IMAGINE HOW HARD LIFE WOULD BE WITHOUT SOFT PVC

Transcription

1 IMAGINE HOW HARD LIFE WOULD BE WITHOUT SOFT PVC

2 2 Soft PVC: Modern, Reliable, Safe THE SOFT ALL-ROUNDER WITH MANY GOOD SIDES DIVERSITY ON PRINCIPLE: THE FLEXIBLE MULTI-TALENT IS AT HOME EVERYWHERE > Page 4 SUSTAINABILITY IS A MATTER OF TRUST: FROM MANUFACTURING TO RECYCLING > Page 9 YOU CAN REST ASSURED: PRODUCTS MADE OF SOFT PVC ARE SAFE AND RELIABLE > Page 13 SOLID SALES FOR PVC PRODUCTS: ECONOMIC DATA AND FACTS > Page 17 THE HEART OF THE MATTER: IMPROVED PRODUCTS FOR A SAFE FUTURE > Page 18

3 Soft PVC: Modern, Reliable, Safe 3 RELIABLE, EFFICIENT, EXTENSIVELY-TESTED THE FUTURE NEEDS MODERN SOFT PVC Extravagant designer handbags, easy-to-clean floor coverings in metal and wood finish, mirror-like stretch ceilings: modern products made of soft PVC combine outstanding material properties with high aesthetic standards. Durable artificial leather is available in an incredible array of colours and textures for the design of exquisite surfaces in automobiles and on upholstered furniture. PVC-coated fabric is used in building futuristic-looking roofing membranes such as those in the breathtaking Cape Town Stadium in South Africa. Remarkable Diversity The use of soft PVC in architecture, art, design, medical products, and automotive manufacturing is characterised by its unique diversity. On the one hand, we owe this exceptionally wide range of applications to creative developers and workers who customise products especially for the needs of our present-day society. On the other hand, the flexible material is endowed with numerous properties due to various formulas: e.g. high tensile strength for very thin food packaging films, the flame-retardance of cables and wires, and the sterilisation of blood bags. This flexible material is extremely efficient, modern, and safe. At the same time, PVC products offer excellent economic and social benefits throughout their entire life cycles and are ecologically persuasive. Continuous Improvement Most soft PVC products available on the market today are hardly comparable with applications from ten years ago and therefore must be completely re-evaluated. The reasons for this are the companies decades-long experience with their materials and extensive research. The same holds true for progress in sustainable development in the PVC sector which involves the overall life cycle of these products. This has now been achieved throughout Europe by means of the voluntary commitment Vinyl Low-energy consumption in manufacturing, new processing methods, the economical use of valuable resources, the use of improved formulas with safe additives, and years of successful recycling of used products made of soft PVC are only a few examples. With the followup program VinylPlus, this active involvement has continued beyond In so doing, companies throughout the PVC supply chain frequently extend their efforts far beyond what is required by law. There are other goals to be met in the future to promote the development and distribution of environmentally-compatible technologies and to accelerate a preventive sustainable policy on materials. Extensive Testing Flexible PVC products have been extensively tested for years in terms of their effect on humans and the environment. Insights gained by this have contributed to the development of increasingly safer products. This overall process documents the fundamental change of this material in recent years. The result is apparent: present-day soft-pvc products are persuasive because of their improved quality and safety standards, their attractive appearance, and their extreme cost-effectiveness. We will introduce you to some of these applications below. And we will keep you posted on progress in the PVC industry on the path to sustainable development and documented findings about the safety of today s PVC products in terms of health. Werner Preusker Managing Director of PVCplus Kommunikations GmbH

