Europe Leads Successful PVC Recycling Campaign

Global demand for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) has seen a steady increase over the last decade, and energy efficiency drives promise to push demand even higher, states a new report by market analysis experts GBI Research.
 
The new report* studies the synthetic resin, which is widely used in the construction industry due to its durability, strength and the cost advantage that it provides. PVC is used to make pipes, electrical wiring insulation, packaging and automotive products.
 
Energy efficiency and conservation are becoming increasingly important globally, and the major PVC region of Europe has been concerned with PVC sustainability for some time. The Vinyl 2010 program was launched in the European Union, primarily aiming to secure voluntary commitment to the enhancement of sustainable production and use of PVC. This program proved a major success, and during 2010, around 260,842 tons of post-consumer PVC waste was recycled, exceeding the 10-year target of 200,000 tons. Based on this achievement, the EU has launched a Vinyl Plus program, which is expected to further the cause of PVC sustainability in the region.
 
The demand for PVC is highest in Asia, where more than 65% of global PVC demand stems from, with China driving the majority of the demand. Demand in developed countries such Japan has largely stabilized, but the growing economies and large populations of developing countries such as India and China, means that they have huge consumption potential. Because of this, demand from Asia-Pacific will drive the PVC market in the future, and it is consequently vital to engage this region in Europe’s sustainability efforts, in order to enhance energy efficiency and promote industrial recycling.
 
Global PVC demand stood at 22,181,797 tons in 2000, before increasing to 32,308,053 tons in 2011. Global demand is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% between 2011 and 2020, to reach 49,534,145 tons in 2020.
 
The construction, packaging and electrical sectors were the leading end-use segments for PVC in 2011, with 17,973,299 tons, 3,660,405 tons and 2,721,256 tons of demand respectively, accounting for around 75% of global PVC demand altogether. The automotive, agriculture, footwear and other end-use sectors accounted for the remainder of global end-use demand.

Source: GBI Research