History of VinylPlus
VinylPlus is the voluntary sustainability program of the European PVC (polyvinyl chloride) industry. Launched in 2000 by the European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers (ECVM), the program was created to address environmental concerns and promote responsible practices within the PVC sector. VinylPlus aims to improve the environmental footprint of PVC products by focusing on issues such as waste management, recyclability, and reducing harmful chemicals in production.
One of the key milestones of VinylPlus was its commitment to recycling PVC products. By 2000, the PVC industry was already aware of the growing pressure to manage waste responsibly, and VinylPlus sought to establish a comprehensive framework to encourage recycling and reduce landfill waste. Through this initiative, the PVC industry has made significant progress, recycling millions of tons of PVC materials each year, contributing to a circular economy.
Over the years, VinylPlus has expanded its scope to include social responsibility and sustainability across the entire value chain, ensuring that the industry meets modern environmental and regulatory standards. The program focuses on developing new technologies, improving processes, and strengthening partnerships across the value chain to foster a sustainable PVC industry. This includes supporting innovation in sustainable materials and exploring new markets for recycled PVC products, making VinylPlus a leader in promoting the circular economy within the plastics industry.