4 4 Soft PVC: Modern, Reliable, Safe DIVERSITY ON PRINCIPLE: THE FLEXIBLE MULTI-TALENT IS AT HOME EVERYWHERE Photo: Konrad Hornschuch AG Soft PVC can be processed in various ways. It has an incredibly wide spectrum of material properties and is multifunctional in use. Whether as film for sturdy document files or easily-perishable food, as paste to coat colourful wall coverings, or as wind-permeable material for tarpaulins: this flexible plastic combines high quality with fastidious technical and aesthetic standards. Products with new material properties continuously expand the range of PVC applications and show how up to date this plastic material is which has been used for over 50 years. The largest product group in the soft PVC sector consists of flame-retardant cables and wires with an insulation or coating made of soft PVC. Used for energy supply, control functions and communication, these products have special material properties. While cable harnesses in automobiles control complex processes within the smallest spaces and therefore must withstand high mechanical stress, special cables made of soft PVC for chemical plants and petrol stations offer special resistance to petrol and oil. The Mercedes CLS with an exclusive interior: high-quality, fine-grained artificial leather was used in this vehicle for the dashboard, door panels and trim, as well as the centre console and armrests. The Pleasure of Design Self-adhesive decorative film for refining the surface of furniture, doors, and windows quickly adds a personal touch with floral patterns, fashionable wrinkle effects, or genuinelooking stone and wood finishes. Diversity is also important for self-adhesive film used in the graphics and label-making industries as well as for other technical products. Whether for automobile wrapping, eye-catching illuminated advertisements, labels, or emergency exit signs: easily-printable View of the roof membranes of the Cape Town Stadium in South Africa: the resilient PVC-coated mesh membranes provide protection from the weather and are remarkably impressive. high-quality PVC film with a wide range of colours, multiple surface textures, and various qualities is attractive both inand outdoors. This diversity also holds true for trend-setting easy-to-install PVC floor coverings. The coverings, available as membranes, tiles, and sheets, have the look of brushed metal, heavily-grained fine wood, or professionally-installed stone flooring, and surpass the originals in terms of their performance. Equipped with an anti-static surface, these coverings are often used in extremely sensitive areas such as clean rooms in the pharmaceutical industry or in electronics manufacturing where extreme hygiene and dust-free environments are required. Resistant film coverings for window profiles open up enormous creative possibilities for building owners in terms of design, texture, and colour. In the meantime, there are also special films with pigmentation which reflect infrared rays and thereby protect PVC window profiles. Extremely thin wall stickers and vinyl wall coverings with elegant prints, elaborate textures, and striking relief designs impressively set the scene. The clearest evidence of the cutting-edge technology of this material is the breathtaking roof constructions of the football stadiums in Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Cape Town. PVC-coated membranes made of extremely tear-resistant fabric offer dependable protection from the weather and leave nothing to be desired in terms of appearance. This material has also opened up a wide range of use in the field of advertising. Mega-posters made of extremely tensile and wind-permeable fabric with PVC coating impressively advertise products and services on the façades of buildings. Photo: Bruce Sutherland, City of Capetown

5 Soft PVC: Modern, Reliable, Safe 5 The World of Film Soft-PVC film is available in numerous grades of thickness with different material properties. It affords various benefits, facilitates our daily lives, and is harmless to human health. In food packaging, extremely thin stretch and shrink film with oxygen barriers ensures long shelf life for meat, fruit, and vegetables. In the field of healthcare with high safety standards, PVC film has successfully stood the test of time for decades. Sterilisable blood bags with good biocompatibility protect blood from coagulation. Pliable, flexible tube systems for infusions and transfusions provide patients with a well-dosed supply of fluids and blood. Disposable hygienic products such as gloves protect against chemicals, acid, and bacteria. Soft PVC is also recommended for its low allergy potential. For example, this holds true for special wound dressings and bandages manufactured from the flexible material, according to results published by the German Professional Association for Health Services and Welfare (BGW) in the bulletin Latex Allergies in Healthcare (1998). Photo: Deutsches Tapeten-Institut Photo: PVCplus/Ralph Richter Transparent tube systems made of soft PVC allow doctors to provide safe and well-dosed nutritional care for patients. Fashionable and Dependable Many products made of flexible PVC are setting trends in the world of fashion: from ultramodern handbags made of artificial leather and used lorry tarpaulins to casual summer sandals and waterproof rain boots. In recreation, tested water wings and sturdy inflatable pools provide safe, enjoyable fun to children since the material is reliably airtight. Inflatable life rafts with an outer shell made of PVC-coated textile fabric offer protection in emergency situations such as capsizing since the resistant hulls prevent leakage. Upholstery in the furniture and automobile sectors is often made of heatstabilized and light-resistant artificial leather with a soft PVC coating. This robust material with refined texture and natural feel offers maximum seating comfort also in exclusive interior spaces. Vinyl wall coverings with elegant prints, elaborate textures, and striking relief designs impressively set the scene for these walls. Since they are water- and abrasion-resistant, they offer a permanent design solution for frequently-used rooms. Future Dreams The Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT) in Pfinztal determined in its Technology Study (2005) that virtually no other thermoplastic material exhibits such extensive material properties, practical processing methods and postprocessing methods as PVC. And development goes on. New insights are now emerging by processing or coating PVC carrier film with special nanoparticles. In the future, packaging films might be able to provide information about the condition of the food such as freshness and temperature. Inflatable pneumatic supporting structures made of coated- PVC polyester fabric are able to carry their own weight many times over and are being tested for their use in building bridges. Mobile noise barriers made of inflatable PVC-coated membranes are just as effective in reducing noise as massive concrete products despite their weight. The possible applications of soft PVC are far from exhausted.

