2002

2001

2000

Plans for an EU Strategy on PVC: Update

Plans for an EU Strategy on PVC have fallen behind due to the Enterprise DG & the Environment DG being unable to agree a suitable approach.  The strategy was to be the result of a Green Paper consultation carried out in 2000 & proposals were originally expected in 2001.  Although a Policy Paper had been planned for April 2002, it is now not expected until July 2002 at the earliest.  The two DGs are still undecided as to whether this will be a White Paper or simply a Communication.  However, the strategy is expected to propose legislation banning cadmium stabilisers & covering at least one substance relating to phthalate PVC softeners.

European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers: PVC industry publishes its second progress report & proves voluntary action delivers, going forward despite delays in EU strategy

The second Voluntary Commitment progress report from the European PVC industry shows that they have been forging ahead with continuous environmental improvement & resource efficiency through a ‘learning by doing’ approach, strengthening the partnership within their supply chain.  

It comes at a time when the industry is growing increasingly frustrated with delays by the European Commission in publishing the Communication on PVC after five years of work, studies & extensive consultation.

24th July 2001

DEFRA: UK Response to the European Commission's Green Paper on environmental issues of PVC 

The United Kingdom Government welcomes the initiative taken by the European Commission to produce their Green Paper: Environmental Issues of PVC.  PVC has been the subject of controversial debate for many years. The Green Paper provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to participate in a focused and informed discussion about environmental and health issues associated with PVC.  This will form the starting point for the development of a consistent approach to PVC across Member States, which is important from the single-market perspective.

23rd October 2000 

European Commission: Public Hearing on PVC - 23rd October 2000 

In addition to launching a public wide consultation on the basis of the Green Paper the European Commission also organised a public hearing where Environment Commissioner Margot Wallström and Enterprise Commissioner Erkki Liikanen were present. The aim of the hearing was to give as much opportunity as possible to those who wish to express their views. 

July 2000

European Commission: Study on the Economic Implications of PVC waste from incineration 

The Green Paper is mainly based on the results of a comprehensive study programme launched by the Commission in 1999-2000, which examines all relevant aspects.  Studies were dealing with mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, landfill, incineration, and the economic implications of a diversion of PVC waste from incineration.

July 2000 

European Commission: Green Paper on Environmental Issues of PVC

The proposed Green Paper on environmental issues of PVC follows the commitment of the Commission, made in its Proposal for a Directive on end of life vehicles, to assess the impact of PVC wastes on the environment and to come forward with proposals to address problems which may arise in this regard.

A number of issues regarding PVC and its impact on the environment have been identified and analysed in the Green Paper: 

• The PVC industry and its products: structure of the industry, production processes, range of products, economic importance 

• Additives: quantities used, hazards, and risks of additives, in particular heavy metal stabilisers and phthalate plasticisers 

• Management of PVC wastes: current quantities and treatment routes, future development 

• Recycling of PVC wastes: processes and potential quantities for mechanical and a chemical (feedstock) recycling and other technologies 

• Incineration of PVC wastes: technologies, residues, costs of incineration, evaluation of a potential diversion of PVC from incineration 

• Landfilling of PVC wastes: behaviour under landfill conditions 

26th June 2000

European Commission Press Release IP/00/838: Commission launches consultation on environmental issues

The European Commission has adopted for the first time a Green Paper evaluating environmental issues related to PVC.  It is scientifically based and includes related human health aspects.  In the context of sustainable development it puts forward a number of options to address the impacts of PVC.  The two main issues are the use of additives such as lead, cadmium and phthalates and the waste management of PVC.  In order to adopt a comprehensive Community strategy early in 2001, the Commission is launching a broad public consultation on the basis of the Green Paper.  All stakeholders are invited to discuss and comment on the Paper before the end of November, a public hearing will be organised in October. 

26th June 2000

European Commission MEMO/00/46: Green Paper on Environmental Issues of PVC: Q&A

The European Commission have issued a memo in the form of a series of Questions & Answers relating to the ‘Green Paper on Environmental Issues of PVC’.