Industry achievements go ’on the record’ at Inovyn Awards

Several innovators in the vinyls industry have been recognised for their forward-thinking achievements and products that are helping to drive the industry forward in a number of key areas.

In a ‘Oscars’-style ceremony held in Dusseldorf on 20th October, winners of the 2016 Inovyn Awards were recognised in the areas of innovation, sustainability and industrial design, as well as special prizes for unique applications.

Winners in each category were awarded monetary prizes and a special trophy created from a vinyl record, something that, owing to their recent resurgence in popularity, organisers felt typified the way in which PVC products can experience new life.

Explaining why the innovation is key to the ongoing development of the vinyls industry, Chris Tane, Inovyn CEO, said: “Innovation is the lifeblood of the vinyls industry. Therefore, as Europe’s leading producer of vinyls, we are extremely proud to be running the Inovyn awards 2016, which shine a spotlight on the very best new innovations our industry has to offer.”

The innovation prize was given in a bronze, silver and gold award.  The overall gold prizewinner in the ‘Innovation’ category was awarded to Chemson Pacific, for its 3D-Vinyl for Advanced Industrial 3D Printing.

 The 3D-Vinyl is extruded and pelletised to produce lower cost, more fire- and weather-resistant feedstock. As a lower-cost base polymer that’s non-toxic and sustainable, this product opens up a a whole new market segment for PVC.

Commenting, Dennis Planner, accepting the award on behalf of Chemson Pacific, said: “To win is amazing. Creating a product for 3D printing started as a hobby, but we are truly excited about where we can take this.”

Silver and Bronze Prizes

The silver prize was awarded to Beaulieu Group for its new line of vinyl planks and tiles that are quicker to install through a locking system known as ‘DreamClick’.

Bronze went to the Aliaxis Group for its Quieter Chutunic branch pipe for high-rise buildings.

Sustainability Winner

The winner in the category of sustainability was Axion Consulting for its RecoMed, a project to increase PVC recycling. Pioneered by anaesthesia professionals, RecoMed is a PVC take-back scheme in the UK that recycles plastic used in healthcare that is currently being unnecessarily disposed of as clinical waste at a significant cost.

Industrial Design Winner

The winner in the category of industrial design was Bolon for its customisable vinyl floor coverings. With its own on-site recycling plant, Bolon weaves its six custom vinyl floorings in 16 colours, with 30 percent recycled materials and without phthalates. The floorings allow true customization in architectural design.

Special Prize

Two additional, special prizes were also awarded. Firstly, to the Aarhus School of Architecture, for its ’Reuse=Waste Reduce’ project that increases the lifespan of such typical PVC applications as pipes, gutters, cables, roofing sheets prior to recycling by incorporating them in urban agriculture.

Secondly, a special prize was awarded to Benecke-Kaliko for ‘Dynactiv Power’, an energy-producing reservoir cover that can achieve up to 70 percent less in overall capital costs compared to concrete reservoirs.

Closing the ceremony, INOVYN’s Business Director, Filipe Constant, congratulated the winners and said that it is “an exciting time for the PVC industry.”