6 6 Soft PVC: Modern, Reliable, Safe Whoever wants to pave the way to innovation must transcend knowledge barriers, think of the supposedly impossible, and look far into the future. At RENOLIT SE, we started the think tank HORIZON for this reason. It is here that we are testing possibilities for new PVC film products which we are developing for the future. Furthermore, our research and development department ensures high quality standards for our special film products. Our customers rely on this, and on ecologically-sound, energy-saving manufacturing processes. Dr. Axel Bruder, Member of the Board at RENOLIT SE With Hexamoll DINCH we recognised the trend of the times early on and actively shaped the future of PVC plasticisers. Many studies by institutes and government agencies have since then certified that our safe plasticiser is harmless especially in products which come into close contact with humans. Hexamoll DINCH is not only requested in toys, medical devices, and food packaging as a safe alternative plasticiser, this additive is also used in interior applications. BASF thereby offers its customers an innovative and trend-setting solution with Hexamoll DINCH which meets all the requirements of customers and which they can trust. Dr. Detlef Kratz, Senior Vice-President Industrial Petrochemicals Europe, BASF SE For our new 2010 collection of woven vinyl flooring we use plasticisers based on renewable resources. In addition the initiative Bolon Green Vinyl encompasses other extensive environmental investments, including those that allow even larger amounts of residual and used materials to be recycled. The first products, manufactured in accordance to the new environmental initiative, was presented at the Stockholm Furniture Fair in February In this way we will preserve resources and optimise the CO 2 -balance of our products. Due to increasing technical and environmental demands on soft-pvc applications, high-molecular weight plasticisers such as DINP are especially in demand and display above-average growth. They are some of the most widely-tested chemical substances and were designated as risk-free in studies performed by the European Union. Dr. Norbert Scholz, Vice President of Product Stewardship, Evonik Oxeno GmbH Annica Eklund, Managing Director Bolon AB

7 Soft PVC: Modern, Reliable, Safe 7 In the field of high-quality upholstery fabric, we developed a trend-setting product with skai 'nature base'. The goal was the replacement of as many ingredients as possible through natural and renewable raw materials without limiting durability and longevity. The result is impressive: 80% of the new ingredients consist of natural and renewable raw materials such as organic cotton or plant-based plasticisers. Skai 'nature base' fulfils the high requirements of the GOTS-Standard 100 as well as DIN EN ISO Recently, it was awarded the 'Blue Drop Award' in the category of 'Ecology'. Dr. Hans-Hinrich Kruse, Chief Operations Officer at Konrad Hornschuch AG The European Union rightly places environmental and consumer protection at the forefront. Sometimes, however, irrational fears threaten to prevail over knowledge and practice. We cannot ban proven insulating materials and in the same breath demand better insulated buildings for the protection of the environment. And we should also not pass highly complex bills regulating the use of chemicals and then provide support for SMEs. Environmental protection is only as effective as it can be implemented by companies at their facilities. Holger Krahmer (FDP), Member of the Environment Committee of the European Parliament on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft PVC und UMWELT e.v. Today PVC is regarded as a sustainable building material whose easy care and maintenance and superior recycling properties satisfy the demands of an ecologically-conscious future. At Tarkett, ecology is not just an idea, it is an everyday practice. Ivo Schintz, Area Vice-President of Tarkett and Managing Director of Tarkett Holding GmbH As an association for environmental management, we greatly welcome an increase in recycled production waste and used PVC products, and we will be following developments in these sectors with great interest. Professor Dr. Maximilian Gege, Chair of the German Environmental Management Association (B.A.U.M.) on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft PVC und UMWELT e.v.

