeholders in order to pave the the recycling sector, which could deal with sectoral
way towards a sustainable future as mentioned policies developments, evolution of R&D, innovation, The objective will be to facilitate the implementation of
above and based on efficient use of resources and digitalisation in the sector and the evolution of the high-level standards in all EU Member States, taking
sound waste management. requested competencies. into account their specific situations and traditions.

Bruxelles, 24 February 2017

EMCEF: European Mine Chemical and Energy Workers Federation, now IndustriAll European Trade Union
73
* This commitment to intensify cooperation has been agreed by VinylPlus on behalf of ECVM, ESPA and European Plasticisers (former ECPI).
CCMI: Commission Consultative des Mutations Industrielles (Consultative Commission on Industrial Change)
74
Its fourth member, EuPC, will be involved at a later stage.

32 33
 PROGRESS
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Appendix 3 The European PVC Industry 2017

GLOSSARY Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is one of the most widely used polymers in the world.
Because it is so versatile, PVC is used extensively in a broad range of industrial,
technical and everyday applications.
ATBC Acetyl tri-butyl citrate HMW PHTHALATES High Molecular Weight phthalates
BBP Butyl benzyl phthalate INDUSTRY ECVM Industry Charters for the Production of
CHARTERS VCM and S-PVC (1995) and for the Production
PVC is an intrinsically low-carbon plastic: 57% of its molecular weight is accounted
B&C Building and construction
Ca Calcium
of E-PVC (1998) for by chlorine derived from common salt; 5% is hydrogen; and 38% is carbon. It is
IVK EUROPE Industrieverband Kunstoffbahnen e.V.
CLP European Regulation on Classification, Labelling (Association of Coated Fabrics and Films –
recyclable and is increasingly being recycled. The European PVC industry has been
and Packaging of chemical substances and
mixtures. The legislation introduced throughout
www.ivk-europe.com) working hard to boost collection and improve recycling technologies.
the EU a new system for classifying and labelling KPMG KPMG is a global network of professional firms
providing audit, tax and advisory services
chemicals, based on the United Nations’ Globally
(www.kpmg.com) Several recent eco-efficiency and LCA studies of major PVC applications have shown
Harmonised System (UN GHS)
DBP Di-n-butyl phthalate LCA Life Cycle Assessment that in terms of energy use and GWP (Global Warming Potential), the performance of
DCHP Di-cyclohexyl phthalate LMW PHTHALATES Low Molecular Weight phthalates PVC is comparable to that of alternative products. In many cases, PVC applications
NaCL Sodium Chloride
DEHP Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
Pb Lead
showed advantages in terms of both lower total energy consumption and lower CO2
DEHTP Di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate
PEF Product Environmental Footprint emissions.
DIBP Di-isobutyl phthalate
PLASTICISERSPLUS European Plasticisers’ legal entity, based in
DIDP Di-isodecyl phthalate
DiOP Di-isooctyl phthalate
Brussels, Belgium Due to its light weight, durability and stability, PVC can offer energy, cost and material
POP Persistent Organic Pollutants
DINCH Di-isononyl cyclohexane dicarboxylate efficiency gains for sectors such as building and construction, water distribution, health
ppm Part per million (also equivalent to 1 mg per kg)
DINP Di-isononyl phthalate
PRE Plastics Recyclers Europe and transportation.
DnHP Di-n-hexyl phthalate (www.plasticsrecyclers.eu)
DOTP Di-octyl terephthalate PVC Polyvinyl chloride At the European level, the PVC value chain is represented by four associations:
DPHP Di(2-propyl heptyl) phthalate P-PVC Plasticised PVC
EC European Commission RAC Risk Assessment Committee
ECHA European Chemicals Agency REACH Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation
(http://echa.europa.eu) and Restriction of Chemicals
ECVM The European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers RoHS EU legislation restricting the use of hazardous The European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers,
(www.pvc.org) substances in electrical and electronic equipment
ECVM 2010 The ECVM’s formal legal entity, (RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC) representing six leading European producers of PVC resin, which account
registered in Belgium RoHS 2 The recast RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2) for around 75% of the EU-28 PVC resin production. These businesses operate
EDC Ethylene dichloride or 1,2-dichlorethane entered into force on 21 July 2011 around 40 different plants spread over 23 sites, and employ approximately
EPA Environmental Protection Agency R-PVC Recycled PVC 7,000 people. www.pvc.org
EPCOAT IVK Europe PVC Coated Fabrics Sector Project SDGs Sustainable Development Goals
EPD Environmental Product Declaration SDS Safety Data Sheet
EPFLOOR European PVC Floor Manufacturers, an EuPC SDS-R Safety Data Sheet for Recyclates
sector group (www.epfloor.eu) SGS Société Générale de Surveillance, the world’s European Plastics Converters,
EPPA European PVC Window Profile and Related leading testing and verification organisation
Building Products Association, an EuPC sectoral (www.sgs.com) an association representing close to 50,000 companies in Europe, which produce
association (www.eppa-profiles.eu) S-PVC Suspension polyvinyl chloride over 45 million tonnes a year of plastic products of various types. They employ
E-PVC Emulsion polyvinyl chloride SSDC Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee approximately 1.3 million people. www.plasticsconverters.eu
ERPA European Rigid PVC Film Association, an EuPC SVHC Substances of Very High Concern
sectoral association (www.pvc-films.org) TEPPFA The European Plastic Pipes and Fittings
ERFMI European Resilient Flooring Manufacturers’ Association, an EuPC sectoral association
(www.teppfa.eu)
Institute (www.erfmi.com) The European Stabiliser Producers Association,
ESPA The European Stabiliser Producers Association TNS The Natural Step ( www.thenaturalstep.org),
(www.stabilisers.eu) a sustainability NGO acting as critical friend representing 10 companies that produce more than 95% of the stabilisers sold
and sustainability advisor to VinylPlus in Europe. They directly employ more than 2,000 people in the EU.
ESWA European Single Ply Waterproofing Association,
an EuPC sectoral association (www.eswa.be) TXIB 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol di-isobutyrate www.stabilisers.eu
UN United Nations
EUPC European Plastics Converters
(www.plasticsconverters.eu) UNEP United Nations Environment Programme
EUROPEAN Former ECPI, European Council for UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development
Organization
PLASTICISERS Plasticisers and Intermediates, European Plasticisers,
(www.europeanplasticisers.eu) VCM Vinyl chloride monomer
GHS Globally Harmonised System of Classification VINYL 2010 the first 10-year Voluntary Commitment
formerly ECPI (The European Council for Plasticisers and Intermediates),
and Labelling of Chemicals of the European PVC industry, signed in 2000 representing the eight major European producers of plasticisers and
GIP Green Industry Platform WUPPI Danish company set up to collect and recycle intermediates. They employ approximately 1,200 people in plasticiser
(www.greenindustryplatform.org) rigid PVC (www.wuppi.dk) production. www.europeanplasticisers.eu

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