PVC FACT BOOK Edition VINYL ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL (VEC)

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Helen Ward
6 years ago
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2 PVC FACT BOOK 2008 Edition VINYL ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL (VEC)

3 The 2008 Edition of the PVC Fact Book Four years have passed since the publication of the first PVC Fact Book. The handbook was intended to improve the public understanding of PVC, in particular, the environmental advantages of PVC, and to clear misunderstandings about the relation between PVC and dioxins, and furthermore, to promote the use of PVC. We are encouraged to see that many have visited our website and have appreciated the PVC Fact Book. We hope that the revised handbook helps you to know PVC better and to give you clearer ideas on how PVC can effectively contribute to sustainable development. August 2008 Shigetaka Seki, Executive Director Vinyl Environmental Council

4 Foreword Publication of the English Version of the "PVC Fact Book" The origin of the Vinyl Environmental Council goes back to the PVC Association of Japan which was established in Along with the development of the Japanese PVC industry, last year marked our organization s 50th anniversary. Cumulative production of PVC in the past 50 years is estimated to be 64 million tons in Japan. Not only did the Japanese PVC industry contribute significantly to the lives of citizens and the development of the national economy, but also, along with the internationalization of the economy, had a significant effect on the economical development abroad, including Asia and surrounding countries. Within such historical background, the serviceability of PVC and its converted products is widely known today throughout the world. However, in recent years, issues have arisen regarding appropriate treatment after use of PVC and safety of chemical substances used as additives in PVC. There is an increasing need for us to share a broad range of information both domestic and abroad. Our organization published the "PVC Fact Book" last year as a public relations material based on facts and data, which was prepared to serve as a tool for communication towards society. Based on it, we created this English version for international communication. May this brochure be of some use to readers upon acquiring knowledge and understanding of PVC and its related industries. August 2004 Shigeaki Nakahara, Chairman* Vinyl Environmental * as of 2004

5 Foreword Our Strive Towards Gaining a Deeper Understanding of PVC The history of the Japanese PVC industry began in 1941, which is 63 years ago, when Nippon Chisso Hiryo K.K. industrialized production of PVC by acetylene synthesis method. From then on, production and consumption increased along with the rise of the Japanese industries and economy. Since PVC is superior in convertibility and durability among general purpose plastics, domestic production marked 2.6 million tons in However, due to increasing consumer consciousness on the environment and safety, the issue of dioxins generation from waste incineration had drawn attention within Japan during the latter half of the 90s. There had been excessive attention towards PVC as a chlorine source upon dioxins generation. Also, plasticizers added to PVC were among the center of focus regarding the endocrine disrupting substances debate. In the past, there had been incinerators in Japan that generated excessive amounts of dioxins due to lack of appropriate incineration control. During that time, there had been no efficient regulations to cut back dioxins generation. Furthermore, there were no scientific evaluations regarding the effect of plasticizers on the endocrine system, all of which resulted in the inclination towards PVC avoidance among consumers and switch towards other resins. Ultimately, the domestic demand for PVC declined. The Law Concerning Special Measures against Dioxins was enacted thereafter, and a limit was set to the level of dioxins generations at incinerators accordingly. The Ministry of Environment announced last year that dioxins emission at the end of fiscal 2002 was predicted to be cut down to below 10% as compared with the level in As for the alleged endocrine disruptive effect of plasticizers on the ecosystem, which was initially a concern among the public, tests were conducted and no apparent endocrine disrupting effects were proven. At the same time, the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle scheme had been promoted from the standpoint of effective use of resources and cutting back of environmental burdens. Recycling laws related to packaging, household electrical appliances, automobiles and construction materials have been laid down. There has been an increasing expectation for plastics recycling. Also, in line with the promotion of measures against global warming based on the Kyoto Protocol, there is an increasing trend towards adopting PVC window profiles with double glazing in order to boost thermal insulation in housing. In this way, the climate has changed dramatically regarding the PVC situation in Japan. In order for the industry to develop in harmony with the environment and citizen s health, it is essential for us to gain understanding from the PVC user industries, consumers and the media, about the status of PVC - it is crucial for us to share accurate information with the public. It is also increasingly important for us to share such information not only within Japan but internationally, and to put such information to use. In this brochure we included the basic information regarding PVC in Japan. We sincerely hope that users of PVC, as well as those who have interest in PVC, would further gain a deeper understanding for this versatile material. August 2004 Tetsuo Nishide, Executive Director* Vinyl Environmental Council * as of 2004

CHAPTER 6: BRIEF HISTORY AND DATA REGARDING THE JAPANESE PVC INDUSTRY

CHAPTER 6: BRIEF HISTORY AND DATA REGARDING THE JAPANESE PVC INDUSTRY This chapter introduces a brief history of PVC, which has the longest history among general purpose plastics, dating back to the postwar