8 Makes you feel good: this reliable cold compress made of pliable soft PVC quickly reduces swelling and relieves pain.

9 Soft PVC: Modern, Reliable, Safe 9 SUSTAINABILITY IS A MATTER OF TRUST: FROM MANUFACTURING TO RECYCLING Photo: RENOLIT SE As a result of enormous ecological, economic, and social progress throughout the entire PVC supply chain, present-day products made of soft PVC are hardly comparable to applications from 10 years ago and are an important cornerstone for our future. The German PVC industry established the basis for this at the beginning of the 1990s through intensive dialogue on the sustainable development of PVC products. It brought together all important target audiences from science, politics, industry, NGOs, and the media. Roof gardens offer enormous ecological benefits and improve the energy balance of buildings. Root-resistant sealing membranes made of PVC provide a weatherproof foundation. Manufacturing and Raw Materials In the 1990s, European PVC manufacturers committed themselves to two industry charters by the European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers (ECVM) to continuously reduce environmental pollution. The results were specific emissions limits which established unified European standards for the first time and were designated as ambitious by the German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) in Companies have reduced the emission of chlorine and vinyl chloride in the air and water by more than 90 percent over the past 20 years, according to the results of the study The Current Situation of Soft PVC in the Relevant Content Areas (2007) by the Austrian Institute of Industrial Ecology. All in all, manufacturing processes have ecologically improved from intermediate products to PVC and in terms of processing valuable raw materials into finished products. One example from the PVC manufacturing sector is the conversion to modern membrane technology to produce the intermediate product chlorine. In comparison to amalgam technology, it allows for drastic energy savings and less impact on the environment. Furthermore, PVC raw material manufacturers have made considerable progress in work safety by introducing closed plants, a high degree of automation, and extensive safety equipment. The large number of companies in the EU with the Responsible Care certificate bears witness to these companies sense of responsibility for their workers. One result of this long-term process was the Prognos Study on the topic PVC and Sustainability published in It pointed out solutions for the sustainable development of selected PVC products which have been implemented incrementally since then. In addition, the European PVC sector signed the voluntary commitment Vinyl 2010 in 2000; it was a 10-year plan to ensure and improve product responsibility for the entire life cycle of PVC as part of sustainable development. It included special objectives and initiatives to minimise the impact of PVC production on the environment, to promote the responsible use of additives, to support collection and recycling schemes, and to encourage social dialogue among all of the industry s stakeholders. With the help of the follow-up program VinylPlus, companies throughout the PVC supply chain have continued these efforts throughout Europe beyond Extremely thin wall stickers made of PVC film turn designing walls into child s play. Afterwards, the film can be easily removed without residue. Photo: Konrad Hornschuch AG

10 10 Soft PVC: Modern, Reliable, Safe The white illuminated stretch ceiling made of soft PVC film punctuated with lines provides this gym with a futuristic appearance. In contrast to other design possibilities, this ceiling solution does not require any paint and is quickly installed. Photo: RENOLIT SE Economical and Durable PVC is made of 57 percent from virtually unlimited salt reserves and only 43 percent from crude oil. The low percentage of oil saves valuable, non-renewable resources. Since the material can be processed at low temperatures in comparison to other materials such as metal, glass and ceramics, energy consumption for manufacturing PVC is relatively low. All in all, products made of soft PVC are very economical due to their inexpensive purchase price and low maintenance costs for their entire life cycle. For example, this is true for PVC floor covering which has pleasingly-low operational costs. The almost pore-free, smooth surfaces are resilient, not sensitive to stains, and extremely easy to clean so that maintenance costs are reduced by up to 30 percent in comparison to other materials: this is a large amount since maintenance costs make up approximately 90 percent of the overall costs for the 10-year use of floor coverings. Outdoors and below ground, cables coated or insulated with soft PVC last about 40 years and seldom have to be replaced: this is a highly-efficient use of resources which also saves energy. Water- and abrasion-resistant vinyl wall coverings offer a permanent design solution for frequently-used rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens, and staircases. Root-resistant sealing membranes provide a weatherproof foundation for roof gardens with colourful shrubs and fragrant herbs: this is an ecologically sensible and long-lasting solution to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and to create new living environments for flora and fauna. Moreover, many products made of soft PVC are lighter than alternative materials. Therefore, less energy is needed to transport the materials and their processing is facilitated considerably. Savings from using soft-pvc products can in turn be used for sensible ecological improvements, for example, replacing old windows with energy-saving systems made of plastic materials. Easy Processing The often simple processing of soft-pvc products minimises work and therefore saves money. Sealing membranes made of soft PVC for lining swimming pools can be easily installed without folds in unusually shaped basins and canals. Along with its favourable purchase price, easy maintenance, and long life cycle of over 20 years, PVC offers a very good priceperformance ratio. Saltwater-proof, UV-resistant wrapping film made of soft PVC for the hulls and superstructures of ships permanently protects boats from weather conditions. In comparison to painting, it can be applied without protective equipment and time-consuming preparation work. Easily installable illuminated and stretch ceilings made of soft PVC can be installed in just one day. With their glossy, matte, or marbled surfaces, they offer an easy-to-clean and attractive alternative to expensively renovated ceilings which frequently need a coat of paint. Soft-PVC products offer good protection when it really counts: this robust, inflatable swimming vest remains reliably airtight in water. Photo: ECVM

