The achievements of Vinyl 2010 are particularly notable when it comes to collection and recycling, according to the report’s authors. In 1999 there was no infrastructure for recycling of PVC in Europe and it was dismissed by many as an unrecyclable material.

Today, the audit results show that in the last year alone 260,842 tonnes of unregulated post-consumer PVC waste were recycled by Vinyl 2010’s European network – well beyond the initial goal of recycling an additional 200,000 tonnes on an annual basis by 2010.

‘Clear success’

Speaking at the launch of the report at PVC 2011 in Brighton (12 April), Vinyl 2010 chairman Josef Ertl said: “Vinyl 2010 has been a clear success and is a perfect example of industry self-regulation working in practice. It is no exaggeration to say that it has helped to revolutionise the PVC value chain in Europe.

“It has allowed our sector to remain competitive while meeting the needs of society and has significantly enhanced PVC’s credentials and appeal as a material of choice for sustainable purchasing. Along the way, it has also contributed to the creation of a new recycling industry across Europe.”

The final Progress Report also confirms that the phasing out and replacement of certain additives from PVC production is ahead of schedule across the EU.

As it comes to an end, a new industry commitment towards sustainability will be launched later in 2011, which will require the ongoing support of the PVC value chain and a wide range of stakeholders in the public and private sector.