Nearly half a million tonnes of PVC recycled in 2014
During its annual sustainability forum, VinylPlus revealed 481,000 tonnes of PVC waste were recycled in 2014, keeping it on track to meet its 2020 targets.
The event, held in Cannes, France, on 30 April, saw the industry confirm its strong commitment to reduce the European PVC value chain contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
With the theme ‘More Vinyl, Less Carbon’, the 2015 Forum gathered more than 100 stakeholders from academia, government bodies, the UN, the European Commission, retailers and all sectors of the PVC industry.
Discussion focused on how the industry is helping combat climate change, improving energy and resource efficiency; and how PVC products can contribute in reducing CO2 emissions.
“Once again VinylPlus’ progress and achievements in 2014 confirm our industry determination to reduce its environmental footprint and the effectiveness of our voluntary approach to sustainable development,” VinylPlus Chairman, Michael Träger, said during the event.
“As foreseen, in 2015 we will undertake the mid-term critical review of our targets, measuring and evaluating our initiatives up to now, to place our sustainability programme in the context of ongoing socio-economic and environmental developments. Today’s Forum gives us the opportunity to start our review process also in the framework of the global sustainability agenda for 2015.”
Outlining the UN sustainability agenda for 2015, including the Sustainable Development Goals (2015-2030) and the Paris Climate Summit (COP21), Christophe Yvetot, from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), said: “The post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate commitments will offer a new narrative for industry: sharing prosperity and respecting the environment.
“As a member of the Green Industry Platform, the Vinyl Industry can actively contribute to the global sustainability agenda through its continuous efforts to reduce its environmental and climate footprint and to develop new green products, services and jobs that will support a more sustainable world.”
VinylPlus General Manager Brigitte Dero, presenting VinylPlus 2014 results, said its voluntary commitment “already encompasses themes linked to climate change, such as recycling and therefore resource saving; energy efficiency and GHG emissions reduction along the entire production chain; and increasing use of renewable energy and materials.”
In 2014, VinylPlus recycled 481,018 tonnes of PVC waste, on track to achieve its target of 800.000 tonnes/year by the end of 2020. The largest volumes, 473,576 tonnes, were registered and certified by Recovinyl (www.recovinyl.com), the organisation set up in 2003 to facilitate PVC waste collection and recycling.