11 Soft PVC: Modern, Reliable, Safe 11 Photo: Zicla Enormous Benefits for Society Many products made of soft PVC are characterised by their enormous benefits for society. Welding curtains and reflective clothing improve work safety. Medical products such as blood bags and tube systems are indispensable for patient care and irreplaceable during patient recovery. And soft comfortable seat cushions with attractive artificial leather upholstery improve the quality of our lives. Since soft-pvc products of high quality are extremely economical, people in poorer countries also benefit from them. Made of PVC insulation from used electrical cables, this practical traffic separator always keeps automobiles and bicycles on the right track. Organised Recycling Throughout Europe In recent years, the European PVC industry has developed a responsible waste management program with tremendous effort and organised the recycling of important PVC building products through well-functioning collection and recycling systems. The German PVC industry alone contributes to more than one-third of the registered recycled quantities in Europe. For example, cables and wires with a coating or insulation made of soft PVC have long been recycled and turned into practical recycling products such as traffic cone base plates, traffic lane markers, and robust floor coverings. Recycled materials are obtained from dismantled PVC flooring and used afterwards along with virgin materials for the production of high-quality floor coverings. Even heavily fibrous composite materials can now be recycled through modern recycling methods and afterwards processed into new products. Since the costs of raw materials and energy are constantly rising, market conditions for PVC recycling will most likely prosper. Thus, valuable resources are saved and the sustainable properties of PVC products continue to improve. Good Evaluations Various PVC products such as pipes, window profiles, cables, floor coverings, membranes, and film have been examined in several European countries in terms of their life cycle assessment and ecological efficiency. In these examinations which comprise the entire life cycle of products including their impact on the environment from manufacturing to disposal, PVC has put forth a convincing environmental performance. The EU Commission commissioned a study of over 230 life cycle assessments published in 2004 which also shows the sustainable properties of PVC products. According to the study, PVC is classified as basically ecologically equal to alternative materials. An example of the ecological efficiency of soft-pvc products is the evaluation by the working group eco-devis at the ecobau association in Bern, an independent organisation supported by public and private institutions which fosters ecological construction in terms of sustainability. Special floor coverings made through energy-improved production were classified as conditionally ecologically interesting. Therefore, they received a better evaluation than various other alternative elastic products. For some building products such as floor coverings, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are now available which are based on internationally valid ISO norms. They document the characteristics of various building materials such as environmental compatibility, resource and energy consumption, and longevity and maintenance. The manufacturers offer a multitude of information on each certificate according to each country. Well-Founded Re-Evaluation The PVC industry has proven its credibility as a reliable industrial partner and has succeeded in obtaining a re-evaluation of PVC based on progress in sustainable development. It is for good reason that many German federal states, municipalities and cities, which in the past went without PVC products in publicly-funded building projects, have now found their way back to using the material. This is proof that the enormous efforts by the PVC industry to promote sustainable development have been noticed and recognised by target groups. By repeatedly showing the performance of PVC and comparing it to other materials, it has been possible to reverse public opinion and to make the material socially acceptable again, stated Professor Dr. M. Dröscher, President of the German Chemical Society, at the beginning of 2010 in CHEManager. PVC for recycling is obtained from used PVC flooring (left). Companies use this along with virgin materials to produce new high-quality flooring. Photo: PVCH

