Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

PVC has been at the centre of a controversial debate during much of the last two decades. A number of diverging scientific, technical and economic opinions have been expressed on the question of PVC and its effects on human health and the environment. Some Member States have recommended or adopted measures related to specific aspects of the PVC life cycle. However, these measures vary widely. In order to assess the whole life cycle of PVC and its possible impact on human health and the environment as well as the proper functioning of the internal market, the Commission has carried out several studies and issued a Green Paper on Environment Issues of PVC.

The Green Paper is a discussion document published by the Commission on this specific policy area. It is primarily addressed to all the parties (organisations and individuals) interested in the issues related to PVC. In this way, the interested parties are invited to participate in a debate on the issues discussed in the Green Paper. In some cases a Green Paper can provide an impetus for subsequent legislation. The text of the Green Paper on environmental issues of PVC and the reactions of the interested parties to it can be found under the link below.

A Green Paper on Environment Issues of PVC COM (2000)469 was adopted on 26 July 2000.

Studies

• Study on "Life cycle assessment of PVC and of principal competing materials"
• Economic evaluation of PVC waste management
• Chemical recycling of Plastics Waste (PVC and other resins
• Mechanical recycling of PVC wastes
• The behaviour of PVC in landfills
• The influence of PVC on the quantity and hazardousness of flue gas cleaning residues from incineration
• Studies done by the European Commission on the additives used in PVC (phthalates, cadmium and lead) within the framework of the market restrictions policy of the Commission

Links

• Risk Assessments for Phthalates used as PVC Plasticisers - European Chemicals Bureau
• Legislation on food contact materials relevant for PVC plastics
• Information on EFSA opinions
• Information on food contact analysis and research: http://cpf.jrc.it/webpack/ and on Cordis

 

For any further information or clarification, please contact: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/contact/contact_en.htm