12 Modern packaging film made of soft PVC combines safety, tensile strength, and flexibility.

13 Soft PVC: Modern, Reliable, Safe 13 YOU CAN REST ASSURED: PRODUCTS MADE OF SOFT PVC ARE SAFE AND RELIABLE Like all products, applications for soft PVC must be safe for humans and the environment during manufacturing, processing, and subsequent use. The PVC industry accepts this responsibility with the help of modern production methods, the use of valuable raw materials, and the conscientious implementation of resources. It is self-evident that regular examinations of products are carried out by companies in terms of quality, safety, and environmental compatibility and by independent testing institutions with respect to valid guidelines and norms. In Germany, numerous committees and political institutions dealt with the topic of PVC early on. This included the Enquête Commission Protection of Humans and the Environment which carried out the most extensive examination and evaluation of PVC along with all parties represented in the German Federal Parliament and various groups in society. The final report presented in 1994 came to the conclusion that PVC is by far the most widely-examined material in terms of its relevance for the environment. The replacement of PVC by alternative materials, about which comparatively little was known in terms of their environmental impact, was not recommended due to lack of economic and ecological information and could have led to a deterioration of the situation at that time. High Standards for Quality and Safety In general, high safety and quality standards are important for placing products on the market. For this reason, EC guidelines on the safety of products in the European Economic Area (EEA) establish the valid requirements for products such as construction materials, medical devices, and toys. Companies throughout the PVC supply chain safely comply with all national and European legal requirements and guidelines in manufacturing raw materials and processing them into finished products.

14 14 Soft PVC: Modern, Reliable, Safe Success of the PVC Industry In recent years, the PVC industry has achieved great success in labour, health, and environmental protection. In manufacturing PVC, the concentration of vinyl chloride was drastically reduced and is today at a considerably lower level at the workplace than that required by protective guidelines: this is an important improvement for workers. Progress has also been made in terms of formulas which have a tremendous effect on the properties of finished products and open up an enormous range of applications for this material. For example, stabilisers provide sufficient heat-stability for PVC during processing and protect the finished product from change through warmth, UV-light, and oxygen. Cadmium stabilisers have been phased out since 2007 by the EU s 27 member states as a result of the voluntary commitment of the European PVC industry Vinyl The use of lead stabilisers was reduced by about 76 percent throughout Europe in 2010 with the goal of complete replacement by PVC is highly flame retardant and is self-extinguishing in case of fire. Since the use of this material considerably reduces the risk of starting and spreading fires, it can be implemented as a preventive measure for fire protection. PVC floor coverings meet high technical standards and offer great comfort and safety because of their ideal formulas. Harmless to Health If plasticisers with low molecular weight such as DEHP, BBP, DBP and DIBP were important in the past, the trend is now moving sharply towards plasticisers with high molecular weight. DINP, DIDP and DPHP are especially important. Furthermore, there are now new plasticisers like Hexa moll DINCH. This safe additive is used especially in sensitive products such as toys and medical devices. Labelling is not necessary. Photo: debolon Whether for energy supply, control functions, or communication: PVCcoated or insulated cables and wires are persuasive in low-voltage areas of up to 1,000 volts because of their outstanding technical properties. Extensively Researched Plasticisers provide the naturally hard material PVC with special properties such as flexibility, elasticity, and stability of shape and at the same time have an influence on the processing properties. They offer clear advantages and can be handled safely and implemented in all applications during their time of use. During thermoplastic processing, plasticisers are stored between the polymer molecular chain and physically bond with PVC. The soft-pvc market has considerably changed in recent years through long-term research and improved formulas. In the meantime, European PVC converters increasingly use plasticisers with high molecular weight instead of low-weight plasticisers. For example, these include DINP, DIDP and DPHP. Along with other harmless special plasticisers, the percentage of their use in Europe is at 85 percent and is rising sharply due to an increase in technical and environmental requirements for soft-pvc products. New plasticisers have been developed for sensitive products such as medical devices and toys. Safety through REACH REACH, the European Community regulation on chemicals and their safe use, shows the comprehensiveness of scientific facts for commonly used plasticisers. According to this regulation, chemical manufacturers must present information on their substances to prove safe manufacturing and use. The registration of DIDP was successfully completed in December 2009, DINP in March 2010, and DPHP in April REACH registration of these substances took place long before the expiration of the deadline on 1 December 2010 and thereby shows that specific verified information is now on file about the health and environmental safety of these plasticisers. These plasticisers comply with REACH requirements and are Photo: BASF SE

15 Soft PVC: Modern, Reliable, Safe 15 Photo: PVCplus Hygienic disposal gloves made of pliable soft PVC are indispensable in emergency medical care. They effectively protect doctors and nurses from bacteria, acid, and chemicals. Photo: RENOLIT SE not on the candidate list of substances which must be further examined. In this way, soft PVC products satisfy increasing requirements in the best possible manner. High-performance, illuminated PVC film catches the eye in advertising. Modern manufacturing methods and the efficient resource-saving use of these raw materials are now standard. New Plasticisers for Sensitive Products Companies are also continuously working on the development of new reliable substances. For this reason, the safe plasticiser Hexamoll DINCH by BASF SE was developed especially for sensitive applications such as toys, food packaging, and medical products. Moreover, the plasticiser is now used for other applications with close contact to humans, for example, for wall coverings in interior areas. Extensive tests and examinations certify the unique product profile of the plasticiser with its excellent toxicological properties. This is also confirmed by international institutes and agencies. Among other things, Hexamoll DINCH contributes to improving the safety of consumers according to the most recent scientific findings, and, on the other hand, optimises the processing of the material and the desired product properties.

16 Modern plastic window systems with resistant blue PVC-film coating save energy and create a pleasant atmosphere such as here in the Märkisches Viertel in Berlin.

17 Soft PVC: Modern, Reliable, Safe 17 SOLID SALES FOR PVC PRODUCTS: ECONOMIC DATA AND FACTS Whether hard or soft: PVC products are enjoying increasing popularity. The worldwide consumption of PVC reached more than 32 million tons in It is therefore the most widely-used plastic material after polyethylene and polypropylene and was in third place internationally. Apart from the effects of the worldwide financial crisis which left no economic sector unscathed, the PVC industry can be satisfied with its continuous growth in recent years. This is especially true for the German market which has taken top position in Europe. In 2009, approximately 1.6 million tons of PVC polymer were processed in Germany. In Europe, growth increased at a comparatively slower rate: this can be traced back to the market penetration which had already been achieved. The fact that an increase was still recorded at this high level testifies to the major importance and modernity of PVC. Strong Economic Sector Many people earn their money in the PVC sector and profit from the comparatively high salaries in the plastics industry. In 2008, approximately 73,000 people were employed in Germany alone. They generated circa 14 billion euros through their work with PVC manufacturers and converters. Thus, they are part of a strong economic sector which provides a livelihood to many people. Coated fabric 10% Plastisols 9% Major uses of soft-pvc products Extrusions 11% Other 9% Floor covering 14% Wire and cable 25% Hard or Soft Approximately two-thirds of all European PVC products are made from hard PVC. In particular, this includes energy-saving windows, pipes, and rigid film. The remaining one-third is made up of soft PVC. The most important applications are covered and insulated cables and wires, film, easy-to-clean flooring, and coated textiles. Film and sheet 22% Source: ECPI 2010 Photo: profine Group Photo: ECVM Heavily flame-retardant, self-extinguishing cables and wires made of soft PVC help to prevent fires. The coating and insulation can later be recycled and processed into new products. Construction Sector as the Front-Runner Most PVC products are meant for the construction sector with approximately 70 percent of the market share. This mostly includes window profiles, pipes, floor coverings, roofing membranes, as well as cables and wires: in all, these are applications with very good long-term qualities. It is therefore not surprising that long-life PVC applications dominate the market as detailed studies have shown about the life of PVC products in Western Europe. Foreseeable Market Recovery The economic crisis hit the Western European market especially hard with a downturn in PVC consumption in 2009 by a total of 26 percent. In the meantime, however, the sector is looking to the future with cautious optimism. A moderate recovery is expected in product demand on the Western European market. The details of this depend entirely on the development of the construction sector. After all, the lion s share of all PVC products is used in the building sector.

18 18 Soft PVC: Modern, Reliable, Safe THE HEART OF THE MATTER: IMPROVED PRODUCTS FOR A SAFE FUTURE Photo: Armstrong DLW GmbH Whether safety, diversity, or sustainable development: products made of soft PVC satisfy high demands in many ways for modern and trend-setting solutions. A wide spectrum of flexible PVC products enhances our lives and makes them more comfortable and secure. The reason for this success is the decades-long experience of the PVC sector with this material. This know-how and years of research create the basis for continued improvements of flexible PVC products through high safety standards, improved formulas, and sustainable properties. These are qualities appreciated by consumers the world over. Due to its diverse material properties, soft PVC is the material of choice for an extremely wide range of products. For example, these products are found in the construction sector, in healthcare, at home, at work, and in art and design. Flexible PVC products are irreplaceable in our lives and indispensable for the future. They fulfil the need for soft elastic products with diverse applications. Tested water wings help children with their first strokes in the water. Soft rain boots keep our feet warm and dry. In medical treatment, pliable tubes provide safe, well-dosed nutritional care for patients. These systems can be sterilised by all common methods and thereby contribute to medical progress. Swimming pools can be easily lined without folds using PVC sealing membranes. They are persuasive because of their life cycle of more than 20 years and their easy maintenance. Safety first: tested water wings made of PVC film allow for the utmost safety in the water, as this material remains reliably airtight. Soft PVC products are valued across the globe. They are characterised by their longevity, cost-effectiveness, safety, and high quality. For example, floor coverings are especially easy to clean because of their smooth surfaces and therefore offer pleasingly-low operating costs. Or extremely flame-retardant cable insulation withstands humidity, heat, and cold for decades and remains flexible the entire time. The German PVC industry has promoted the sustainable development of its products since the 1990s. Moreover, European PVC raw material manufacturers, plasticiser and additive producers, and converters have contributed greatly to the sustainable development of their products through the voluntary self-commitment Vinyl They will also continue with this through the follow-up agreement VinylPlus. European PVC producers have consistently improved their manufacturing processes. The emission of chlorine and vinyl chloride into the air and water alone has been reduced by more than 90 percent in the past 20 years. These are the results of the study The Current Situation of Soft PVC in the Relevant Content Areas (2007) by the Austrian Institute of Industrial Ecology. Photo: friedola Gebr. Holzapfel GmbH

19 Soft PVC: Modern, Reliable, Safe 19 Percentage of phthalates in the overall turnover with plasticisers in the EU Source: CEFIC statistics, % 70 % 60 % 50 % 40 % 30 % 20 % In the recent years, the European PVC industry has increasingly used high-molecular weight plasticisers, while the use of low-molecular weight plasticisers has considerably decreased. 10 % 0 % High-molecular weight plasticisers (DINP, DIDP, DPHP) Low-molecular weight plasticisers (DEHP) Due to years of research and improved formulas, the market for soft PVC has fundamentally changed in recent years. The European PVC sector has reduced its use of low-molecular weight plasticisers in favour of standard high-molecular weight plasticisers such as DINP, DIDP and DPHP. The percentage of these plasticisers and other harmless special plasticisers for applications with particular demands has risen to 85 percent in Europe in the meantime. Studies and official risk assessments by experts commissioned from all EU countries verify that these materials are safe and can be used without concern. Articles made from PVC do not present a risk to human health and the environment, provided that they contain the appropriate additives and are disposed of in accordance with the existing legal obligations, reported the EU Commission in November 2010, responding to an inquiry by the European Parliament. The use of heavy metals in stabilisers is declining. Cadmium stabilisers have not been sold by the EU s 27 member states since The use of lead stabilisers dropped by approximately 76 percent throughout Europe from 2000 to 2010, with the goal of complete replacement by PVC saves resources. It is made of 57 percent salt, which is available on the planet in virtually unlimited amounts, and 43 percent crude oil. Approximately 90 percent of soft PVC is processed into durable products such as floor coverings or cable insulation and exceeds the longevity of alternative materials. This protects valuable resources, saves energy, and reduces costs. In life cycle assessments, PVC products provide a convincing environmental performance over their entire life cycles. The EU Commission commissioned a study of over 230 life cycle assessments and came to the conclusion in 2004 that PVC is classified as basically ecologically equal to alternative materials. Solid basis for basketball fans: sports flooring made of PVC is extremely durable and minimises the risk of injury. Photo: Gerflor Mipolam GmbH The recycling of important PVC building products such as windows, pipes, floor coverings, roofing membranes, and cables is now organised by the European PVC industry. With this clear declaration to save energy and with the preventive policy on materials, companies are making an important contribution towards sustainable development.

20 Partner for Communications PVCplus Kommunikations GmbH Am Hofgarten Bonn Germany Fon Fax IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE You can find further information here: Status: September 2011